Resolution 210998

..Title Honoring the Local Initiatives Support Corporation on the Special Occasion of its Fortieth Anniversary. ..Body WHEREAS, Since its founding in 1980 and the opening of an office in Philadelphia in 1981, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) has served as a beacon of opportunity and community reinvestment through its endeavor to forge strong community partnerships by connecting hard-to-tap public and private resources with underinvested places and people. This year, LISC celebrates a momentous milestone in its Fortieth Anniversary of serving Philadelphia; and WHEREAS, Conceived by the Ford Foundation in 1979, LISC was envisioned to bridge the gap between those with capital - the government, foundations, and for-profit companies - and those with essential knowledge and ongoing understanding of needs within the community - residents and local institutions - by offering the relationships and expertise to help community organizations attract the best resources for their missions. Today, LISC continues these efforts by developing communities that are victims of disinvestment and systematic disadvantages, and generating opportunities for community members to fulfil their own personal aspirations while simultaneously enriching their community; and WHEREAS, LISC is devoted to creating a flourishing environment for humanity by enhancing living conditions, career paths, financial security, and family well-being. The success of the organization is evident in its expansion into 38 local offices, and its rural program that reaches more than 2,200 counties in 45 states. Over the last four decades, LISC has invested more than $482 million directly into neighborhoods in Philadelphia to strengthen and amplify vital institutions such as affordable housing, neighborhood capacity, and economic empowerment; and WHEREAS, In fostering partnerships which buttress greater investment and engagement, LISC has made a significant impact on the city of Philadelphia, enabling each Philadelphia neighborhood to progress and develop long-term. LISC's facilitation and organization of on-the-ground projects, community leadership education, and ongoing advising of community-based organizations is especially laudable as these programs help combat systematic economic oppression and impoverished lifestyles; and WHEREAS, It is the aspirations and passion of LISC to assist and accelerate community development in neighborhoods that are subjected to systematic economic exploitation. The organization's programs have proved their effectiveness and will continue to provide a progressive guiding hand to neighborhoods in Philadelphia; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby honors the Local Initiatives Support Corporation on the special occasion of its Fortieth Anniversary in Philadelphia. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Local Initiatives Support Corporation as evidence of the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body. ..End