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WHEREAS, volunteers who have stepped out of their familiar environments to meet needs not otherwise met through their service are a fundamental part of the community. Nabhi Christian Ministries, whose mission is to enhance impoverished communities by creating healthy environments that mentor, train and develop citizens of all ages recognizes the work and sacrifices of Judge Cheryl Lynn Allen with their Lifetime Achievement Award; and,
WHEREAS, now retired, Judge Cheryl Lynn Allen spent 17 years as a Judge in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas, 12 of which were in Juvenile Court where she forged a reputation of courage, innovation and compassion. Deeply impacted by the issues of addiction, delinquency and education, Judge Allen spearheaded a summer school program that led her to conceptualizing The Academy Charter School, a first in the country for delinquent youth. In addition, she worked with Children, Youth and Families to start a community-intensive supervision program with child care, so that people could keep their children while participating in a treatment program. She introduced a diversion program to allow children ages 10-14 to continue their schooling and get services while awaiting delinquency hearings; and,
WHEREAS, born and raised in the New Homestead section of Pittsburgh, Judge Allen attended Penn State University, did graduate work in elementary education and worked as a teacher for a time before she obtained her law degree from Pitt Law School and started a full time legal career. Judge Allen was named one of Pitt’s Alumni of the Year in 1999 and Woman of the Year in 2002 by the Pitt Women’s Law Association. In 2007, Judge Allen became the first African American women elected to the Pennsylvania Superior Court where she served for 7 years before retiring in 2015; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize, commend and congratulate Judge Cheryl Lynn Allen for receiving the NCM Lifetime Achievement Award for her extraordinary body of work as an exemplary professional, a dedicated volunteer and a role model in the service of her community.