Throwback Thursday: Life Science Cares’ C-Suite to Broad Street Event

On December 9, 2024, Life Science Cares Philadelphia hosted the C-Suite to Broad Street: Life Sciences Leaders Serving Philadelphia event at Broad Street Love, with generous sponsorship from Harmony Biosciences. This powerful day brought together more than 20 leaders from the life sciences sector for a day of community service, direct engagement, and hands-on support for Philadelphia’s most underserved communities. The event illustrated Life Science Cares Philadelphia’s unwavering commitment to harnessing the power of the life sciences sector to create lasting change in the city.

Life Science Cares Philadelphia: Fully Committed to Empowering Communities

Life Science Cares Philadelphia is the local affiliate of Life Science Cares, a national organization dedicated to mobilizing the life sciences sector to fight poverty and drive lasting social impact. Through partnerships with nonprofits, corporate collaborations, grants, and volunteer initiatives, Life Science Cares unites the life sciences community to address the city’s most pressing social challenges. In Philadelphia, the organization plays a vital role in connecting the sector with the community, creating opportunities that foster positive change and a brighter future for all. Established in 2016 by life science executives, the organization’s mission extends beyond advancing health—it’s about giving back and creating meaningful social impact.

As a collective effort of life science companies, Life Science Cares aims to eliminate the effects of poverty and currently operates in five regions: Boston, Philadelphia, San Diego, the Bay Area, and New York. Since its founding, the organization has awarded over $9.5 million in grants and contributed more than 30,000 volunteer hours to community-driven projects.

Life Science Cares Philadelphia goes beyond being a typical organization—it is a movement that bridges the life sciences industry with the communities that need it the most. Rooted in a commitment to fighting poverty and promoting equity, the organization taps into the collective strength of the life sciences sector to create real, lasting change for Philadelphia’s most vulnerable residents.

At the core of their work, Life Science Cares Philadelphia fosters meaningful partnerships with nonprofits, providing essential resources, grants, and opportunities for volunteerism. This collaborative approach goes beyond temporary support—it builds long-term, sustainable solutions that drive measurable impact. Through initiatives like the C-Suite to Broad Street event, Life Science Cares demonstrates how the life sciences community is working hand-in-hand with local organizations to not only provide support but also empower communities to break the cycle of poverty.

The organization is committed to creating opportunities for all, mobilizing leaders, companies, and employees within the life sciences sector to engage with and support local initiatives focused on equity. Whether through direct service, grants, internships, or volunteer efforts, Life Science Cares Philadelphia remains dedicated to making a tangible, ongoing difference in the lives of those in need.

“Life Science Cares Philadelphia is dedicated to building connections between the life sciences sector and the communities we serve,” said Cait Butrica, Director of Development for Life Science Cares Philadelphia. “It’s about more than just providing resources—it’s about fostering long-term partnerships that create real opportunities for those facing hardship. We are here for the long run, and this event underscores our deep, ongoing commitment.”

A Day of Purpose and Action

Hosted at Broad Street Love, a nonprofit providing essential services to Philadelphia’s most underserved populations, the event was a perfect example of Life Science Cares’ approach to community engagement. Broad Street Love offers vital services such as meals, personal care items, and emotional support to individuals experiencing homelessness, hunger, and other challenges. Their core philosophy of Radical Hospitality creates a welcoming, open environment for everyone, embodying empathy, care, and respect.

“This day was about more than just showing up—it was about making a real, lasting difference in the lives of the people we serve,” Cait continued. “Through events like these, Life Science Cares Philadelphia is making sure that our industry doesn’t just impact research, but also creates tangible, positive change where it’s needed most.”

The day began with training led by Broad Street Love staff, focusing on de-escalation and understanding the needs of individuals facing hardship. Life sciences leaders then rolled up their sleeves, participating in service activities that included preparing and serving meals, providing essential services, and engaging with community members.

One of the most powerful moments of the day occurred when a volunteer stepped in to hold an toddler, giving the baby’s mother the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful meal. In a heartfelt conversation, the volunteer spoke with the mother about her journey and the challenges she has faced in her life. This simple act of kindness exemplified the heart of Life Science Cares’ work: small, meaningful actions that not only make a difference in the moment but also help to create lasting, positive change in people’s lives.

The event culminated with a shared meal, prepared by renowned Philadelphia chef Joncarl Lachman, where volunteers reflected on the day’s experiences, discussed ways to further support Broad Street Love, and shared thoughts on how the life sciences sector can deepen its impact within the community. Life Science Cares raised almost $10,000 from the event to support Broad Street Love's incredible work, helping provide vital resources to those in need.

