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File #: 170809    Version: 0 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: ADOPTED
File created: 9/21/2017 In control: CITY COUNCIL
On agenda: Final action: 9/21/2017
Title: Recognizing and honoring Rhonda Willingham, president and founder of MenzFit, for aiding in the employment of thousands of men across the City, and for hosting the annual Philadelphia City Council "Who Wore It Best" fashion show.
Sponsors: Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Green, Councilmember Reynolds Brown, Councilmember Parker, Councilmember Greenlee, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Henon, Councilmember Taubenberger
Attachments: 1. Signature17080900.pdf
Title
Recognizing and honoring Rhonda Willingham, president and founder of MenzFit, for aiding in the employment of thousands of men across the City, and for hosting the annual Philadelphia City Council "Who Wore It Best" fashion show.

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WHEREAS, MenzFit is a non-profit organization that strives to influence positive change within the community by providing financial literacy and career development services, along with professional interview attire. Their mission is to assist low-income men with long-term, rewarding employment; and

WHEREAS, The organization originated in Washington, DC in 2001. In June of 2007, MenzFit opened a location in our City of Brotherly Love. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency noticed MenzFit's advocacy endeavors and funded their move to Philadelphia with a $250,000 grant; and

WHEREAS, MenzFit was founded by Rhonda Willingham, a Philadelphia native. Before starting the organization, Willingham worked at the Department of Labor with the Clinton & Gore Administration. Serving as an appointee, Willingham had a focus on public affairs and community outreach. She is a recipient of Philadelphia's own WDAS FM radio's "Women of Excellence Award" and she was named a "local hero" when receiving Bank of America's "Neighborhood Excellence Award;" and

WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, MenzFit has helped more than 6,100 men compete for jobs and has created more than $54,000,000 in taxable income. The organization is not only a non-profit, but also a movement to support the underrepresented men living in low-income inner cities and helping them realize and exercise their greater personal liberty; and

WHEREAS, MenzFit offers workshop series with various focuses, such as business etiquette and communications, diversity awareness, and tips on how to get through an interview with ease. Their wide range of services allows clients to excel in the professional world while obtaining self-sufficiency; and

WHEREAS, MenzFit al...

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