VALLEY FORGE, PA (11/03/2026)—Rankin Christian Center (RCC), a faith-based community outreach organization and American Baptist Home Mission Societies’ longstanding partner, has served the community of Rankin, Penn., and the surrounding Mon Valley area for 120 years. Its ministry is dedicated to serving those who are underserved and at-risk from birth to old age. It provides early childhood care, after-school youth programming, family support, and senior activities, as well as a community food pantry, support for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. Darlene McGregor, executive director of RCC, said, “We are IN community but more importantly OF community.”
Across the country, 1 in 4 seniors face social isolation and nearly 1 in 10 live in poverty. In 2023, 1 in 11 have experienced food insecurity. There are significant variations between different groups. For example, Black and Latino seniors experienced food insecurity in 2023 at three times the rate of white seniors.
ABHMS has recently supported RCC’s Seniors on the Move program, which serves adults aged 60 and older. It is multipronged, reflecting the complex nature of the challenges seniors experience. One of the areas it addresses is social engagement: it encourages friendships, offers educational activities such as choir, computer training, and arts, and provides opportunities for seniors to mentor young people and attend exercise classes.
In partnership with other organizations, it also provides daily free hot lunches and maintains a community pantry. In 2024-25, it served more than 7,500 meals to 4,000 seniors. On average, 51 seniors per day attended the center to eat and receive services. An ABHMS grant helped RCC keep their services continuous. This continuity is threatened by funding gaps and rising food costs, as the number of people accessing RCC services is increasing.
“Many of our participants live on fixed incomes and are already making difficult choices between paying for medication, housing, and food. We clearly felt God’s provision,” wrote McGregor in the grant report. “The grant enabled us to continue offering free meals, enriching activities, and spiritual fellowship to seniors. Witnessing them live enriched, vibrant daily lives is deeply meaningful.”
Those who spend time at RCC regularly receive much more than food and instruction. They can completely rebuild their social lives. Barb, a senior living in Rankin, learned how to use a computer and the internet. Initially quite hesitant, she quickly gained confidence and eventually sent her first email to her niece out of state. Not only did she reconnect with a family member; she also gained new friends who also attended the class. “Thank you for helping me feel connected again,” she said to the IT instructor.
Leviticus 19:32 teaches: “You shall rise before the aged and defer to the old.” To support community ministries like RCC that help seniors live their lives fully and with dignity, visit ABHMS’ donor portal.
By Rev. Dr. Anna Piela, ABHMS senior writer and editor of The Christian Citizen