July 2009 Issue 12
THE
Southwest
CORNER
A
P R O J E C T
O F
Y O A C A P
BUDGET CUTS OR TAX INCREASE? COALITION MEMBER S Paul Bailey Tyrone Benson Alexzina Bryant Hanna Bryant
ADVISORY
Bruce Durham
Mark Harrison
SOUTHWEST
COMMUNITY
Rodney Buckson Carl Burman
PHILADELPHIA
GROUP
Audrey Allen
Spencer Canty Andre Crews Agnes Currie Melvin Davis Clayton Dendy Stephanie Dixon
In light of the recent budget cuts, Senator Anthony H. Williams called a meeting of community leaders to discuss cuts considered by the state. He encouraged us to express our concerns and offer suggestions that he can present to State Legislators. Please call your Senator to let him know how you feel about these options below. We applaud Senator Williams for being proactive, for giving us important information and the opportunity to express ourselves. Dear Resident: Last month, the State Senate passed a budget bill (S.B. 850) that makes drastic cuts in programs and services that address the needs of our most vulnerable citizens. Recently, S.B. 850 was defeated on a party-line vote by the House Appropriations Committee. Pennsylvania does not have a budget yet and probably will not have one until Labor Day. S.B. 850 eliminated funds for programs important to this community: violence prevention, workforce development, financial literacy, basic education, health awareness & prevention activities, services for the disabled, and positive youth development programs.
Chad Enos Gregory Garrison
Donna Gass Ron George
Ida Glenn Cassandra Graves Constance Harris Crews Lillian Hood Joanne Jones Vernon Keith Montague Marsha J. Moore Daryl Nelson Carol Payne Joe Purnell Christine Riddick Joanne Robinson Myra Robinson Michael Ross Eric Sabin Sims A’za Sims ChrisAnne Smith Yvette S. Smith Tara E. Smith Robert Stone
THE
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
Marsha W. Wall Cassandra Whiters Roger Wilkerson Officer Joe Young
Left to right: SWCAG’s President Marsha Wall, MEE Productions’ Alicia Jackson, and YOACAP’s President & CEO Linda Burnette, at a community rally held in June, coordinated by GPUAC, to let state and city officials know that Philadelphians are against more budget cuts.
Funding for violence prevention was eliminated Funding for the customized job training program was decreased by 50% Funding for basic education was decreased by nearly 20% Funding for early childhood programs (Pre-K Counts and Head Start) was decreased by 50% Funding for Family Savings Account, Self Employment Assistance Program, and the PA Community Development Bank was eliminated
Senator Anthony H. Williams held a meeting on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at the Kingsessing Recreation Center to speak candidly to his constituents about the proposed cuts and other options. After we heard about the cuts (outlined above) from Senator Williams, he spoke about the other option: A .5% personal income tax (PIT) increase. The tax increase would cost about $217 more per year for a family of four that earns about $50,000. For a family of four earning $100,000 per year, the proposed tax would be $413 yearly. A family of four making $32,000 and less, will not have to pay the tax at all. A person over 60 years of age, depending on their income, may not be required to pay this tax as well. However, according to the Senator, this option will not be a favorable one. In any case, we need to consider either a tax increase or we will loose important base level programs. So please call Senator Williams’s Office to give your opinion on S.B. 850 or the proposed personal income tax increase. Which option is important to you? Each person who reads this letter needs to take a minute to let his office know how you feel. Please call (215) 492-2980 right away and ask for Ms. Alicia Burbage to express your opinion and to ask questions. Each call will be logged in so Senator Williams can take your words back to the other legislatures across the state that may not have the same type of issues that Philadelphians are experiencing. Please let your voice be heard, not just If you would by Senator Williams, but his colleagues across the Senate. Thank you.
