Honoring and recognizing Marq Temple for his leadership and lifelong dedication to the children and youth in Philadelphia, on this occasion of his retirement after 33 years of service to the Philadelphia Department of Human Services.

WHEREAS, Marq Temple was born and raised in the Strawberry Mansion section of North Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Temple, after graduating from Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia went on to receive a Bachelor Degree in Sociology from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and returned to Philadelphia to successfully obtain his Master of Social Work Degree from Temple University; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Temple was united in marriage to his wife Darlene and is the proud parent of two daughters, Autumn and Jada and proud grandparent of two grandsons, Devon and Jalen; and

WHEREAS, In 1981, Mr. Temple began his career with Philadelphia's Department of Human Services as a Youth Counselor; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Temple's passion, drive and commitment to the youth helped him ascend through the ranks from a Youth Counselor at the Philadelphia Youth Study Center to Executive Director of the Philadelphia Youth Study Center, where he oversaw the daily operations of the City's juvenile detention facility; and

WHEREAS, During his career, Mr. Temple has met and interacted with many people, but none more important to him than his late mentor, former Executive Director of the Philadelphia Youth Study Center, Clarence D. Holmes, Sr.; and

WHEREAS, During his career, Mr. Temple played a pivotal role in the Youth Study Center becoming the first ACA accredited facility in Pennsylvania. Furthermore, Mr. Temple oversaw the successful relocation of Philadelphia's Youth Study Center from its old location at 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue to a state of the art “Juvenile Justice Services Center” in West Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Temple is proud to say that he committed his entire working adult career to the betterment of Philadelphia's youth through his 33 years of service with Philadelphia's Department of Human Services; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Temple has served thousands of children during his career and continues to make Philadelphia a better place through his affiliations with the PA Chapter of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, the Juvenile Detention Centers Association of Pennsylvania, the F.B.I. Citizen's Academy, the Philadelphia Chapter of Concerned Black Men, Inc. and the Hiram Lodge #5; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Temple believes that “if given the opportunity, it is our duty and responsibility to make a positive impact on a young person's life; in this work some kids get arrested, and some get rescued, we must be there to lift and guide theme back on the right track”; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of Philadelphia Honors and Recognizes Marq Temple for His Leadership and Lifelong Dedication to the Children and Youth in Philadelphia, on this Occasion of his Retirement After 33 years of Service to the Philadelphia Department of Human Services.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented as a sincere expression of City Council's appreciation and recognition.

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