By Gia Myers • Posted October 6, 2025

For Trina Smith, LPN, nursing has never been just a career — it’s been a calling. In August, Independence Blue Cross honored Smith as one of its 2025 “Celebrate Caring” winners, recognizing extraordinary nurses who go above and beyond for their patients and communities.

Smith serves as healthcare coordinator at Catholic Charities of Philadelphia’s Divine Providence Village, a residential campus in Springfield, Delaware County that supports adult women with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

At Divine Providence Village, Smith is known for her compassion and advocacy, ensuring that residents receive not only the best possible medical care but also the dignity and respect they deserve.

“We advocate for them, and we make sure their voice is heard,” Smith explained. “Sometimes they can’t convey what their needs are.”

Smith’s impact extends far beyond the walls of Divine Providence Village. She’s also the founder and CEO of Trinity Transitional House, Inc., a nonprofit organization in Aston dedicated to helping vulnerable families – especially women and children – regain stability and independence.

Trinity provides essentials such as diapers and hygiene products, connects families with housing resources, and partners with nonprofits to expand access to critical services.

Since its launch in 2021 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trinity has supported more than 1,000 people through outreach programs, health fairs, and community events such as back-to-school bookbag giveaways, Christmas celebrations, and meals for the homeless on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Smith, a Chester native and Delaware County resident, says her commitment to caring for others began early. Encouraged by a family member, she applied for her first nursing assistant job at Fair Acres Nursing Center.

“I loved it. I loved my coworkers. I loved the residents,” she recalled. Later, after working at Taylor Hospital, an instructor encouraged her to pursue a nursing license, and she trained through the Chester Upland School District.

Now, with more than 25 years in nursing, Smith says she has always felt compassion at the center of her work. “Helping others is my true purpose here on earth,” she said.

Her personal experiences have also shaped her mission. Years ago, Smith stepped in as a foster parent for her niece and nephew, who are now adults, during a family struggle with substance abuse. That experience later inspired her to create Trinity Transitional House.

“I truly believe that taking care of people is my purpose. That’s what God placed me here to do,” Smith said.

Her colleagues see that same spirit every day.

“When I first met Trina, it was really clear that she had a lot of empathy for the population we advocate for,” said Lorrie Skelley, Director of Nursing at Divine Providence Village. “We knew that she had to join us here and share all of that goodness with the women here at Divine Providence Village.”

Despite her busy schedule, Smith credits her nonprofit team of five board members and many volunteers for Trinity’s success.

“We work together very well. I don’t do it all by myself,” she said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and partnership.

Looking ahead, Smith hopes to one day establish a housing community where displaced women and children can stay until they secure more permanent housing.

A dedicated nurse and nonprofit leader, Smith is also mother to her teenage son, who attends Archbishop John Carroll High School in Radnor.

On being recognized in the “Celebrate Caring” campaign, Smith says she was surprised.

“You don’t realize that people are watching the things that you do,” she said. “It’s a blessing to be recognized. It’s coming from the heart.”

On advice to new nurses and caregivers, Smith says, “There are going to be some challenges along the way. You may have some good days and bad days, but hang in there and be resilient.”

As she reflects on her journey, Smith remains grounded in faith and purpose.

“God keeps giving me the strength to do what He created me to do. I do His work,” she said.