Hughes Honored at Rededication of Historic Chapel
Chapel renamed in honor of former Chairman of the Board of Directors
PHILADELPHIA, PA, June 1, 2009 — State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Phila.) was among four community advocates honored by the Board of Directors of Methodist Home for Children on Friday, May 29, during the unveiling of its recently restored Chapel.
“It is an honor to be recognized by this institution during this historic event,” Hughes said. “The renovations at Methodist Home have been a top priority for me. I am happy to see this vision come to fruition.”
In a ceremony to rededicate and rename the Chapel in honor of former Board Chairman, Robert Olin Niles, Methodist Home for Children President and CEO, Angele Marie Parker, also acknowledged the steadfast support of State Rep. Kathy Manderino (D-Phila. /Montgomery) and Carl Greene, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Housing Authority.
The Chapel, which was rededicated and renamed in honor of Mr. Niles, henceforth will be known as “The Robert Olin Niles Chapel of the Four Children”. Bishop Peggy Johnson of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church and Pastor Paul Gutknecht led a prayer service of rededication this morning.
The Chapel renovation was completed as part of the Main Building at Methodist Home’s overall renovation which began several years ago. Renovation work on the building included installation of a new HVAC system, installation of a fire suppression system, installation of an elevator and other items to make the building handicap accessible and replacement of all of the building’s windows.
In addition the top two floors of the building were completely renovated into 11 one-bedroom apartments for young women who have aged out of foster care. This program, Fresh Start, officially opened in May 2008.
In recent years, the organization has worked closely with Senator Hughes and Representative Manderino to secure funding for the renovation work through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP).
RACP is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, and historical improvement projects.
“Senator Hughes and Representative Manderino have been long time friends of Methodist Home for Children, serving as strong advocates on our behalf in Harrisburg,” Angele Parker, President and CEO of Methodist Home for Children, said. “We are so pleased to be able to honor them today for their latest work on our behalf – helping to secure an RACP grant.”
Also honored at today’s ceremony was Carl Greene, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Housing Authority for his leadership in the development of housing for the homeless.
### |
