September 2010 Issue 19
THE
Southwest
CORNER
A
COALITION MEMBER S
Tyrone Benson Alexzina Bryant Hanna Bryant
Bruce Durham
SOUTHWEST
PHILADELPHIA
ADVISORY
Rodney Buckson Carl Burman Spencer Canty Andre Crews Agnes Currie Melvin Davis Clayton Dendy Stephanie Dixon Chad Enos Gregory Garrison Donna Gass Ron George Ida Glenn Cassandra Graves Constance Harris Crews Mark Harrison 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
O F
Y O A C A P
WORKING TO GIVE BLOOD, NOT SHED IT
Paul Bailey
COMMUNITY
GROUP
Audrey Allen
P R O J E C T
Marsha W. Wall Cassandra Whiters Roger Wilkerson Officer Joe Young
YOACAP’s Youth Council conducted their first Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, August 31, 2010 and it was a great success. With the support of the American Red Cross, the event was held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1207 Chestnut Street in the 4th floor’s conference room. Twenty Project BUILD’s youth coordinated the event. Project BUILD is YOACAP’s Youth Development Program with youth who primarily reside in West, and Southwest Philadelphia. These youth worked this summer to learn about the importance of donatState Representative Kenyatta Johnson ing blood to save lives. Jerome donating blood for YOACAP’s Blood Drive Bennett, a 10th grade student at Philadelphia’s Electrical & Technology Charter High School and a member of YOACAP’s Youth Council, noted, “It’s important to donate blood because we are helping people who need blood transfusions and people with Sickle Cell Disease.” Jerome’s peers, who were all dressed with red tee-shirts, worked making reminder phone calls, greeting /escorting donors, and providing refreshments. State Representative Kenyatta Johnson of the 186th Legislative District donated blood as a way to lead by example and because he has a family member with sickle State Representative Kenyatta Johnson with youth members cell disease. Over 41 of the YOACAP’s Youth Council & Summer Program donors turned out today to donate. Twenty-three were able to actually donate. Linda Burnette, YOACAP’s President & CEO, noted, “Our message today was to give blood, and not shed blood. I was so proud of the hard work of our YOACAPers. This was truly a successful event for all of us.” A special thank you goes out to all of the youth and adult volunteers, American Red Cross, the Southwest Community Advisory Group, Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC), and everyone who participated.
As part of YOACAP’s/Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC) Summer Enrichment Program, YOACAP youth worked within this summer in small learning communities to focus on violence, health, selfesteem, and careers to better understand the importance of giving back to their communities. They also visited the Red Cross facilities, including the Blood Bank and were certified in First Aid. While at the Blood Bank, they learned how blood is separated and used for different medical procedures; where and how blood is stored, and how blood is transported throughout the region. YOACAP youth also volunteered throughout the summer at several community events in their neighborhoods, such as the Kingsessing PEACE March and Rally early August. Lastly, YOACAP’s youth also learned that there is a shortage of blood for African-American patients who suffer from Sickle Cell Disease, and why it is especially important for everyone to donate blood.
Enroll your 14-18 year-old child into YOACAP’s Youth Development Program…
PROJECT BUILD A two-year experience that builds the assets of youth and their families.
