Practical Progressive, the National Congress of Black Women

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Yuletide for Young People in Need

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Sheila Johnson, Chair, PR Committee
E: philacongresspr@philacongressncbw.org
P: (215) 687-0525

Although many are finding it difficult to make ends meet during these tough economic times, very few people can say that their situation is worse than that of a young person incarcerated in the Philadelphia Youth Study Center during the holiday season.

Subsequently, the Philadelphia Congress of the National Congress of Black Women (PC-NCBW) has teamed up with Creating Alternative Support Services Together (CASST Inc) to provide outreach and mentoring to young girls incarcerated in the Philadelphia Youth Study Center.

"Over the weekend, I was given an opportunity to participate in an orientation session for the new facility. While the facility is functional, there's still much to be done and the staff and children are functioning as effectively as possible." said Fatimah Lane, CASST Founder and member of the PC-NCBW.

"Leroy Simon, is the volunteer coordinator and he brought to my attention two serious needs at the facility: supplies for the young people and a serious need for volunteers particularly men. The facility currently houses 15 girls and 120 boys. The numbers can differ day to day but that was Saturday's count. With that said, there's a significant amount of organizational mentoring and support for the girls and yes they could always use more, but the young men are desperately lacking in that area. I was told there are only 3 organizations that provide mentoring to the young men of the facility and not necessarily on a consistent basis. This is deeply appalling and disheartening. The adjustment to the new facility has been a bit trying on the staff and residents. The young people need a reprieve from all that's going on and the staff could really use a little assistance from additional volunteer efforts to help with keeping the children occupied. With all that's going on in the facility in terms of adjusting to the facility while also being aware of the contractors completing work in the building, it somewhat allows and provides and environment for the children to get into mischief," urges Ms. Lane.

PC-NCBW and CASST are committed to working jointly with other charities and associations to tackle the causes and effects of hopelessness in the Philadelphia community. These groups have organized an advocacy program for the Philadelphia Youth Study Center's Christmas party. Over the next week, CASST and PC-NCBW are collecting the following items for the Youth Study Center's children (boys and girls ages 13-21):

• Toiletries (lotion, soap, shampoo, conditioner, vaseline, etc.)
• Undergarments of all sizes and kinds for both boy and girls
• Socks
• journals (glued and bound only, please keep in mind they are "incarcerated" so no
• spiral bound items of any kind.)
• Writing Utensils - pencils, markers, crayons, etc. (these would be kept on
• the unit by the staff for all of the children to share)
• Writing paper and mailing envelopes
• Art supplies (anything to keep their little hands productive and busy -
• nothing metal or sharp please)
• Board games, playing cards, etc. (These would also be maintained and monitored by staff
• but would be provided for the youth to play with)
• Movies
• Reading materials

• Clothing of all kinds and sizes (For children who are released and who may not have weather appropriate attire to go home in upon their release)

The center is hosting its annual holiday event for the residents and staff of the facility next Wednesday, December 17th, so we'd like to get them items in as soon as possible. Please be advised the need is ongoing so even after the event supply donations will still be greatly accepted.

Please contact Fatimah Lane at misspaplus2006@gmail.com or call: (267) 242-2525 to confirm/organize the drop off of your items.

Additionally, PC-NCBW and CASST organizes year 'round mentoring and volunteer efforts at the facility; but everyone is encouraged to volunteer. To be considered for any mentoring or volunteering effort at the facility, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Have criminal background and child abuse clearances (please note, having a criminal background does not necessarily disqualify a person as a volunteer)
• Receive orientation with Leroy Simon, Volunteer Coordinator at the Philadelphia Youth Study Center. He can be reached directly at leroy.simon@phila.gov or 215-686-8601
• Have the ability to come on a consistent basis
• Commit to a dedicated period of time as a volunteer at the facility

Contact Fatimah Lane at misspaplus2006@gmail.com or call: (267) 242-2525 to participate in this year 'round initiative or for more information.

