Darlene Walker wants to talk with you about Pendle Hill

Darlene, as Pendle Hill’s director of admissions and recruitment, you are often the first contact that people have with Pendle Hill's Resident Program. When someone calls or emails you for the first time, what do you most want to learn about that person?

DW I first want to know a little about their personal journey and what inspired their interest in Pendle Hill. Because of Pendle Hill’s mission to have a diverse community, I want to honor their cultural diversity and know their faith tradition. If the applicant is Quaker, I ask what Meeting he or she attends, and if the person is from another faith tradition, I ask what denomination. I want to know what part of the world they come from, and will ask questions about their culture. Oftentimes people contact me after someone recommends Pendle Hill to them; then I want to know who that “someone” is so I can thank that person.

When someone contacts you for the first time, what do you most want to share with that person?

DW I want to share some of the dynamics of the Resident Program – what we do together. This includes worship, classes, work of the household, and meals in community. I also want that person to know how important it is to take care of oneself while having the same concern for the well-being of others.

I tell them about a day in the life of Pendle Hill and what makes this community unique and special. Our day starts with the wake-up bell, followed by breakfast, worship, classes, and shared meals, and ends with epilogue, a brief time of closing worship. I also like to tell them about our Tuesday evening speaker series, Wednesday community work morning, and Thursday community meetings. To give a sense of what it’s like to be at Pendle Hill for an entire term, I share something about orientation week, sample classes, having a spiritual nurturer, and the end-of-term culminating event called “Festival Week.” All of these things combined create the experience which makes Pendle Hill unique.

Tell us something about your own background: Where did you grow up? What were the most important influences on your life?

DW I grew up in a Baptist family in a Jewish community in West Oak Lane, a section in Philadelphia.  My grandfather was the biggest influence in my life.  He was a man of integrity and passionate about helping people.  He would give his neighbor the shirt off his back. My mother, incidentally, has very similar character as my grandfather.  What I acquired from both of them is a “heart for service” – knowing what it means to be there for someone who really needs help, whether spiritual, physical, or financial. I have a burden for helping people; it’s who I am.

Darlene, when you came to Pendle Hill you already had a deep commitment to cultural and educational exchange with people in Africa.  How did this interest start, and how has it influenced your work at Pendle Hill?

DW It began with my desire to learn more about cultures around the world.   In 1971, I wanted to travel to Africa.  However, it was not possible.  So instead, I traveled to a country that most depicted African culture – Haiti. I spent two or three weeks there and was intrigued by the culture.  I took my first trip to West Africa in 1991, accompanied by two of my children.  We traveled to three countries (Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Senegal) and I learned so much about African culture and the plight of African people.  I started my own non-profit that involved educational exchanges and learned a great deal about immigration.  This advanced experience and information provided me with knowledge that supports international students who apply to Pendle Hill’s Resident Program.  I am able to advise them on the visa process. So many international students see the opportunity to come to Pendle Hill as a gift – they do everything possible to experience life here. These students inspire and motivate me even more to give them my full support.

What was your first experience of Pendle Hill?

DW I first heard about Pendle Hill when my three children were students at Friends Select School.  I remember some discussion about a service project called “work morning.”  In 2004 I came to Pendle Hill for an information interview for a position that had become available. I found a warm, peaceful, welcoming environment, but decided not to pursue the position.  However, as fate would have it, another position brought me back again, and the rest is history.

What keeps you grounded in your busy life?

DW My faith in Jesus Christ keeps me grounded.  It’s through Him that I am made whole and because of Him that I am called to do ministry at Pendle Hill through the Resident Program.  Also, I feel compassion and love for people and want to listen to the hearts of those who inquire about Pendle Hill. Their life journeys motivate me to stay grounded in my work.

What do you want people to know about Pendle Hill’s Resident Program?

DW The Resident Program provides an opportunity to explore who you are in a deeper way, without the distractions of the “outside world.”  You can find your rhythm, your gifts, your calling, and your center.

Sometimes people long to come to Pendle Hill for a year but are concerned about how they’ll find their way afterwards. What are some of the things that recent resident students have done after leaving Pendle Hill?

DW One year we had an entire family at Pendle Hill – both parents were resident students. One had a desire to explore herbs and organic gardening and the other had a burden for “fathering and teaching.” Since leaving Pendle Hill, these alumni have found their gifts in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands – developing an amazing community herb garden and teaching in the education system.

Another student came to Pendle Hill wanting to deepen her spirituality in her Jewish faith tradition. She did a lot of reading, writing, and creative work in the art studio. At the end of her time here, she landed an amazing position with a Jewish community in New Mexico. When she left Pendle Hill on her way to this new position, she wanted to promote the Pendle Hill experience to others in the Jewish faith. [Watch a video interview with resident student Joy Rosenberg]

Another resident student, 18 years old, came for a gap year after completing an international experience over the summer. He needed time to process that experience and find his center. Coming to Pendle Hill changed his life. He learned how to love strangers and how to support the needs of a community.

If someone reading this wants to learn more about Pendle Hill, what should that person do? 

DW I love sharing the Pendle Hill experience.  I encourage anyone who is interested in Pendle Hill to contact me; I respond to inquiries as soon as I get them.  I love having out of town guests for an overnight stay – providing an opportunity for them to meet staff, faculty, and other resident students.

If you’re at a crossroads in your life and looking for a transforming experience or time for discernment, I encourage you to “go out without knowing” – to step out on faith and find out more about joining the Pendle Hill community.

Darlene Walker can be reached by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at ext. 161, (610) 566-4507 or (800) 742-3150. Read more about the Resident Program