Inside
January 17, 2024 Issue 533
Spotlight
Philadelphia Mayor Parker pens letter to all Philadelphians
An open letter from Mayor Cherelle L. Parker to Philadelphians. more
211: Violence prevention support is a call, text, or online chat away
For Philadelphians, violence prevention support is a call, text, or online chat away. more
News
Philadelphia is "poorest big city in US" - what it really means
Poverty is as synonymous with the city of Philadelphia as the Liberty Bell. more
Report questions ability of PA DHS workers to assess medical issues
PA’s child welfare system is rife with inconsistent outcomes and practices when evaluating medical information, according to a recent report from the PA Chapter of the American Pediatrics Academy. more
PA needs $5.4 billion to close racial education gap: report
Pennsylvania will need to spend at least $5.4 billion to close the gap between rich and poor school districts, according to a long-awaited report approved by a divided panel of policymakers. more
Economy League reports $57B racial disparity in city housing values
This first-of-its-kind study, covering the period from 1950 to 2022, reveals deep-rooted racial disparities in property values across Philadelphia's neighborhoods. more
Participants struggle to get benefits from federal WIC program
More than 6 million people in the U.S. get benefits from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women and Children, commonly known as WIC. But it's not always easy. more
Homelessness reaches record highs in US: report
The number of homeless people in the U.S. has risen a stunning 12% in the last year, HUD has announced in a 117-page Annual Homelessness Assessment Report. more
Enrollment in food aid programs at highest level ever in PA
Enrollment in food assistance in Pennsylvania has hit a new record high, with more than 2 million participants receiving benefits in October and November. more
Stock market gains strengthened foundation endowments in 2023
The stock market climbed to unexpected heights in the final stretch of 2023, leaving foundation endowments with more money on hand to give in the new year. Just don’t expect to see it all at once.more
PA notes steep increase in older adult deaths related to abuse
Pennsylvania recorded a steep increase in the deaths of older adults following an abuse or neglect complaint the last few years, as COVID-19 ravaged the nation, complaints grew and agencies struggled.more
National conference to focus on Philadelphia education landscape
A California professor has been learning the education landscape in Philadelphia through school visits and conversations with students and educators in the School District of Philadelphia. more
App offers access to free mental health resources for city students
A generation is struggling to breathe under the weight of mental health challenges. more
Survey: Fundraising with in-person and hybrid events more effective
Nonprofits are more likely to meet or exceed their fundraising goals when they hold in-person or hybrid events, according to a recent survey of 939 nonprofit employees.more
Mayor's CEO Office reflects on anniversary of War on Poverty
This month marks a significant milestone in our nation’s history: On January 8, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared War on Poverty. more
New regs recognize street medicine as legitimate service sites
Expanded insurance coverage and service code changes in Pennsylvania and at the federal level now recognize street locations as legitimate environments where health care services are delivered. more
PhillyGoes2College announces 2024 "I Am PHL" contest
The I AM PHL contest presented by PhillyGoes2College recognizes high schoolers passionate in music, visual art, spoken word, or investment. more
City offers relief in paying real estate tax bills
Was your latest real estate tax bill more than you anticipated? more
City leaders unveil new 'Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia'
Philadelphia city leaders put a focus on safety in the city on the same day that the city’s homicide count hit another grim milestone. more
Report calls for improvements in PA state education funding
Research for Action commends the Pennsylvania Basic Education Funding Commission for adopting a strong report, recommending several improvements to the state’s system of education funding. more
'Child Trends' reflects on 60th anniversary of 'War on Poverty'
We have made considerable progress in waging Johnson’s “war on poverty.” However, there is more work to be done. more
City Health Dept. issues HIV Surveillance Report for 2022
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health Division of HIV Health has released the HIV surveillance report for 2022. more
TTN Giving Circle offers three $20k grants for pre-K access
TTN Philadelphia Giving Circle is the philanthropic arm of the Philadelphia Chapter of The Transition Network (TTN), and a Philadelphia Foundation Donor Advised Fund. more
NJ unveils new plan to divert offenders with MH issues from jail
A New Jersey bill is now law that will create a statewide program to divert some people with certified mental illnesses who commit certain crimes into a special treatment program. more
Black people experience strokes more frequently and at younger ages
A new study published in the journal “Neurology” found Black people in the United States experience strokes more frequently and at younger ages compared to White people.more
With new year, new health care provisions in PA and NJ
With a new year comes new laws that will soon take effect, and some of them may change health care rules, services, and delivery where you live. more
Pennsylvania expands its child care tax credit program
An expansion of Pennsylvania’s child care tax credit signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro after passing the Legislature will increase the amount families with children in child care can receive. more
BIden loan cancellation plan to start next month
The Biden administration will start canceling student loans for some borrowers starting in February as part of a new repayment plan that's taking effect nearly six months ahead of schedule.more
Education groups call for $2 billion increase in PA education funding
Education advocates want the state to hike education spending by $2B, saying that is the minimum necessary to start fixing a funding system that a Commonwealth Court judge ruled unconstitutional.more
Camden seeks to address lack of transitional housing for youth
The Department of Housing and Urban Development does not consider young people who couch surf to be homeless. more
WHYY and Temple offer new podcast on youth homelessness
WHYY and Temple University have partnered on a new podcast on youth homelessness, YOUNG, UNHOUSED AND UNSEEN. more
Child Welfare League offers training on Black male experience
The Child Welfare League of America has partnered with Welcome2Reality, LLC to present the engaging four-part training series, "Dear Black Male." more
Upcoming Events
Adoption Center sets virtual 5k Walk/Run Fundraiser
Adoption Center would like to help you with two of the most important new year’s resolutions: fitness and philanthropy. more
Community-Driven Research Day set for February 9th
Community-Driven Research Day (CDRD) is a program that encourages collaboration between researchers and community-based organizations that have research questions they are interested in answering.more
Need In Deed to hold educational equity event in Germantown
Please join Need In Deed on February 5, 2024, 6:00-8:00 PM, for an Educational Equity Event – What’s on your mind?, at First United Methodist Church of Germantown. more
Volunteer Requests
Ed Fund seeks STEM professionals for career presentations
Philadelphia Afterschool STEM Exploration (PASE) strives to create a more diverse and inclusive STEM workforce through after school programming. more
Philly Reading Coaches seeks volunteers
The program pairs trained volunteers with Kindergarten through third-grade students to read with them one-on-one. more
Employment Opportunities
Turning Points seeks ELECT Case Manager for parenting teens
The Case Manager is responsible for the provision of case management and a broad array of academic and social services to eligible ELECT program participants (expectant and parenting young adults). more
Drexel recruiting for Community Health Worker/Peer Specialist training
Drexel's Community Health Worker/Certified Peer Specialist Training Academy is currently recruiting for its next cohort. more