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Also naming the 1600 block of West York Street from North 16th Street to North 17th Street, as “Margaret Wells Way” to honor the life and legacy of Margaret Wells through her impact on the North Philadelphia recovery community.
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WHEREAS, “Mom” Margaret Wells was born on April 20, 1947 in Jackson, North Carolina, where she began her career as a teacher’s assistant working with students with disabilities before relocating to Philadelphia in 1966; and
WHEREAS, Margaret married Rev. Henry T. Wells in 1979 and together they founded One Day At A Time, Inc. (ODAAT) a drug and alcohol recovery, and now HIV/AIDS program, which her son, Mel leads today; and
WHEREAS, ODAAT has helped thousands of men and women in the City of Philadelphia who desperately sought recovery and reclaim their lives; and
WHEREAS, Margaret, known to many as the Mother of the Drug Recovery Movement, left her mark with those she helped struggling with alcohol and drug addictions and those who had HIV/AIDS; and
WHEREAS, Margaret was equally passionate about the 1600 block of York Street where she was block captain for 35 years; and
WHEREAS, For the last 25 years, Margaret organized a block party every Labor Day weekend which also served as a health fair and a back to school, book bag and school supply give away that attracted about 1,500 people each year; and
WHEREAS, Margaret had five children: Debbie Edwards, Delois Ramsey, James Ramsey, Melchizedek “Mel” Wells, and her bonus family, Hannah and Sonia Lieberman; and
WHEREAS, Even with Margaret’s passing, her memory will live on through her children and the people she helped throughout her life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the 1600 block of West York Street from North 16th Street to North 17th Street, as “Margaret Wells Way” to honor the life and legacy of Margaret Wells through her impact on the North Philadelphia recovery community.
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