‘Fair Chance’ Hiring Helps Formerly Incarcerated People Find Work
“Fair chance” hiring is the practice of hiring individuals with a criminal record. It is also sometimes called “second chance hiring.” When formerly incarcerated people can’t find a job after leaving prison, they face significant challenges, including lack of food, clothes, transportation, or shelter. This can cause desperation and lead to additional crimes or addiction issues, perpetuating the cycle of incarceration.
Kid Killebrew: The Sneakerhead Superhero
There is something nostalgic about opening a box of new sneakers: the anticipation as you peel back the paper, pluck them from the box, spin them around in your hand in admiration, and take in that fresh sneaker smell. He’s never forgotten the confidence he felt as a child when he stepped into a new pair. “I felt like a Superhero,” shared Killebrew, “especially when I played ball. It may sound like a small thing, but it can be a big feeling, particularly to underprivileged children.” He wanted to give that feeling to youth in need.
School Groups De-escalate Youth Violence by Meeting Students Where They Are
When Rosa started as a school safety officer at Tilden Middle School, he realized he needed a way to connect more intimately with the students, to get them to trust and talk to him about what they were going through.
From Bars to Belonging: Overcoming the Housing Crisis Facing Returning Citizens
In December 2023, the Philadelphia Department of Prisons had 4,659 incarcerated residents in its custody at four correctional institutions, most of whom will be houseless when released.
Young Philadelphians Take on Youth Homelessness
Young Philadelphians and advocates who feel that their concerns have been overlooked share these sentiments on youth homelessness.
Building Hope in Philadelphia Neighborhoods Under Siege – MindSite News
Former student Jadera Wright walks past the school’s familiar painted logo and flyers for construction apprenticeship programs, AmeriCorps assignments and notices for licensing tests. Wright, a recent YouthBuild Philly graduate who is currently working in security, smiles as she greets former classmates and people like the school’s lead social worker, Samantha Cranford, or Miss Sam as she’s known to her students.
PA 211 Helpline: An Under-Sourced “Resource” for Returning Citizens
One program that could be beneficial to returning citizens in Philadelphia is PA 211, a helpline sponsored by the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. PA 211 is a free, easy-to-remember phone number and website that connects Philadelphians with important resources in local communities, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
How Philadelphia Artist Seraiah Nicole is Embracing the Soft Life
Discover how Philadelphia artist Seraiah Nicole embraces the “soft life” in a candid conversation with Love Now Media. Uncover her strategies for combating career pressures, embracing presence over grind, and incorporating affirmations and style into her creative routines. Join the journey at www.seraiahnicole.com.
DecolonizePhilly’s ‘Fight for A Land Revolution’ at WURD Radio’s ecoFEST
DecolonizePhilly, an environmental justice organization on a mission to put power back into the hands of the community, presented a workshop titled, “The Fight for a Land Revolution Pt. 3.” The workshop, held in the rear garden of the One Art Center, with about 50 ecoFEST attendees explored advocating for “a land revolution” and raised awareness about the importance of land reform. The event included presenters, meditation, and breakout sessions for people to exchange ideas and explore solutions to issues like gentrification, community displacement and exploitative commercial development. According to Keyssh Datts, the founder of DecolonizePhilly, hosting the workshop at ecoFest and the event’s setting was paramount.
Wellness in the Workplace: How Tiffany Tavarez Empowers Herself and Others in Corporate America
Love Now Media’s Lunch & Love: Love Ambassador Edition saw equal parts of laughter, self-reflection, and wisdom as Syreeta Martin, director of communications, sat down with business executive Tiffany Tavarez for a conversation on what wellness can look like in the workplace. Tavarez, whose resumé boasts accomplishments such as Philadelphia Business Journal’s Top Forty Under 40, serves as the Senior Vice President of Technology Diverse Segments, Representation and Inclusion for Wells Fargo.
