WHEREAS, The Irish Immigration Center will host its first celebration of the achievements of Irish Americans by presenting Anne O'Callaghan with the inaugural Mathew Carey Hibernian Award for her continued service to the Irish community and her unwavering support of the immigrant population in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Since its inception in 1998, the Immigration Center has helped thousands of people settle into new lives in the United States, while also providing support and assistance to people wishing to maintain and strengthen their connections to Ireland; and
WHEREAS, Anne O'Callaghan is the Executive Director of the Welcoming Center, a centralized employment resource center for immigrants in the Delaware Valley; and
WHEREAS, Since opening in 2003, the Welcoming Center has worked directly with immigrants and to raise awareness among the business and political communities about the importance of immigrants; and
WHEREAS, Anne O'Callaghan was educated by the Sisters of St. Louis in Carrickmacross and received her training and certification at the University of Dublin (Trinity College) School of Medicine and the Oswestry and North Staffordshire School of Physiotherapy; and
WHEREAS, Anne O'Callaghan moved to the United States from Ireland in 1970 and worked in the field for twenty years as a practitioner, a college-level instructor and a service director; and
WHEREAS, Anne O'Callaghan has been a prominent advocate in the immigrant community for over 30 years; and
WHEREAS, In addition to her work with immigrants, Anne is active in the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and sits on the advisory board of the Southwest Community Enrichment Center; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby congratulate Anne O'Callaghan for her work in the Irish Community and her numerous contributions to the welfare of immigrants living in Philadelphia.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Anne O'Callaghan as evidence of the sincere sentiments and recognition of this legislative body.
End