Home of the Sparrow’s CEO Shares Some of Her Favorite Things

Patricia McLennan, Exton 

Chief Executive Officer, Home of the Sparrow

A nonprofit based in Exton, Home of the Sparrow battles homelessness by helping house single-parent families while moms learn new job skills. To mark the Exton-based nonprofit’s 20th anniversary, its CEO set an ambitious goal of raising $500,000 on top of its annual goal. “With that money, we can serve 20 additional families per year for each of the next five years,” says McLennan. Home of the Sparrow’s signature fundraising event, Jazz at Brushwood, happens June 20. 

The Main Line’s best-kept secret: Nota Bene Boutique in Malvern. It’s my go-to place when I need something special. 

Favorite special-occasion restaurant: The Hunt Room at the Desmond Hotel. My husband and I went there all the time. Home of the Sparrow does a fashion show there every fall, along with other events there throughout the year.

From Left: Nota Bene Boutique; Wings for Success Fashion Show

 Favorite special event: Best of the Main Line is one of our favorite parties. Also, Wings for Success does a great fashion show. The organization is a nonprofit that provides career clothing for women in need. They get notable people in the community to be models, and they dress a few clients. 

Best restaurant in the area: McKenzie Brew House in Malvern. I love the menu. They change it regularly, and the people there are friendly. 

From left: Chester Valley Trail; Linvilla Orchards

How she stays fit: I exercise by walking my dog two or three miles a day. He’s a Springer Spaniel named Jonah—and he rules the world. Before my husband passed away, he was the one who took Jonah on long walks in the morning and the afternoon. I’m doing the best I can to keep that up. Jonah and I walk on the Chester Valley Trail, and the community I live in has a number of its own trails. 

Where she shops for groceries: Wegman’s in Malvern, where you can get pre-made meals. To tell you the truth, after
I get through the workday and walk the dog, the last thing I want to do is cook. 

Favorite thing to do with grandkids: Linvilla Orchards is one of our favorites. We love all its activities, especially the pumpkin picking and hayrides. I have a little granddaughter, Mallory, who’s 7 years old. She comes to [my place] once a week and spends the night with me. 

Best chance to get stuck in traffic: Route 30 near the Farmer’s Market in Strafford. It’s just awful … all the time. 

Coolest thing about living on the Main Line: So many wonderful boutiques. I sold my home last week and moved into a smaller space. It’s been wonderful to visit shops and blend new things with my old things.