Inspire, Empower, and Connect

Rev. Ada Gumby Richardson is a dedicated minister, counselor, educator, and retired medical social worker whose life’s work has centered on serving individuals and families through faith, compassion, advocacy, and healing ministry.

Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Reverend Richardson attended Harrisburg City Schools and graduated in 1971 as a member of the final graduating class of John Harris High School. She
later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Pittsburgh.
Answering a strong call from God to minister to hurting people and families, she continued her
education at Lancaster Bible College, where she received a Master of Arts degree in Marriage
and Family Counseling.

Rev. Richardson devoted more than three decades of service to WellSpan Health York Hospital.
As a Social Worker in the Care Management Department, she provided crisis intervention,
counseling, discharge planning, and post-hospital care coordination for patients and families
experiencing traumatic and life-changing medical events. Her assignments included Medical,
Maternity, Trauma/Surgical, Coronary Care, Intensive Care, Rehabilitation, and Surgical units.

She also served as a Palliative Care Social Services Case Manager, offering emotional support,
grief counseling, family meeting coordination, and compassionate guidance to patients and families making end-of-life decisions. Additionally, she worked as an HIV/AIDS Social Services Case Manager, advocating for patients and connecting individuals and families with critical medical, emotional, and community resources.

Throughout her professional career, Rev. Richardson participated in numerous interdisciplinary
initiatives and committees, including the Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Team, Stroke Pathway, Advance Directives Initiative, and HIV/AIDS community outreach programs. Her commitment to education and mentorship also included serving as a Field Instructor for the  Millersville University Bachelor of Social Work Program and as an instructor at Yorktowne Business Institute.

Her dedication to community service extended beyond the hospital setting through leadership and participation with organizations such as the Visiting Nurses Association of York, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, and HIV/AIDS support and advocacy programs
throughout York County. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and
previously served as a board member of the Visiting Nurses Association of York. While a member of another local church, she established and facilitated the HHUGS Ministry — “Help towards Healing Under God’s Supervision” — providing spiritual encouragement and healing support to individuals and families.

Licensed to preach the Gospel in December 2006 and ordained in November 2014 by the Bishop
Carl H. Scott, she served on the church leadership team and Governing Board, managing the Trustee Office, teaching Bible Study, and fulfilling preaching assignments. While under his leadership, she also provided leadership within the Women’s Ministry, Mission Ministry, Usher Ministry, Prison Ministry, and Christian Education Department.

Beyond the church, she has served with the Black Minister Association of York as an Assistant
Treasurer and Treasurer. In ministry, Rev. Richardson is a faithful and active member of Covenant Family Ministries.

Rev. Richardson has long demonstrated a passion for strengthening families and communities
through creative outreach and fellowship initiatives, including Family Game Night, Christian
Comedy Night, Christian Karaoke Night, and National Family Supper Night. She also
coordinated “The Agape Program,” a community initiative designed to unite families of diverse
cultural and church backgrounds through mutual understanding and their shared love for Christ.

Her professional and ministry training includes certifications in grief support facilitation, critical
incident stress management, crisis intervention, and spiritual counseling.

A woman of enduring faith, Rev. Richardson draws continual strength and encouragement from Psalm 23, especially verse 4, because it’s “through the valley”….”in one side and out the other”….which encourages her to “keep it moving”.