Muriel Simmons

Phillips Neighborhood activist :: January 2006

We have been inspired to hear from A tum Azzahir and Mike Christensen about your work in the Phillips neighborhood. We have heard how you refused to give up your neighborhood to crime--standing up to criminals, organizing a neighborhood block club, setting up a neighborhood phone tree, and leading regular evening walks through the neighborhood to promote a sense of security. And now at the Cultural Wellness Center you are doing exactly what a grandmother should- passing on your wisdom and sharing your strength with those who will have to be taking on the responsibility of making the community work.

If our city neighborhoods are going to be places of hope and revival, it will be because of the spirit of people like you who live there. This is the kind of spirit that can only come from the heart. For this reason, you are just the kind of person the Sullivan Ballou Fund seeks to recognize and affirm. It is an honor for us to present you this modest symbol of what you have done.

Congratulations!
Elissa and Bruce Peterson, Founding Members

Sullivan Ballou letter