Meet Sister Mary Scullion, Jefferson's 1997 United Way Speaker

This year's United Way speaker is sure to inspire your generosity.

Philadelphia native and member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy since 1972, Sister Mary Scullion, President and Co-founder of Project H.O.M.E., is well known to Jeffersonians. She holds a Doctor of Humane Letters awarded by Jefferson's College of Health Professions in May 1997, and her community service activities are legend. Sister Mary will bring alive for campaigners the needs that United Way helps to fill and the changes this agency makes possible within our communities.

Sister Mary, who earned her master of social work degree from Temple University, has been active in service work and advocacy for homeless and mentally ill persons since 1978. As part of the effort to establish the rights of homeless populations, she actively participated in various coalitions and litigations that resulted in the establishment of the rights of homeless persons to shelter and the rights of the homeless population to vote.

In 1989, Sister Mary helped start Project H.O.M.E. (Housing, Opportunities, Medical Care, Education), which provides a continuum of care ­ residential and rehabilitative services ­ to break the cycle of homelessness. In 1996, Project H.O.M.E. opened 1515 Fairmount Avenue, a permanent home for 48 women and men, as well as a multipurpose community center with a cafe, thrift store and bookstore. Today Project H.O.M.E. provides 242 units of housing available to homeless persons in 10 separate residences.

At St. Columba's Shelter, a Project H.O.M.E. facility, Jefferson students in the JeffHOPE program learn about community health issues. Students, residents and faculty members provide treatment, referrals and education to homeless persons served by the shelter.

Sister Mary has earned numerous awards for her efforts, including the prestigious Philadelphia Award in 1992.

Jefferson's United Way Cabinet is honored to have Sister Mary join us to open the 1997 campaign on behalf of the University, the Hospital and the Foundation.