Title
Honoring and recognizing Maria Adames, for her decades of life-changing work on behalf of vulnerable Philadelphians and her commitment and passion for her city and community.
Body
WHEREAS, Maria Adames was born and raised in Philadelphia to parents who migrated from Puerto Rico; she has has spent most of her life in Fairmont, along with her brother and sister; and
WHEREAS, Adames’ mother was a teacher and Adames attended public and catholic schools growing up, graduating from William Penn High School in 1978; and
WHEREAS, Adames received an associates degree from Penn State University in Abington; and
WHEREAS, Adames has spent 29 years as a paralegal with Community Legal Services (CLS), working for low-income Philadelphians facing foreclosure, utility and tax issues, and emergency housing problems; and
WHEREAS, Adames understood the difficulty in accessing government services, and the language barriers and fear that prevent Philadelphians from connecting with the programs and assistance that they need and deserve; and
WHEREAS, Adames brought her services directly to her community, setting up a twice-weekly clinic at Norris Square Senior Center and Mann Older Adult Center in North Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, While working at CLS, Adames was also employed part-time with St. Joseph’s Hospital until the hospital closed in 2016; and
WHEREAS, Starting in 2008, Adames has been a CARES Administrator at PECO’s Universal Services Department, working to help low to moderate income Philadelphians manage and pay their utility bills; and
WHEREAS, Adames has continued to integrate communities into her work, and provided training and information with social service agencies and community-based organizations; and
WHEREAS, For two decades, Adames has volunteered for La Liga Del Barrio, Philadelphia’s first Latino youth basketball league and a center of community that offers programs in a range of sports while promoting educational achievement; and
WHEREAS, Adames’ children and grandchildren grew up playing in La Liga Del Barrio, and she can be found volunteering many Saturday mornings with La Liga, helping with registration or concessions while appreciating the enthusiasm and heart the kids put into each game; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, Adames received the Cherry E Cooper Achievement Award from PECO for her many hours of volunteering for La Liga Del Barrio and her work inspired PECO to donate $10,000 to La Liga, which was used to pay for uniforms and to rent practice space; and
WHEREAS, Adames has been married to her husband for 47 years with whom she has a loving family of two children and five grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Adames has spent her life serving her community and Philadelphians in need; and
WHEREAS, Adames’ tireless work has brought services to the people and made intimidating and complicated programs accessible-clearing language barriers and creating relationships with the community and city she knows and loves; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Honors and recognizes Maria Adames, for her decades of life-changing work on behalf of vulnerable Philadelphians and her commitment and passion for her city and community; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Maria Adames, as an expression of the admiration and respect of this legislative body.
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