Fran Egan

Fran Egan Civic Award

The Fran Egan Civic Award commemorates the life of Fran Egan, a beloved member of the Project H.O.M.E. community, who died on Christmas Eve, 2005.

What we remember most about Fran is the beautiful person she was. Fran was a trusted friend and a wise advisor. She was smart, tenacious, and gracious—a person of integrity and dependability. Fran was willing to fight for something she believed in, and her courage in the face of adversity is legendary. This courage born of faith was present throughout her long battle with cancer.

The Fran Egan Award, presented by Project H.O.M.E. in conjunction with Fran's family, is one way to continue her legacy of working to make our city and our world more just and hospitable for all persons.

Once again this year, Project H.O.M.E. will present the FRAN EGAN CIVIC AWARD. It is intended for an adult or teen who plans to use his or her education to improve civic life in Philadelphia. The award also includes a financial grant.

For more information on the award, including nomination guidelines and criteria, contact Will O'Brien, Special Projects Coordinator, at 215-232-727, ext. 3047, willobrien@projecthome.org. Nominations are due on September 1.


Jon Bon Jovi and President Clinton Join Project H.O.M.E. Press Conference

On October 5, 2006, Co-Executive Directors of Project H.O.M.E., Sister Mary Scullion and Joan Dawson McConnon, welcomed rock icon, JON BON JOVI and PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON to North Central Philadelphia where Bon Jovi held a press conference to announce an exciting new partnership with Project H.O.M.E. Along with Habitat for Humanity and other sponsors that include automaker Saturn, PNC Bank, Bon Jovi, the Philadelphia Soul Charitable Foundation, and Clinton, 15 affordable, eco-friendly homes will be built on the 1900 block of North 23d Street. Jon Bon Jovi has committed $450,000 toward this latest enterprise of Project H.O.M.E., the Phase V Homeownership Initiative.

Image: President Bill Clinton joins Jon Bon Jovi, and Project H.O.M.E. co-founders Sister Mary Scullion and Joan Dawson McConnon on stage.

Philadelphia Mural Arts Program

As a result of the amazing success of the first book, Philadelphia's Murals and the Stories They Tell, the Mural Arts Program was asked to do a sequel. With the support of The Honickman Foundation, the second book, More Philadelphia Murals and the Stories They Tell, was published in fall 2006. It documents and focuses on block transformations and the work the Mural Arts Program has been doing with Philadelphia youth, inmates, victims of crime and young people who are incarcerated.

The second book is filled with striking images by Philadelphia photographer David Graham and Jack Ramsdale. The narrative is provided by art critic Robin Rice, Philadelphia Inquirer staff writer Natalie Pompilio and MAP director, Jane Golden. Ultimately, More Philadelphia Murals… illustrates how the arts and education can effect social change and it demonstrates how murals leave their mark on Philadelphia neighborhoods.

The North Philly Footstompers

The Honickman Foundation also lends its support to The North Philly Footstompers, a 25-member youth drill team built on good grades, intense after-school practices and commitment. Started in 1994 by Helen Brown, Project H.O.M.E. Community Organizer and a resident in the St. Elizabeth's/Diamond Street neighborhood for over forty years, Footstompers teaches team members discipline and how to work together in a group. Some of the members are also part of the Project H.O.M.E. scholar program which offers financial assistance to young people so they may attend private schools. In July 2000, The North Philly Footstompers earned the right to compete against dozens of the country's best teams at the National Drill Team Competition in Atlanta, Georgia. They won first place in drumming and took fourth in the stepping competition.