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WHEREAS, within the City of Pittsburgh, the safety and well-being of our children and families is paramount; and
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WHEREAS, no matter the conditions, school social workers embody heroic contributions to our city; persevering during times of economic uncertainty, public health emergencies, and civil unrest, and;
WHEREAS, school social workers serve as vital members of the education team, playing a critical role in creating a positive, welcoming environment in our schools; and,
WHEREAS, school social workers are especially skilled in identifying and providing services to students who face serious challenges to school success, including poverty, disability, discrimination, abuse, addiction, bullying, loss of a loved one, and other barriers to learning; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Pittsburgh recognizes the decades-long tenure of Monica Tillman; and,
WHEREAS, Monica Tillman, a resident of Pittsburgh since 1980, mother of three Pittsburgh Public School Alumni, attended the University of Pittsburgh, and obtained her Master of Science in Social Work; and,
WHEREAS, employed by Pittsburgh Public Schools since 1994, Monica has been a social worker at Arsenal Middle School for the past 28 years, balancing the demands of motherhood, supporting the congregation at the First Church of God in Christ, as well as being a social worker for at-risk youth; and,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Tillman has supported numerous students and staff over the years through both tragedy and triumph, serving as a model social worker for her best practices in building relationships and connecting families to social support services; and,
WHEREAS, Monica served as an original building champion to launch the "Be a 6th Grade Mentor" initiative, continuing to advocate for Big Brothers and Big Sisters mentoring, serving also as the founding liaison of long-term partnership with UPMC Children's Hospital that connected middle school students with healthcare professionals in "Health Rangers;" and,
WHEREA...
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