Broad Street Love: A Beacon of Radical Hospitality

Broad Street Love, formerly known as Broad Street Ministry, provides a wide range of essential services designed to help individuals experiencing deep poverty build the foundation for stability. Located on Broad Street, across from the Kimbell Center in a beautifully converted church, this massive structure serves as a central hub for the organization’s work. In addition to regular offerings, Broad Street Love’s concierge program offers personalized guidance to help guests navigate complex systems, find employment, apply for benefits, access healthcare and housing, and more.

Within the former church’s main hall, the organization has created a beautifully decorated dining room where guests are welcomed with warmth and dignity. Broad Street Love serves many vital needs, including:

• 400 Daily Meals: Embracing the practice of radical hospitality, Broad Street Love offers nutritious, chef-prepared meals at communal dining tables every weekday, providing a sense of community and belonging for all who enter.

• Mail Services: Guests can use Broad Street Love’s mailing address to establish residency, obtain ID, receive benefits and health insurance, search for work, and more.

• Clothing Boutique: Guests enjoy a dignified shopping experience with a curated inventory of gently used clothing. Items, whether new or old, can be altered or repaired through the organization’s mending program.

• Personal Care: Essential personal care items, such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste, socks, and undergarments, are available on-site. The Community Hygiene Truck also distributes these vital items to individuals experiencing poverty throughout Philadelphia.

• Concierge & Guest Relations: Concierges help guests find employment, create mailing addresses, access healthcare, apply for benefits, and navigate housing options. They also direct guests to external resources when necessary.

• Spiritual Care: Broad Street Love welcomes people from all backgrounds, offering spiritual care and guidance to those in need.

• Medical Services: In collaboration with local health organizations, Broad Street Love offers health screenings, vaccinations, and other medical services to guests.

• Legal Services: Guests in need of legal assistance can consult with qualified advisors to address their needs.

• Additional Services: Broad Street Love works closely with local organizations to connect guests to housing assistance, medical care, public benefits, and other vital services.

At the heart of Life Science Cares’ C-Suite to Broad Street event is Broad Street Love, whose core philosophy of Radical Hospitality reflects the values of Life Science Cares—compassion, dignity, and a dedication to long-term, meaningful change. Broad Street Love’s work goes beyond offering services; it fosters a community where every individual is seen, heard, and valued.

This commitment is supported by three key pillars:

• Affirmation: Broad Street Love supports and accepts individuals as they are, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.

• Intention: Through trauma-informed programming, Broad Street Love offers stability and healing, empowering individuals to rebuild their lives.

• Accountability: The organization is dedicated to addressing systemic barriers and advocating for the rights and dignity of those they serve.

These pillars align seamlessly with Life Science Cares Philadelphia’s mission and offer valuable lessons for volunteers, who can apply them in their interactions with teams in the life sciences sector. These universal principles guide how we treat and perceive others, helping to foster stronger, more empathetic connections both within the industry and in the broader community.

Leadership Beyond Labs: Life Sciences Impact at C-Suite to Broad Street

The C-Suite to Broad Street event demonstrated the profound impact that the life sciences sector can have on communities when its leaders commit to more than just industry innovation. By participating in the day of service, life sciences leaders showed that true leadership involves connecting with and giving back to the communities they serve. It was a reminder that the impact of life sciences can and should extend far beyond labs and boardrooms, playing an essential role in the fabric of the community.

A special thanks to Jeffrey Dayno, MD, CEO of Harmony Biosciences, whose leadership and sponsorship were instrumental in making the event possible. Jeffrey has been a passionate advocate for Life Science Cares and its mission, and his humility, dedication, and genuine support were key to the success of the event. His involvement reflects the deep commitment Harmony Biosciences has to making a lasting impact on the community.

A Look Ahead

As the event came to a close, Life Science Cares Philadelphia’s Executive Director, Morgan Berman, shared her plans to step down in 2026, marking the end of a pivotal chapter in the organization’s growth. Morgan’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s approach to community service, and her departure signals the beginning of a new phase for Life Science Cares Philadelphia. Her message to the attendees emphasized that the mission of Life Science Cares Philadelphia will continue to thrive, as the organization remains fully committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Morgan’s departure does not mean that the organization will be slowing down, they just announced they are bringing the excitement of the prehistoric era to its Annual Impact Reception this year with the Jurassic Impact Reception, scheduled for April 9th, 2025, at the Academy of Natural Sciences. Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Academy’s captivating exhibits, including its iconic dinosaur displays, this event promises a night of innovation, connection, and community impact. The reception will unite leaders from life sciences and philanthropy to celebrate the organization's mission of breaking the cycles of poverty and fostering meaningful change in Philadelphia. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders, gain insights into the tangible impact of LSC’s programs, and support a brighter future through sponsorships or early bird ticket purchases, for more information on the event click the link here.