Eastern University Graduate Named a "Hometown Hero" by the Philadelphia 76ers

January 11, 2010 - St. Davids, PA - Janice Gillyard, a 2008 graduate of Eastern University's Master of Arts in Urban Studies program, was selected as a Philadelphia 76ers (Sixers) Hometown Heroes award recipient. Gillyard received the honor for her development of Faithfully Fresh, a community market that serves the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia.

Faithfully Fresh is a small market that makes affordably priced fresh fruit and vegetables available to residents who often have limited access to healthy food. The market provides fresh fruits and vegetables to inner-city Philadelphia neighborhoods with nothing being sold over $2.00. Gillyard received the award and a donation of $1,000 to Faithfully Fresh during the 76ers' November 27, 2009 game.

Faithfully Fresh began as Gillyard's thesis project for the Master's in Urban Studies. "When I got to Eastern, I had no idea about community development, what it entailed or how important it was," Gillyard said. "However, through the experiences that I had there, both academic and practical thorough fieldtrips and speakers, I was able to see how impactful working in the community can be."

The Urban Studies program at Eastern University was designed to be unique among Pennsylvania universities. "The MA in Urban Studies program motivated me to become involved in the community and to do so confidently," stated Gillyard.

Faithfully Fresh began with a donation of $200 and a few volunteers to staff the market in 2008. Armed with the type of grit and determination provided by a Philadelphia Christian university, Gillyard developed a partnership with Allen M. Stearne Elementary School, in which the students from two sixth grade classes volunteer by bagging produce, setting up displays, and providing customer service. Members of the community including students, parents, teachers and neighbors are able to enjoy the benefits of healthy, yet affordable foods.

Gillyard, who is employed as Administrator for Word of Faith Christian Center in Philadelphia, believes that the market has made a great impact on the community. "Through Faithfully Fresh we have been able to introduce a whole new generation to the importance of nutrition," Gillyard said. "The children are beginning to understand the importance of fruits and vegetables, and now they have more access to nutritious snacks. Additionally, the Market has taught the Stearne students something about both entrepreneurship and community service."

The 76ers Hometown Hero awards are given to individuals in the Delaware Valley who through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional, overwhelming, and lasting contributions to the community. The program is named after Alexandra "Alex" Scott, the Founder of Alex's Lemonade Stand, who raised money for six years for pediatric cancer research by selling lemonade to fight childhood cancer. During the 2009-10 season, the Hometown Hero program will recognize six individuals.

"The 'Sixers Hometown Hero: In the Spirit of Alex Scott's program serves to recognize people within our community who make a positive impact," said Sixers Senior Vice President of Business Operations Lara Price. "By honoring the Hometown Hero recipient's efforts in front of our fans, we hope to inspire others to make a difference in their communities as well."

While pleased with Faithfully Fresh's expansion to three locations, Gillyard has hopes for the market to grow even larger. "We are looking to expand in 2010 to Delaware County," Gillyard said. "We are going to continue our partnership with Stearne Elementary School and would like the opportunity to work with other schools around the Delaware Valley as well."

Gillyard attributes much of the success of Faithfully Fresh to the education she received at Eastern University, a Pennsylvania Christian University. The Master's in Urban Studies Program helped Gillyard to develop a global mindset that is comfortable in an urban context and understands the dynamic forces which shape urban life in a global economy.   The program prepared Gillyard in both the theory and practice of community development initiatives that can help to move the poor out of poverty through job creation and education.  "I am utilizing everything I learned at Eastern University," Gillyard said. "I could not have made a better investment of two years."

About Faithfully Fresh

Faithfully Fresh makes fresh fruit and vegetables available to those who often have limited access to healthy food. Operating in several Philadelphia inner city neighborhoods, Faithfully Fresh sells nothing over $2.00.

Faithfully Fresh Community Produce Market is open on: Fridays from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Allen M. Stearne Elementary School, 1655 Unity St, Philadelphia, PA 19124; Fridays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on the 3900 block of Frankford Avenue; and Sundays from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m. at Word of Faith Christian Center, 4355 Paul St., Philadelphia, PA 19124.

For more information about Faithfully Fresh, contact Janice Gillyard at jgillyard@wofccphilly.com

About Eastern University

Eastern is a Christian university dedicated to the teaching, development and preparation of men and women for productive lives of Christian faith, leadership and service. Offering urban, international, professional, seminary, graduate and undergraduate programs, Eastern is located in St. Davids, PA, but offers programs at various sites throughout PA and overseas.