2014 Golden Heart Award Recipients | Leigh and John Middleton
Leigh and John Middleton are proud Philadelphians who care deeply about their city – with a special concern for addressing the tough issues that plague our city, including hunger, education, health care, and homelessness. They have demonstrated this concern with an impressive track record of philanthropy and commitment to the whole community.
But most significant has been their work with Project HOME. Leigh and John have been invaluable members of the Project HOME family for eight years. They share Project HOME’s passion and vision for ending homelessness in Philadelphia.
The Middletons have blended that vision with transformative leadership through the creation of the Middleton Partnership: an unprecedented collaboration of both public and private leaders leveraging their support to end chronic street homelessness in Philadelphia. In fact, this bold goal was dreamed by John Middleton, and a strategic plan to make it possible has been developed under Leigh’s guidance as a trustee of Project HOME.
The Middleton Partnership, in its third year, has already created permanent, supportive housing at James Widener Ray Homes and the newly completed JBJ Soul Homes – 108 units in total. The third project of the Partnership is the Steven Klein Wellness Center, an integrated wellness center that will provide health services to formerly homeless and low-income people in North Philadelphia, including primary care, behavioral health, dental care, a pharmacy, and a YMCA fitness center. And almost 400 additional units of housing are in predevelopment.
In this, our 25th anniversary year, Project HOME is highlighting the themes of Dignity, Community, and Transformation. Leigh and John have manifested these themes through their remarkable leadership and vision. Their generosity, compassion, and commitment are empowering thousands of our sisters and brothers on the journey home. We celebrate Leigh and John with the 2014 Golden Heart Award.
