Honoring and recognizing the Strawberry Mansion Faith Based Coalition for their dedication to improving the quality of life in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood of North Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, The Strawberry Mansion Faith Based Coalition (the “Coalition”) is a

unified faith based team supporting common initiatives and

was developed to improve the quality of life for the residents of the Strawberry Mansion Community

; and

WHEREAS, Led by Deacon William Thompson, the Coalition consist of religious leaders along with community and civic organizations all working together for the common cause of wanting to do what is best for the greater good of the Strawberry Mansion community and to develop a community action planning committee; and

WHEREAS, The mission of the Strawberry Mansion Faith Based Coalition is continue implementing community driven programs to reduce crime and violence for the youth and elderly. The Coalition sponsors a Sports Club that includes baseball, basketball and tennis, as well chess and checkers for the older members of the community and is organizing a Fun Day for families of the Strawberry Mansion Community; and

WHEREAS, On July 11, 2015 the coalition will host “Unity in Our Community” as a yearly event where the community, cross-system organizations, service providers, clergy, political leaders and businesses come together and have a day of activities, fun, fellowship, and information; and

WHEREAS, the Coalition has hosted many events such as a Cancer Walk where they raised funds for the Cancer Society, a Health and Awareness Fair and sponsored a Black History Essay Writing Contest for local schools where the winners received a plaque, a monetary prize and were recognized in The Philadelphia Tribune; and

WHEREAS, Further examples of the great work of the Coalition include appreciation dinners for pastors, officials and community leaders for their tremendous support. They also raised money for a family from the Strawberry Mansion community who lost everything in a fire; and

WHEREAS, The Coalition holds gospel concerts to continue the unity, love and respect that is growing in the community and participates in National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods a safer, better place to live; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That we hereby honor and recognize the Strawberry Mansion Faith Based Coalition

for their dedication to improving the quality of life in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood of North Philadelphia.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the members of the Strawberry Mansion Faith Based Coalition as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

End