2007 Recognition Reception Honoree:
Elaine K. Faulkner

It is not surprising that the extremely modest woman who believes in the importance of caring about the welfare and well-being of children, teens, single mothers, and senior citizens is a person who acknowledges God as the reason she strives to live a purposeful life, using the gifts that she has been given. Elaine Faulkner has lived in Abington Township for only a year but has been an active, contributing member of this community for almost two decades, having made her home in Huntingdon Valley with her late husband Henry Faulkner, Jr.

Elaine grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania where she graduated from Reading High School. She went on to attend Lock Haven University, earning a B.S. in Science. She then moved to Ft. Benning, Georgia, where, for two years, she taught middle school science and biology to the children of Army families. She then came to Upper Moreland Junior High School to teach for a year before marrying her husband in 1964 and becoming the instant mother of four children: Hank (15), Joe and John (13), and Judy (8). Elaine also pursued graduate work in science both at Temple University and at Northeastern University.

Through her husband’s business, Henry Faulkner Inc., Elaine traveled to many states and countries. Sadly, Henry passed away in 1989. Since then, Elaine has contributed to the community in many significant ways. An invitation to a board meeting led her to become involved with Project Rainbow/The Drueding Center. Run by the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer, this project provides transitional housing and support services for homeless women and their children, giving them the tools they need to achieve self-sufficiency. Elaine is currently in charge of the Drueding Center’s annual fundraising dinner dance gala, having marked its 20th anniversary this past weekend.

She was instrumental in launching the Black Achievers, now known as the Y Achievers, at the Abington YMCA. This group had been started in Philadelphia as a way to give African-American young people an opportunity to hear about careers from adult African-Americans who were engaged in various pursuits. Several years later, Elaine worked with Oliver Roach who was creating the Gospelrama. This now well-established annual community event showcases gospel performers and raises funds for the Y Achievers, the Optimist Club, the Abington Police Athletic League, and the Drueding Center.

More recently, Elaine has been lending her support to the Police Athletic League which opens its doors each weekend to hundreds of young people, offering them recreational and educational opportunities in safe, supervised settings. Elaine initially learned about Abington PAL when a friend invited her to a Chief’s Circle breakfast. She felt immediately drawn to the work that was being done for young people. She was asked to chair the silent auction for the first International Food Festival, PAL’s premier fundraiser. She joined the PAL Board and has had a hand in the Food Festival ever since.

Over the years, Elaine has been honored by numerous organizations, including the Boys Scouts and the Willow Grove Chapter of the NAACP. She feels that Abington and Rockledge together make such a strong community because people care and are willing to work to make the right things happen. Elaine is particularly interested in providing opportunities to take young people off the streets and into positive settings, so she wants to see continued growth of the Abington Police Athletic League and continued strengthening of the programs offered by the Abington YMCA. She is also concerned that senior members of our community be treated with love and respect.

Elaine maintains a home in Naples, Florida where she enjoys the winter months and a home in Avalon, New Jersey where she relaxes in the summer. She is part of a prayer group at Our Lady Help of Christians Church. Her hobbies include gardening and needlework

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