Perseverance is Celebrated at the Alliance of Community Service Providers Annual Breakfast

PHILADELPHIA - Oct. 21, 2014 - PRLog -- John Adams once said: “Patience and Perseverance have a magical effect before which Difficulties disappear and Obstacles vanish”. On October 24^th, 2014, at the 30^th Annual Alliance Breakfast we will celebrate two people who made difficulties, disappear and obstacles vanish: Loretta Claiborne and Steve Black.

Loretta Claiborne, the keynote speaker at the Breakfast, is a Special Olympian who has done more in one lifetime than most people could do in ten. Some of Loretta’s most significant accomplishments include: completing 26 marathons; receiving a 1996 ESPY Award; mastering 4 languages and appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show. She has also been inducted into the Women in Sports Hall of Fame.

Steve Black, a case manager and GED instructor at Self Help Movement, is receiving The Alliance of Community Service Providers Perseverance Award. Steve played basketball as a college student for LaSalle University and played professionally for the NBA and in Europe. Today Steve has been in recovery for many years and is a much-valued mentor for other men in recovery. Steve’s “one-day at the time” and “live in the moment” approach is both humbling and inspiring.

Senator Christine Tartaglione is presenting Loretta Claiborne and Steve Black with a citation. The Pennsylvania Senator never hesitates to stand up for the most vulnerable people in our society and is a long time supporter of the Alliance.

The Alliance of Community Service Providers is a professional membership organization made up of nearly 60 direct service providers and 35 associate members in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Over it’s 30-year history the breakfast has grown in size and has become a staple event in the Human Services community. Last year close to 700 people attended the Alliance breakfast. This year will be another well-attended affair with entertainment from Philadelphia University of the Arts students as well as several legislative personalities from South Eastern Pennsylvania present.

The Alliance members offer support and services for people with intellectual disabilities, those struggling with mental health issues, and people recovering from addictions. Together, the members of the Alliance serve more than 100,000 people annually, employ tens of thousands and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity.