This nominee has created impact beyond the conventional definition of sustainability by promoting communities to thrive both economically & sustainably and broadening the reach of sustainability to new communities that could have been neglected.

In August, Philadelphia’s SustainPHL Awards will highlight and celebrate these community changemakers. Join us to celebrate these visionaries and announce the recipient at the SustainPHL Awards on August 3rd at WHYY!

SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD NOMINEES:

• Abby Anderson
• Grow Philly
• Michael Resnic

Abby Anderson | Salvation of sorrows

“The world is made up of these important social connections and if you foster them positively, they’ll pay huge dividends – in love, care, and a better world.”

Abby Anderson saw an opportunity to improve lives of the homeless by small acts of kindness that made a significant impact. She started Salvation of Sorrows to provide free professional grooming services to anyone in need, from local shelters or on the street.

With over 1200 free grooming services rendered in Philadelphia and the east coast as far away as Boston, North Carolina and many places in between, Salvation of Sorrows (SOS) has opened up doors to those looking for jobs or to look and feel good. SOS trains disadvantaged children with barbering skills and provides help for individuals to find employment opportunities.

Also, SOS provides meals, school supplies, wash and fold service and more.

Grow Philly“Our mission is to build healthy, sustainable communities in Philadelphia.”

Matt Subits co-founded Grow Philly in 2012 to teach sustainability via urban farming and physical education. Grow Philly uses a unique Mind, Body and Soul approach using music, Futsál ( a form of soccer) and local farms to teach the community to become healthy and sustainable.

Subits was instrumental in re-establishing the Novick Family Urban Farm in 2016 over 19,000 lbs of fresh fruit and vegetables were grown and donated to Philabundance or sold for $1/item at a South Philllow-income farm stand that accepts WIC. The farm also provided work for 11 WorkReady students in the summer of 2016 through a partnership with United Communities. Power Corp and community members helped build a rain garden and raise high house (greenhouse to extend the growing season).

In the first year alone, the Novick family farm produced over 10,000 pounds of produce that went back to the community, and also hosted 775 children on educational visits for healthy eating choices.

Michael Resnic | Clothes-Pin

At the beginning of every (running) race, you’ll notice piles of clothes strewn among the starting line for a mile or so. Runners line up as early as two-three hours before race time, often before dawn (and way colder temperatures, especially during spring and fall) and get hot as soon as the horn sounds.

All of those clothes could be disposed, but instead they’re rescued for homeless shelters.

Michael Resnic started Clothes-pin (Clothes for People In Need) for the Philadelphia Marathon in 2007 to answer the simple question ‘Why is clothing being thrown away”. Runners “cast offs” and sneakers instead are rescued for men, women and veterans and provides local volunteer opportunities.

Since its Philadelphia inception, the Clothes-pin model has spread nationwide, rescuing 1/4 million articles of clothing to date! The organization is also recognized by the Council for Responsible Sport, a third party evaluator. Michael Resnic is an architect and 25 year resident of Logan Square in Center City, Philadelphia. His wife JoAnne and two children, Madi and Jack, have been involved with assisting those in need in Philadelphia for over 10 years, through their non-profit, clothes-pin.org.
Join us for SustainPHL on August 3rd to find out who will become the 2017 Social Impact Award recipient!

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher