In this HopePHL Newsletter Edition: Learn about Rhonda's time at the YES Shelter, Earth Day, Community Member Spotlight, Events, and more!

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, emphasizes our collective duty to protect the planet and promote sustainability. It aims to raise awareness of environmental issues such as climate change and pollution, encourage action at all levels, and celebrate progress in conservation.

In Philadelphia, both HopePHL and Vault + Vine exemplify this mission through their commitment to sustainability and community empowerment. Omari Baye, Director of Early Childhood Programs at HopePHL, connects these two spaces to foster environmental and social resilience.

Vault + Vine, located at 3507 Midvale Avenue in Philadelphia, embodies environmental stewardship and community care. The black woman-owned café and plant nursery, co-owned by Diana Baye (Omari’s wife), offers locally sourced breakfast and lunch options, a consignment space for local artisans, and a licensed plant nursery.

Omari volunteers at Vault + Vine, tending to plants and helping to maintain the space. His connection to Vault + Vine extends into his work at HopePHL as he often incorporates plants and natural elements from the café into the Children’s Services Department at HopePHL’s Families First Building. These touches create a calming and supportive environment for him and the Children’s Services team, who often work with children and families at-risk. 

A key feature of Vault + Vine is the East Falls Community Fridge, a food pantry with the slogan "take what you want and leave what you can." This shared resource, supported by volunteers and initiatives like Fresh Food Connect, provides access to fresh food to community members. Fresh Food Connect links local gardeners with hunger relief organizations to redirect surplus produce, supporting community fridges and food pantries in East Falls and Greater Philadelphia. This initiative promotes sustainability by reducing food waste and enhancing access to healthy food, in line with Earth Day's goals.

As Earth Day 2025 approaches, HopePHL and Vault + Vine remind us that building sustainable communities involves nurturing both the planet and its people. 

We hope to see you at our Earth Day event on April 22nd!

HopePHL is thrilled and thankful to announce that William Penn Foundation has generously awarded us a $345,000 grant to expand mental health services for young children and their families. Our plans include hiring additional staff, providing training, expanding work hours and supporting the licensure process for current staff, and organizing community workshops. As we help those in our programs navigate obstacles and significant life changes, mental health serves as the essential foundation for our families to use the tools provided and create happy, fulfilling lives.

Vanessa Ingram, our Lead Youth and Young Adult Therapist in the Behavioral Health program, highlights an important aspect that many may not realize: the impact of fostering positive mental health practices from a young age. “Research has helped us understand the critical development that occurs from birth to age 5. With this expanded focus, we will be able to equip families with the necessary tools during these early stages of life, which will support resilience and provide a solid foundation for managing life's difficulties,” Vanessa explains.

William Penn Foundation’s support of our program will provide mental health services for 125 families over two years. This grant also will allow our behavioral health team to expand their unique skills. “This is an excellent opportunity for our mental health clinicians to integrate evidence-based interventions, build trusting relationships, and a strong therapeutic alliance to carry out HopePHL's mission,” HopePHL therapist Kimeesha Reed-Walker says.

​HopePHL Managing Director of Adult & Family Services, Erica Makowski, expressed the shared gratitude across the organization, “we are incredibly grateful to the William Penn Foundation for this opportunity to expand mental health services. This funding allows us to further support families and communities while working alongside dedicated staff who make a profound impact in the community.”

HopePHL was honored to be a part of Jack and Jill's 75th Annual Teen Leadership Conference! 1200 teens from the Eastern Region chapters of Jack and Jill gathered for the weekend in Philadelphia to focus on community, expand their leadership skills, and to give back to selected Philadelphia organizations.

As part of their "Share the Love" event, three sessions were held on Thursday afternoon where around 300 teens per session took the time to pack Cope and Care kits that included hand written notes of encouragement, self care tips, a notebook, stress ball, stickers, coloring book, and colored pencils!

We are so grateful that Jack & Jill selected HopePHL to receive these kits to share with the teens in our programs.

Yesterday, Councilman Isaiah Thomas delivered his opening remarks at a symposium hosted by HopePHL, Valley Youth House, Eddie's House, and Philly Homes 4 Youth, which addressed the pressing issue of youth homelessness. He expressed his admiration for the panel members who courageously shared their stories, stating, "It's hard to be vulnerable, but your story matters."

The panel included participants from each organization who shared their personal experiences with an audience of over 85 attendees, aiming to inspire others to advocate for the renewal of funding that supports students and families facing homelessness. Speakers included program leaders, a high school student, young adults, a mother and a grandmother. Together they educated decision-makers and the public about the experiences of those facing homelessness.
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When a panelist, currently a high school student served by HopePHL’s Thrive project, was asked what adults could do to help youth feel more comfortable opening up about their situations, she emphasized that “sometimes children don’t want to be lectured; they just want to be heard.” She highlighted the importance of being open to listening to these stories without judgment.
The funding, which is essential for accessing education and vital services, is set to expire in June 2025.

This month, our Tech Stars Air Piloting class began at the Maynes Family Digital Learning Lab. According to the Centre of Aviation, only 4-6% of pilots worldwide are female and only around 3% are Black. Through our flight simulation program, in partnership with the Philadelphia Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, children have a unique opportunity to learn the basics of flight and gain hands-on experience and training using a real flight simulator.
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​Stay tuned for registration information for our May-June session

Join us in uplifting women's voices this March by clicking through the slides above to see some quotes from inspirational women, many of which who have a connection to Philadelphia!