Listen to our interview during the following radio programs on WURD 900 AM in Philadelphia:

The Streets are Talking with Corey Smith and Keith Chennault, Part 1



The Streets are Talking with Corey Smith and Keith Chennault, Part 2



News Source 900 with Thera Martin Connelly


Marla Davis during the "Pulse Magazine" program



Listen to our interview on KYW New Radio 1060 AM in Philadelphia:

Do you know a family in need?

The Philadelphia Congress of the National Congress of Black Women is collaborating with the Gilbane Building Company to help families this holiday season to give outreach, support and serve the needy. Together, the Philadelphia Congress of the National Congress of Black Women and Gilbane Building Company are offering of a sense of peace and kindness which can often be the first step towards relieving a crisis and beginning a roadway to healing.

This peace and kindess is in the form of holiday gift baskets & toys for 2 Philadelphia area needy families.

Eligibility
Before 7:30 p.m. Monday, December 8, 2008, email the Philadelphia Congress of the National Congress of Black Women, Chair, Jacqui De Shields, jaxcheex@aol.com the following information regarding the family that you are recommending:

- Name of family
- Address of family
- Name of contact person for family
- Contact person's phone number
- Number of family members
- Number of children in the family and their approx ages

Philadelphia Congress - College for Kids program

Philadelphia Congress Member Reception & Fashion Show

On behalf of the Philadelphia Congress of the National Congress of Black Women, I would like to invite you to participate in our unique Member Reception & Fashion Review. The Member Reception & Fashion Review will take place on Saturday, November 15 at 3:00 pm - 7:00 p.m. at the historic Cliveden House, 6401 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144. The purpose of the Member Reception & Fashion Review is to bring together the brilliant and creative minds of our African American women who are interested in progressing the mission of the Congress. Network, hear and share war stories and be encouraged by the successes of each other. Let us begin the dialogue on how we can better utilize our collective strength toward full economic and empowerment in the Philadelphia Region.

Sincerely,

Jacqui DeShields, Chair
Philadelphia Congress of National Congress of Black Women

Program

3:00 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Networking
3:30 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Introductions
Review of Organization’s History
Review of Mission Statement
Introduction of Committee Chairs
4:30 p.m. 5:15 p.m. Fashion show
5:30 p.m. 5:45 p.m. Introduction of Vendors
5:45 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Networking

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2008
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Cliveden Historic House, 6401 Germantown Avenue (enter on Cliveden Street side), Philadelphia, PA 19144
Parking: Unmetered street parking is available around entrance
Cost: Free, donations and membership dues are welcome
Dress: Business casual

For vending opportunities, please contact JC Lamkin, pr@philacongressncbw.org









Map
Directions from City Hall
1: Start out going NORTH on N BROAD ST/PA-611 toward W OXFORD ST.
2: Turn LEFT onto W PIKE ST. 0.1 mi
3: Turn RIGHT onto GERMANTOWN AVE. 2.9 mi
4: End at 6401 Germantown Ave Philadelphia, PA 19144-1925
Total Time: 18 minutesTotal Distance: 5.53 miles

Press release
Audio psa
Donations
Membership Dues

The Greening of Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Congress of the National Congress of Black Women have responded to the need for a sustainability in general and global climate change in particular. In addition to advocacy for women, children, families and individual, the Philadelphia Congress of the National Congress of Black Women are deploying members to advocate for the reduction of greenhouse gas and environment initiatives.

We are creating the basis for a healthy and sustainable planet through exploration, research and education.

Memorial Services for Samuel L. Evans

Mr. Evans, 105, died Friday at St. Agnes Continuing Care Center in South Philadelphia.
Memorial Services for Samuel L. Evans, patriarch of Philadelphia's African American leaders, a toughended veteran of the civil-rights struggle, and a longtime power broker in city politics, will be held as follows:

Mr. Evans will lie in state Friday, June 20, 2008 at City Hall in the Conversation Room, 2nd floor, from 12 p. - 4 p.m. A Ceremonial Tribute will immediately follow from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, June 21, 2008 at Bright Hope Baptist Church, 12th & Cecil B. Moore Avenue at 10:00 a.m.