Title
Also naming 20th Street from Berks Street to Montgomery Avenue as Jackie Jones Way.
Body
WHEREAS, Jacqueline T. Jones, better known as Jackie, worked for Interstate Realty Management Company for more than twenty-five years and was responsible for establishing an extremely successful program of supportive social service programs for the residents in the communities managed by its parent company, the Michaels Organization; and
WHEREAS, Under her leadership, the Interstate Realty Management Social Services Division became a national model for supportive services in the affordable housing industry, winning prestigious awards for enhancing the quality of life for affordable housing residents; and
WHEREAS, Before directing Interstate's Socia Services Division, Jackie Jones was a resident manager at Montgomery Townhouses, a 100 percent project-based Section 8 affordable housing community in North Philadelphia that has provided affordable housing for more than 120 very-low income families since 1983; and
WHEREAS, Jackie took such an active role as founder of the Interstate's Social Services Division that many residents knew her by name. She was also recognized as an expert in the field of social services and was often a speaker at housing conferences held throughout the country; and
WHEREAS, The award-winning Social Services developed by Jackie focused on empowerment and self-sufficiency, and have been assisting the residents of the Montgomery Townhouses for more than two decades. Residents are served by a full-time social services coordinator, and have access to a Neighborhood Networks Computer Training Center as well as Job Readiness, Life Skills, and Financial Management Training, among other services. Children's programs include after-school tutoring, a children's garden, summer enrichment, youth basketball team, and a youth cycling team. In addition, all residents who have graduated from high school or earned a GED are eligible to apply for a scholarship through The Michaels Organization Educational Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Jackie was also a woman of deep spiritual belief. In 1995, she was ordained into the ministry and on Easter Sunday, 1996 opened the Turning Point Worship Center on 5th Street near Chew Avenue in the Olney section of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, The church's beginnings were humble and only six worshippers attended that first Easter Sunday service. With Jackie as founder, spiritual guide and inspirational leader, the church grew and prospered over the ensuing years; and
WHEREAS, On February 5, 2007, Jackie lost her battle with cancer; and
WHEREAS, On October 1, 2012 The Montgomery Townhouses were renamed Jackie's Garden in her honor; and
WHEREAS, Jackie's work and impact on the affordable housing community not only in the City of Philadelphia, but nationwide, warrants the recognition and appreciation of this Council and the City at large; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, By the Council of the City of Philadelphia, That 20th Street from Berks Street to Montgomery Avenue is also named Jackie Jones Way.
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