Civic and Community Engagement

PHL Youth Week opens space for gun violence conversation

This week, the Mayor’s Office of Youth Engagement has set out to gather teen input on education, public safety, entrepreneurship and health during PHL Youth Week. It’s an opportunity for gun violence prevention activists to try to elevate the voices of teens who are directly impacted by the crisis. | From: WHYY (Read more.)

Community and Family

Philly’s foster kids don’t need to sleep in DHS conference rooms

In 2016, Philadelphia closed its only juvenile psychiatric residential treatment facility — Wordsworth — after a 17-year-old died in a fight with staff. The city opened another in 2020, but that facility soon lost its license due to “multiple child right violations,” according to the state. Now, the city is asking providers to bid for a contract to create another facility. | From: The Inquirer (Read more.)

Community and Family

Philadelphians flock to public pools amid heatwave

Whether you are in the mood to swim laps or simply lay out and soak up the sun, Philadelphia’s public pools are an ideal summer destination for all.

They’re free, available in neighborhoods all across the city and offer an abundance of fun. Not to mention, they’re a great place to go to stay cool. This summer, 50 of the city’s 70 locations are open and ready for swimmers. | From: PlanPhilly (Read more.)

Community and Family

Red flag law could save countless Pa. lives. But we have to act now

“It would allow family members or law enforcement to go before a judge and present evidence that an individual is a danger to himself or others,” he said recently.

That individual would be entitled to a full hearing to decide if their firearm rights should be suspended for up to a year, and could appeal to have it lifted earlier, Stephens explained. | From: The Inquirer (Read more.)