The Mom of Saint John’s Hospice: Cece Robinson’s Story of Love and Service
Walk through the doors of Saint John’s Hospice (SJH), and you will likely be greeted by Cece Robinson’s warm embrace. Do not let her small stature fool you; her energy and charisma light up any room she enters, making her presence impossible to overlook.
For more than 20 years as a resident aid, Robinson has been a beloved fixture in SJH’s Good Shepherd program (GSP), embodying the respect and compassion that define the mission of one of Philadelphia’s oldest organizations serving the homeless population. GSP is a drug and alcohol-free, 12-bed residence for individuals experiencing homelessness who have HIV.
She arrived at SJH in 2003 when Robinson’s son, who at the time, worked at SJH, told her about an open maintenance position. She was working nights at a local hospital at the time and would not get home until 1 am.
“He didn’t like me walking alone that late at night,” Robinson says. “So, he said, ‘Mom, SJH has an opening for this job, do you want to apply for it?’ I said, sure.”
Robinson hit the ground running. She quickly became an integral part of the team, handling a variety of responsibilities, including housekeeping, scheduling chores, answering the phone, and overseeing the residents.
“I’m housekeeping wherever they need me to be,” Robinson says. “Some of that includes scheduling the residents’ chores and managing the phones. I’m a jack-of-all-trades. I love working with the residents; the employees here are like a family.”
Robinson is the glue to the SJH family, which serves as a beacon of hope daily to those experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. One of the first shelters in the city, SJH provides crucial, life-sustaining services such as an emergency shelter, a 40-bed residence, a 12-bed residence for men experiencing homelessness with an HIV diagnosis, and serving over 52,000 meals annually for day service guests.
Robinson lights up when she discusses the family aspect of her job. To her, SJH is more than a workplace. Her colleagues and the residents she cares for affectionately call her “Mom,” which is a testament to her maternal care and guidance. Whether it’s helping someone in need, ensuring SJH is clean, or simply giving her ear to someone who needs to talk. Robinson’s commitment and love for SJH is heartwarming. After the untimely loss of her son, Morris, and daughter, Marita, Robinson cherishes her title of “Mom” to fill that and finds comfort in her relationships with residents and staff.
“I see everyone here as my children,” Robinson says. “I love them as if they are my own and want them to know I am here for them. I also appreciate everyone calling me Mom—it makes me feel young and keeps me energized!”
Craig Freeman, a former resident who recently graduated from GSP, has looked up to Cece as Mom throughout his stay.
“A lot of the men here do not have a mother or a mother figure in their lives,” said Freeman. “Even as adults we seek that motherly love and guidance. It has meant a lot to me to have a mother figure like Cece.”
A deep sense of connection and belonging has kept Robinson at SJH at the age of 80, despite suffering a significant injury in 2021 when she was hit by a trash truck. She was paralyzed on the right side of her body and had to get plates and screws in her elbow and leg. After a month in the hospital and extensive physical therapy, she returned to her role at SJH, determined to continue making a difference in the lives of those who are experiencing homelessness.
She has contemplated retirement, but once word got around SJH that she might not return, residents pleaded for Robinson to stay.
“They said, ‘No, why do you want to retire? We’re going to miss you. We need you here.’ So that was all I needed to hear.”
Barry Martin, program director for SJH, sees firsthand Robinson’s impact around the building and how vital she is to the operations.
“We cannot express our gratitude enough for having her as the housekeeper at SJH,” Martin says. “When it comes to fulfilling all of the job duties that her position entails, no one comes close to handling the daily duties Robinson provides for us. When she finally does decide to retire, I know there won’t be one dry eye at SJH.”
Robinson feels warm when she’s helping others, a sentiment that has kept her going all these years. She encourages others to come to SJH and volunteer to experience firsthand how she feels.
“I tell them, ‘You need to come down and volunteer where I work, and you’ll love it,'” Robinson says. “If you want to come in like 11 o’clock and ring the bell, do it. I’ll show you around—we love volunteers!”
If you want to become part of a community where your efforts can make a lasting impact, just as Robinson has for over 21 years, sign up today to volunteer at our annual Boot Up Philly event next month: https://bit.ly/3XvKUoC