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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown
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Lowery Brown delivers $2 million for legislative district
Grants to help health, economy and recreation in North and West Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, April 15 – State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown today delivered $2 million in economic development funds to key projects in her Philadelphia legislative district, money that will be used to expand a 43-year old health center that has served three generations of families, and a historic playhouse and playground for children opened in the 19th century.
At events held this morning, Brown presented separate mock checks for $1 million each to Spectrum Health Services Inc. and Smith Playground & Playhouse Inc.
"Investing in our neighborhoods is a key component to moving forward as a city and as a state," said Brown, a freshman legislator who is rapidly making her mark in Harrisburg. "The money for these projects will benefit my 190th Legislative District, the city and the broader community."
Spectrum, created by residents in 1967, operates the Haddington Health Center, currently located in Progress Haddington Plaza along Vine Street. The health center provides a complete range of medical services to residents, regardless of their ability to pay.
The center’s programs and services are in such demand that construction will begin this summer on a new 30,000-square-foot facility that is being built four blocks away on Haverford Avenue. It will serve nearly 30,000 patients annually, up from 11,000 currently receiving services.
Smith Playground & Playhouse Inc. operates the former Smith Memorial Playground & Playhouse, now called "SMITH: The Kids Play Place in the Park." The site, opened in 1899, is considered one of Philadelphia’s treasures. It had fallen into disrepair because the trust established to maintain and operate it did not generate enough income. A nonprofit group is slowly raising money for its ongoing restoration.
"SMITH’s thousands and thousands and thousands of young visitors and their caregivers join SMITH’s board and staff in thanking Representatives Brown and 'Dwight] Evans for this wonderful grant award," said Hope Zoss, executive director of the organization.
Brown said the projects appealed to her in light of the work she does in Harrisburg as a member of the Children and Youth, and Health and Human Services committees.
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who joined Brown for the health center announcement, said he enjoys the working relationship she has built with the city administration.
"Vanessa Brown works incredibly hard for her district," Nutter said. "She is in constant communication with my office and my staff working hard to deliver services and financial resources to her constituents."
State Rep. Dwight Evans, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, who helped Brown shepherd the projects through the funding process at the state level, said the freshman legislator is among the next generation of leaders who will shape Philadelphia.
"Representative Brown has boundless enthusiasm and energy for the people of her district and she is learning to be a passionate advocate for them at the state level," said Evans, D-Phila. "I’m excited to join her and her constituents for two announcements that create jobs and help strengthen the fabric of the community."
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