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WHEREAS, Center of Life, founded by Tim Smith in 2001, supports the people of Hazelwood as they strive to be strong and to make their community strong. Center of Life employs a holistic approach to community through all of its programs, providing families and youth with the life skills, education, training and resources necessary to make their community as strong as their mission ;and,
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WHEREAS, with their vision centered on empowerment and equipping families to bring economic revitalization to their communities, Center of Life recognized that acknowledging the needs of the disability community in its holistic approach was a priority ;and,
WHEREAS, utilizing teamwork as well as staff coordination spearheaded by Andrea Coleman, M.Ed, founder of the Garden of Different Abilities, Center of Life came together to support and implement the ADA Compliance Laws. In a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on 05-20-22, to open new Restrooms that are ADA compliant, Hilary Roman, the ADA Coordinator for the City of Pittsburgh, stated that creating an inclusive Pittsburgh is something an ADA Coordinator cannot do alone; it takes tireless efforts of people like you who recognize the gaps for people with disabilities”. She cited access, dignity, and inclusion as the cornerstones of strong communities and at Center of Life, they are not just celebrating accessible bathrooms but how Center of Life and this community values its members; and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and commend Hazelwood’s Center of Life and Andrea Coleman, M.Ed. for the teamwork, coordination and collaboration needed to create inclusion for all members of the community and congratulates Center of Life for being an example to all on the meaning of equity and inclusion.