Inside
August 14, 2024 Issue 540
Spotlight
Emergency blood shortage announced by American Red Cross
Intense heat, busy travel schedules and an increase in accidents and injuries from summer activities are all having an impact on blood donations and supply. more
Deadlines approach to obtain American Rescue Plan funds
By December 31, 2024, every state, local government, territory, and tribal government must commit to spending all their American Rescue Plan funds. more
211 Helpline offers resources to combat violence prevention
A newly launched campaign is making a strong push to raise awareness over the summer months, a time of year when violence has historically risen. more
5 Takeaways from United Way's 2024 'Opportunity Summit'
"What happens when challenges seem insurmountable, and we question whether we’ll succeed?" more
News
City Council expresses alarm at lack of support for homeless students
As Philadelphia prepares for the new school year, members of the City Council and others are putting serious pressure on the district to do more for students experiencing homelessness. more
"City of homeowners" rapidly becoming less affordable: study
In 2021, the median mortgage payment was $944. Two years later, the total had risen by nearly a third, to $1,213. more
PA child care programs short-changed in new PA spending plan
There simply aren’t enough child care providers, and advocates say the situation will get worse without help from the state. more
BenePhilly sites remain open despite BDT closure
Even though Benefits Data Trust has closed, BenePhilly sites remain open throughout Philadelphia. more
8-year study on guaranteed income programs publishes findings
For eight years, researchers have been quietly putting together the largest, most comprehensive study on programs that give people a monthly stream of cash — no strings attached. more
Temple U policy brief highlights crisis in the social work workforce
Despite increasing demand for their services, an alarming shortage of agency-based social workers is forecasted in a new report.more
Philadelphia Foundation announces fall grants cycle
The Philadelphia Foundation Fall 2024 Grant Cycle is now open. more
UBA Foundation to focus resources in Southwest Philadelphia
UBA will shift to a community place-based strategy and focus on strengthening specific Philadelphia neighborhoods with sustained, multi-year funding. more
Philadelphia City Fund will support out-of-school time programs
The Philadelphia City Fund's annual grant opportunity, the Community Fund, is now open. more
Sarah Ralston Foundation offers funding for older adult services
Sarah Ralston Foundation invites applications from organizations serving older adults in Philadelphia County. more
City opens first urgent care facility for mental health needs
Philadelphia now has its first urgent care facility for mental health needs that will provide psychiatric evaluations, quick counseling sessions, prescription refills, and referrals. more
Research supports concept that volunteering is good for your health
Research has revealed a connection between volunteering and more positive emotions, less loneliness and more social support. more
PCCYFS issues annual children's services report
PCCYFS, as the premiere association for children’s services providers, announced their 2023-2024 accomplishments through their Annual Report. more
SAMHSA celebrates 34th anniversary of American Disabilities Act
People with disabilities represent a significant portion of the U.S. population and constitute the largest minority group in the nation. more
HUD to provide $3.5 billion to help people experiencing homelessness
HUD will provide more than $3.5 billion in competitive funding to homeless services organizations across the country for supportive services and housing programs for people experiencing homelessness. more
Almost 4 million college students experience food insecurity: US
About 3.8 million college students experienced food insecurity in 2020. more
Effort to increase homeowners repair funds falls short in Harrisburg
A popular program that helps Pennsylvania homeowners with the cost of essential repairs did not receive more funding in this year’s state budget, despite overwhelming demand in many counties. more
High schoolers create documentary on root causes of violence
A group of teens at Dobbins Career & Technical High School set out to make a documentary, Future Visions, investigating the root causes under the record levels of violence in the city. more
Field Teen Center at Free Library supports youth 12-18
Did you know there is an entire department dedicated to teens at Parkway Central Library? more
HopePHL shares best practices for working with homeless youth
We offer this booklet to encourage all housing programs to provide these services, educate new staff, and consider adding these services to job descriptions. more
'Calling All Girl Bosses' empowers girls in Philadelphia
Calling All Girl Bosses is a year-long program empowering girls in Philadelphia to lead the change they want to see in their neighborhoods. more
Montco plans emergency mental health crisis center
Montgomery County officials intend to debut a 24/7 emergency behavioral crisis center by the end of 2025. more
Start Your Recovery website helps with substance use issues
StartYourRecovery.org provides helpful information for people who are dealing with substance use issues. more
Andrew Goodman Foundation launches scholarship program
The Andrew Goodman Foundation launches the Living The Legacy Scholarship. more
'Right to Read Philly' campaign seeks to address literacy crisis
A new campaign, Right2ReadPhilly, seeks to address the city’s early literacy crisis using a novel approach. more
'Bridge Project' offers mental health services to homeless students
Research says that focused intervention by a team of people at schools and health and community organizations is important to help children and youth overcome the detrimental effects of homelessness. more
Upcoming Events
Program helps white supervisors with anti-racist supervision
This transformative program is designed for white supervisors committed to fostering inclusive and equitable workplaces. more
Community College will host 2024 Men of Color Conference
Community College of Philadelphia will host this year's Men of Color Conference on October 12th. more
From Bryn Mawr College: Set Your Sights on Organizational Leadership
Develop the leadership skills that will make you stand out in the crowd!more
Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable offers help with FAFSA
Get personalized FAFSA support this summer by attending in-person sessions sponsored by the Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable. more
Urban Institute sponsors discussion for developers of color
Join the Urban Institute for a discussion on the challenges and opportunities for developers of color and the most effective ways to expand their contributions. more
Global Citizen leads campaign to collect school supplies
Join Global Citizen and community partners, including the School District of Philadelphia, in donating school supplies for the 12th annual Back-To-School Supplies Drive. more
Mentor Independence Region offers training on August 29th
Join MENTOR Independence Region for a free virtual training Mentoring Moments on August 29, 12:00-1:15 PM. more
Volunteer Requests
9/11 Day of Service calls for volunteers, donors on Sept. 11
9/11 Day of Service asks all Americans to dedicate time each 9/11 to help others in need. more
Volunteers sought to coach students, families on FAFSA form
The Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable (PCPR) is looking for enthusiastic, experienced volunteers to support students and families as FAFSA Coaches. more