“I’m still reeling from the acknowledgment,” she shared. “To be named in the same company as so many incredible people is a real honor.”
Each day around 2:45pm, Portia Simmons arrives at UrbanPromise to direct Elevate—an aftercare program for the children in our CamdenForward school. And it’s with our students—often “energized” by their day at school—she dispenses her grandmotherly love and wisdom. “I thought of retiring when my last job ended,” she added. “Yet I still want purpose in my life and a chance to give back. This is the perfect fit.”
Recently Ms Simmons was recognized as the 2025 recipient of the Camden County Martin Luther King Jr Medal of Freedom Award—for her community work outside of UrbanPromise.
As a long time resident of waterfront South Camden, she is deeply involved in activities that impact her community.
“I serve as the board chair of the Center for Environmental Transformation, volunteer for the Heart of Camden housing, coordinate community garden programs and participate in veteran affairs as a retiree from the US Army.”
Portia also just published her first children’s book, In A Great Big City. “The book is about people working together to bring about community change,” she reflects. “I’ve wanted to write a book since I was 8 years old.”
Our world needs more people like Portia Simmons. Working quietly and sacrificially behind the scenes, they improve our neighborhoods and inspire others to do the same. Her inspirational impact is felt daily at UrbanPromise and throughout the city of Camden.
That’s good news. Actually great news on a chilly January day.
Congratulations Portia. We’re honored to work alongside you!
Bruce Main
President & Founder
P.S. Want to celebrate Portia’s incredible achievement? Send her a note of congratulations at psimmons@urbanpromiseusa.org. Let’s show her how much her work means to all of us!