Francine Watts 
By Danielle Mukomel

Francine has not only made a name for herself in the Eastside neighborhood but she has also made the lives of many others much brighter. Upon originally moving to the Eastside, on a whim she decided to volunteer at the Allen Neighborhood Center. She volunteered endlessly for 12 years, including the Tuesday Bread Basket and running the youth program. Francine was so outstanding as a volunteer that she was even awarded the Jennifer Granholm Award for Volunteerism. Although Francine was progressive as a volunteer, she did so much more than simply volunteering. She went out of her way to go above and beyond in order to ensure that all of the neighbors needs were met and cared for. 

Francine is a neighbor that is loved by all. When I observed her at the neighborhood center during this project, I was dumbfounded by the number of neighbors that saw Francine and instantly lit up with a smile and shared a hug with her. Francine is a regular neighborhood leader and inspiration. She has cared for them all, and she is subsequently cared for by all. She is dear to everyone’s hearts because of the effort, selflessness, and love she has shown the Eastside neighborhood and its residents. It was a true honor working with her.