For more information, please call Ebony Joyner at 215.851.1857
Bruce Durham: STANDING TALL AS A TREE Grealyn Bruce Durham or “Mr. Bruce” has been living in Southwest Philadelphia for 35 years. Being tall as a tree, he has seen it all. Mr. Bruce’s vision is to keep his community informed and involved in programs and positive activities. To show his commitment to his block, neighborhood, and community, he became the block captain for the 1800 Block of 56th Street for about the past five years. He proudly served as President of No House Untouched, and he is a member of the Southwest Epic Stake Holders, Southwest Community Advisory Group, 954 Garden Homes Community Civic Association, and the Thomas Avenue Town Watch. Mr. Bruce has eight children and enjoys life, family, and friends to the fullest. In his spare time, he loves to play chess and regularly volunteers at Mitchell Elementary School in his neighborhood. Even though he has been committed to many ventures, he still is taking on new responsibilities. This past May, Mr. Bruce was elected by his neighbors and peers to become the new Committee Person of the 51st Ward, 25th Division. He has received many awards, including the 12th District Service Award, which highlights his commitment, vision, and dedication. The SWCAG would like to recognize our knight, Grealyn Bruce Durham, for being an exemplary leader in Southwest Philadelphia.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 6 p.m., the Southwest Community Advisory Group (SWCAG) will be conducting it’s 3rd Annual Community Meeting at Myers Recreation Center located at 5800 Chester Avenue. Come meet members of the SWCAG and learn about opportunities to strengthen our families and neighborhoods. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by calling Ms. Marsha Wall at 215.729.2389. OTHER IMPORTANT MEETINGS & EVENTS 12th District Community Workshop Wednesday, September 8th @ 7 p.m. (215.686.3122) Epic Stakeholders Meeting Thursday, September 9th @ 12 p.m. (215.730.2262) No House Untouched Meeting Tuesday, September 14th @ 6:30 p.m. (267.939.2366) Southwest Pride Day Parade Saturday, September 18th—All Day (215.686.3122) SWCAG Turn In Your Gun Campaign Saturday, November 13th—10 a.m. (215.729.2389) At the Main Library every Wednesday, they are hosting workshops on Career Decision Making, How to write a resume, Internet for Job Hunting & more (215.686.5436)
THE LOW-JACK FOR PEOPLE IS COMING! The Philadelphia Police Department has recently expanded its initiative “The Premise History / ADA (Disability) Project,” announced by the 12th Police District’s Community Relations Department. The project will aim to find lost people in the community, like elderly people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or children with ADD/ADHD. Officer Joseph Young, Community Relations Officer at the 12th Police District, stated that the Police Department has recently improved the ways to find reportedly lost people and to contact their families, similarly to the well-known low-jack method used for lost vehicles. Moreover, this program will be set up to function in many languages. To get more information about the new program, please contact Officer Young at 215.686.3122 or your local community relations officer in your police district.
A POWERFUL CHANGE The Southwest Powerful Positive Advocates for Change (SWPPAC) is a faith -based organization that began in early 2006 by Elder Robert Moore and Deacon Marsha Moore. The organization’s mission is to inform and enlighten the community of available resources that can help enrich their lives. SWPPAC has had many events this past spring and summer. In early September, there was the book-bag / school supplies’ give away, where Mr. Kevin Lassiter and Deacon Edgar Brown donated supplies for kids in Southwest Philadelphia. Another event was its partnership with the Southwest / South Philadelphia Townwatch in August at Fels High School. At that event, safety was discussed and junior Townwatch members were highlighted. For more information about SWPPAC, please call Deacon Marsha Moore at 215.727.0595.
F.Y.I. Free HIV Testing (give code 99 when you call) Interested in Becoming A Block Captain 18+ Interested in finding a job Youth Basketball (for girls & boys) Abstinence Program Town Watch Integrated Services State Representative Kenyatta Johnson State Representative Ron Waters Office 12th Police District—Community Officer Senator Anthony Williams’s Office Blueprint for a Safer Philadelphia Any problem that the City can help with: Full version of the SW Resource Guide YOACAP’s Youth Book Club (15-18 yrs. old)
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 215.726.4613 Call 215.748.6712 Call 215.686.3122 Call 215.492.2980 Call 1.888.570.2583 Call 311 Call 215.851.1836 Call 215.851.1968
WALKING THE WALK Ms. Hanna Bryant Mr. Clayton Dendy Ms. Marsha Wall Ms. Connie Crews Mr. Roger Wilkerson Ms. Tara Smith Mr. Roi Ligon Mr. Helen Walker Officer Joe Young Mr. Donald Cave Hotline City of Philadelphia Virginia Rivero-Descailleaux
Tajuana Wall
Senator Anthony H. Williams, along with the YMCA, will host a Health Fair / Walk on Saturday, October 2, 2010 At Laura Sims Skate House in Cobbs Creek Park, on 63rd & Walnut Street. JOIN THE SWCAG TEAM! Stretching starts at 8 a.m., with the walk starting at 8.30 a.m. at the newly repaved bicycle trail located beyond the Cobbs Creek Comm. Environmental Education Center. The health fair starts at 10 a.m.
For more information, call Donald Cave at 215.492.2980