Recognizing and honoring Irene Madrak, Executive Director of North Light Community Center, on the occasion of her retirement.

WHEREAS, Irene Madrak has served as the Executive Director of North Light Community Center since 1984; and

WHEREAS, Madrak grew up in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, and obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Temple University. Madrak was always seeking new opportunities to make an impact in her community. While at Temple University, she met a program director at North Light Community Center, and accepted an internship there; and

WHEREAS, North Light Community Center, formerly known as North Light Boys Club, is located at 175 Green Lane. The organization provides a variety of family services to local households from emergency assistance to career workshops and childcare; and

WHEREAS, From 1979-1984, Madrak transitioned roles from intern to program assistant, and then to program director. During that time, she coached the girls’ basketball team, while establishing other educational and cultural activities; and

WHEREAS, Madrak made such an impression through her work as North Light’s program director that she was offered the job of Executive Director in 1984, a position that she has served in for the past 35 years. As Executive Director, Madrak ensured that the organization continued serving all members of the community, even as neighborhood demographics began to change; and

WHEREAS, With Madrak as the Executive Director, North Light Community Center has received several notable facility upgrades, as well as expanded its offering of educational and social outreach programs, including affordable licensed child care, increased emergency services for the local community, and a day-camp program; and

WHEREAS, Madrak will retire from her position with North Light at the end of 2019; and

WHEREAS, Madrak’s decades of service has left a lasting impact on the community

;

now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors Irene Madrak, Executive Director of North Light Community Center, on the occasion of her retirement.

FUTHER RESOLVED, That an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Irene Madrak as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.

End