Nancy Painter was a loving and resourceful single mother who struggled to raise her children, Walter and Patsy, in 1940s and 50s Philadelphia. Despite her struggles with money, Nancy worked hard to create a stable upbringing for her children and to instill in them the value of honesty, family and spirituality. Nancy’s selflessness, determination, ability to laugh and enjoy life despite its hardships inspired her children to embrace positivity and strive for success in their own lives.
In recognition of his mother's sacrifices that lead to his successful choreography career, in 1992 Walter and his wife, Charlene, founded the Salvation Army Nancy Painter Home for mothers with children in Nancy Painter’s honor. With the generous donations of Paul Newman and JoAnne Woodward, along with Mike and Betty Weinstock, the brick and mortar home in Glendale provided financially struggling single-mother families a safe, supportive home where they could work toward independent living.
