Pat Carr-Green, helped young people

PATRICIA CARR-GREEN had a deep compassion for young people who found themselves facing the responsibilities of parenthood for the first time.

As program case manager for Project ELECT/TAPP-Delaware County Intermediate Unit at Chester High School, she worked with teenage mothers and fathers, often on a one-to-one basis.

"Pat was dedicated and committed to helping young mothers and fathers remain in school, graduate and move on to higher education, training or employment," said Sallie-Elizabeth Clayton, Pat's supervisor in Chester.

"Pat mentored each of her students personally, having a strong impact on their lives as they worked toward becoming strong parents and productive individuals," Clayton said.

"Many have reached their personal and professional goals because of Pat's tenacious efforts, warmth, and caring," she said.

Patricia Carr-Green, who devoted her life to helping others, especially the young, a dedicated churchwoman, civic leader and loving mother, died Sunday. She was 61 and lived in South Philadelphia.

"She sacrificed much to reach out to others in need," Sallie Clayton said.

But she was not one to push herself forward.

"She liked to do her work from the background, never looking for praise or accolades," Sallie said.

"She only wanted to make a difference in someone's life.

"She had a unique gift for compassion - always sensing when someone was in need, quietly coming to their rescue."

After her Chester experience, Pat served as site coordinator for the Communities in Schools ELECT program at Overbrook High School.

ELECT/TAPP stands for Education Leading to Employment and Career Training/Teenage Pregnancy and Parenting.

The name explains the kind of work that people like Pat Carr-Green and Sallie Clayton were involved in.

At one time, the project had 98 Chester High School girls enrolled, but it was obvious that something was missing.

"The teen mothers were saying, 'Why aren't the fathers here? What about their responsibilities?' " Pat said at the time.

So, in 1999, the project expanded for the first time to include the fathers.

"Most of the teen fathers come from single-parent homes, and it's very hard for them to know how to be a father," Pat said.

"They were in my office two and three times a week with questions - questions I felt should be answered by a male."

She did her best to work with them, as she always gave her best to whatever she did.

One of her last desires was to go to New Orleans to help the student victims of Hurricane Katrina, but she didn't make it.

Pat was born in Philadelphia to Samuel Jones and Amelia Tippens. She graduated from West Philadelphia High School and Hahnemann University with a degree in mental health.

She married James Green in 1996. He died in 2001.

Pat was an active member of Tasker Street Missionary Baptist Church in South Philadelphia, where she was part of the church's Community Outreach Corp.

She is survived by her mother, two sons, Renato and Thomas; four daughters, Renee, Turonda, Dyamond and Christian; two sisters, Harriet and Veronica; and a brother, Iran.

Services: 10 a.m. tomorrow at the Tasker Street Missionary Baptist Church, 2010 Tasker St. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Eden Cemetery, Collingdale. *