Enroll your kid into YOACAP’s Youth Development Program! Youth and parents are both enrolled into a two-year experience that builds the assets of youth and their families. For more information, please call Ebony Joyner at 215.851.1857 for the next cycle that begins in September. This program is funded by the William Penn Foundation and is currently accepting applications.
like to have a Southwest Philadelphia Resource Guide mailed to you, please call 215.851.1836
TURN IN YOUR GUNS CAMPAIGN:
FEWER GUNS ON OUR STREETS By Nathaniel Lee Thanks to the Southwest Community Advisory Group’s (SWCAG’s) Turn In Your Gun Campaign held on Saturday, June 27th at Myers Recreation Center, there are now 54 fewer guns on our streets. During this event organized by the SWCAG and the 12 th Police District, those individuals possessing guns were requested to voluntarily turn them in – no questions asked. In return they received their choice of prizes offered as incentives. These incentives included video MP3 players, Wii game consoles, Playstation 3 game consoles, X-BOX 360s, or $100.00 gift certificates. On one occasion, a juvenile, no older than 15 years of age, rode up on his bike to turn in a weapon to SWCAG’s President Marsha Wall. As reported by Ms. Wall, this made all of the hard work and Police officer from 12th Police effort required to organize an District sorting guns event of this kind, worthwhile. The young man received an X-BOX 360 valued at $330 for his courageous efforts. Thanks to the SWCAG, the 12th Police District, Power 99 FM, Blueprint For A Safer Philadelphia, and all of the collaborators that contributed in making this event a success. Certainly, there are now fewer guns on our streets. Our next Turn In Your Gun Campaign will take place in November 2009. Let’s get the word out now to everyone in our communities to turn in all illegal firearms!
IT’S A GIRL! Congratulations to SWCAG member Ms. Tara Smith and her husband for the arrival of their daughter Taryn Elaine Smith, born on February 18th, 2009. The SWCAG members wish you the best!
CLAYTON DENDY:
THE GREAT VALUE OF COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP On June 26, 2009, the Family Leadership Institute celebrated their prestigious graduation at the Howard Gittis Student Center of Temple University. We are proud to announce that SWCAG member, Mr. Clayton Dendy, received four awards during the ceremony. These awards were for Perfect Attendance, Community Participation, Credibility, and Professionalism Representation. Indeed, Clayton deserved these awards. A longtime resident of Southwest Philadelphia, Clayton’s main responsibility is to be the Vice President of No House Untouched (NHU), a well-known organization in the area dedicated to provide resources to the community to promote its development. With his assistance, NHU won an award from Townwatch Services recognizing their community work, last year. Mr. Dendy is also member of the SW Philadelphia Epic Stakeholders, and a lead guitar player for the Fantasy Band. As part of his community involvement, he plays the guitar at Revelation Baptist Church of God, where he has been a member for several years. As if that was not enough, Clayton likes to listen to good jazz, enjoys his friends’ company while playing pool, and dressing nice for community events. If you see Clayton riding his bike around the neighborhood, give him a big shout out for being a great role model and community leader in Southwest Philadelphia.
OPEN HOUSE State Representative Kenyatta Johnson, of the 186th Legislative District, has opened his new office in Southwest Philadelphia, and is inviting the entire Community to an Open House. This will take place on Saturday, August 15, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Please take this opportunity to meet State Representative Johnson! For more information, call Debra Hopkins at 215.952.3378. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED If you would like to volunteer, please contact Ms. Marsha Wall at 215.729.2389. Make a difference in your community!
F.Y.I. Ex-Offenders Program Free HIV Testing Interested in Becoming A Block Captain 18+ Interested in finding a job Youth Basketball Abstinence Program Town Watch Integrated Services State Representative Ron Waters Office 12th Police District—Community Officer Senator Anthony Williams’s Office Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia
Call 215.685.3373 Call 215.724.7430 Call 267.939.2366 Call 215.729.2389 Call 215.939.6283 Call 215.239.8668 Call 215.686-1422 Call 215.748.6712 Call 215.686.3122 Call 215.492.2980 Call 1.888.570.2583
Help Line Ms. Hanna Bryant Mr. Clayton Dendy Ms. Marsha Wall Ms. Connie Crews Mr. Roger Wilkerson Ms. Tara Smith Mr. Nathaniel Lee Officer Joe Young Alicia Burbage Hotline
FUN DAY At the 12th Police District & Philadelphia Fire Department Ladder 4
65th & Woodland Ave. Friday, July 24th, 2009 10 a.m.—2 p.m. Fun and entertainment for all kids! Clowns, magicians, food & refreshments For more information, call Officer Joe Young at 215.686.3122