WHEREAS, In 1970, a local group of Puerto Rican Vietnam veterans who were committed to improving the quality of life for their own neighborhood, came together to form a local network of resources and support for their community, which came to be known as Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha, or APM; and
WHEREAS, Under the visionary leadership of their first executive director and founder Dr Jesus Sierra, APM grew from a small organization of only 5 employees to comprehensive service organization operating out of 10 locations and serving over 40,000 residents in North Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Over the years APM services have greatly evolved and expanded. APM currently offers primary and behavioral health services, affordable housing options, recovery programs for adults in the community, and support services for families and individuals, including early childhood education, day care services, and child welfare; and
WHEREAS, APM's work has drawn national recognition and the support of foundations across the country. APM has been continuously named one the Nation's top 25 Non-profit organizations; and
WHEREAS, Under the leadership of it's current President, North Philadelphia native Nilda Ruiz, APM has continued to pursue bold and innovative projects to serve and empower their community; and
WHEREAS, APM was one of twelve nationwide sites chosen to participate in the Building Sustainable Communities project funded by the LISC foundation, a new program to support investment in a communities physical environment, leverage private investment, and fostering a livable, safe and healthy environment; and
WHEREAS, APM has recently launched an exciting transit-oriented development project at 9th and Berks Street adjacent to the Temple University Train Station. This environmentally green project will bring a mixed commercial/residential project to this strategic site and will serve as a bridge between Temple University and the neighborhoods to the East; and
WHEREAS,
Inspite of all this growth and change, APM's dedicated Board, staff and countless volunteers have never lost sight of the spirit of activism and the political consciousness and empowerment that drove its founders four decades ago.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of Philadelphia recognizes and honors The Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM) and its executive director, Nilda Ruiz, on the milestone occasion of its 40th Anniversary. We offer our sincerest gratitude for the years of support you have provided to the City of Philadelphia, and we look forward to many more years of success! Felicidades!
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to The Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha and their President, Nilda Ruiz, as a token of appreciation and gratitude.
End