Joe Brooks, president of Liberty USO, The USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, discussed the programming and services they offer for military and their families, support and comfort for our active duty from induction through discharge or retirement.  He discussed the family emergency and respite services, camps for kids and backpack collections, the 24/7 Welcome Center at the Philadelphia International Airport for traveling military and its support services for families of the Fallen. We also discussed Liberty USO's innovative partnerships with companies such as Comcast, to work with military as they leave the service to find 'transformational' employment, through interview coaching, resume guidance and even scholarships for IT training, as well as programs for Human Resource Managers to learn how to hire from the military population. Finally, a reminder that Liberty USO receives no government or military support for their services and that donations to Liberty USO stay in the area to support our local military.For volunteer opportunities, information about the upcoming Liberty Gala or other ways to help support our local USO go to LibertyUSO.org

Joe Brooks, president of Liberty USO, The USO of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey, discussed the programming and services they offer for military and their families, support and comfort for our active duty from induction through discharge or retirement.&nbsp; He discussed the family emergency and respite services, camps for kids and backpack collections, the 24/7 Welcome Center at the Philadelphia International Airport for traveling military and its support services for families of the Fallen. We also discussed Liberty USO's innovative partnerships with companies such as Comcast, to work with military as they leave the service to find 'transformational' employment, through interview coaching, resume guidance and even scholarships for IT training, as well as programs for Human Resource Managers to learn how to hire from the military population. Finally, a reminder that Liberty USO receives no government or military support for their services and that donations to Liberty USO stay in the area to support our local military.
<div dir="auto">For volunteer opportunities, information about the upcoming Liberty Gala or other ways to help support our local USO go to LibertyUSO.org</div>

Our Delaware Valley introduces you to the people and organizations making a difference in our community, from health and safety issues to education, employment, and even entertainment opportunities.

Our Delaware Valley looks for solutions and positive action to make our region a better place to call home.

Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Our Delaware Valley

August 26, 2018 Liberty USO

Priscilla Rakestraw, Deputy Director of Development for the Ministry of Caring described the history of the charity, starting from a homeless women’s shelter to a multi-site organization that supports the homeless and the working poor with through counseling, job training/employment and a job placement, a food pantry, emergency shelters, Rapid Re-Housing, Day Care and Learning Centers, dental services, clothing distribution center, a residential Senior Center, and three dining halls that serve the public with hot meals.  
We discussed the upcoming 41st Annual Emmanuel Dining Room Auction – in Fabulous Las Vegas style! It’s Sunday, April 28 from 2 to 6, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington with games, food, an open bar, music, silent and live auctions with free parking! Tickets to the Las Vegas theme auction – $125 per person, just $75 for those under age 25, get them now at ministryofcaring.org
For more information about services, volunteering or donations, go to ministryofcaring.org.

Priscilla Rakestraw, Deputy Director of Development for the Ministry of Caring described the history of the charity, starting from a homeless women’s shelter to a multi-site organization that supports the homeless and the working poor with through counseling, job training/employment and a job placement, a food pantry, emergency shelters, Rapid Re-Housing, Day Care and Learning Centers, dental services, clothing distribution center, a residential Senior Center, and three dining halls that serve the public with hot meals.   We discussed the upcoming 41st Annual Emmanuel Dining Room Auction – in Fabulous Las Vegas style! It’s Sunday, April 28 from 2 to 6, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington with games, food, an open bar, music, silent and live auctions with free parking! Tickets to the Las Vegas theme auction – $125 per person, just $75 for those under age 25, get them now at <a href="http://www.ministryofcaring.org">ministryofcaring.org</a> For more information about services, volunteering or donations, go to <a href="http://www.ministryofcaring.org">ministryofcaring.org</a>.

The Ministry of Caring Serving The Poor

From Rebuilding Together Philadelphia Stefanie Seldin, President and CEO, and Jean Allen, Volunteer,  Board Member and recipient of a home rebuild, discussed the non-profit that seeks to repair homes and revitalize communities.  Each year, with the support of hundreds of volunteers and community partners, they provide repairs to at least 125 homeowners, over 2,100 homes since 1988 to make them safe, healthy and secure assets for the next generation.  Volunteers work along side professional builders to make homes safe for their owners, based on a 25-point check list of priorities that includes fixing exterior walls and rooves, removing mold and pests, kitchens, baths and laundry are vented, smoke and CO detectors are installed, carpeting removed and replaced with dust free flooring, fixing plumbing and heating, and installing grab bars where needed.   

We discussed Philadelphia’s housing, older homes, an older population, with a 25% poverty rate and 51% home ownership, many with title issues.  Stefanie explained there are over 27,000 homes without the basics of heat or running water and 25% of our children have asthma, affecting their health, their education and their parents ability to work. 

Jean described the process, once homes are chosen through partnership with participating community development agencies, the hired contractors work with the homeowner to review the work, then volunteers and neighbors work together with them to complete the jobs.  The results, a liveable, safe home that not only increases the home’s value but impacts the neighborhood with lower crime rates and a new sense of community.

RTP believes that housing is a human right fundamental to survival, and homeownership gives a family the financial security of building equity (rather than paying rent) as well as the security of having a place to call your own.  It offers a stable environment to raise a family, a sense of pride, and a stake in the community. 

Stefanie and Jean discussed the need for volunteers, individuals and groups or businesses to work at their three annual Block Builds or the Asthma Trigger Reduction program rebuilding days.  They also need participants and volunteers for their Saturday, May 8th annual 5k Run/2-mile Walk to help raise money for the home repairs that keep people safe in their homes.

For more information about programming and volunteer opportunities go to RebuildingPhilly.org

From Rebuilding Together Philadelphia Stefanie Seldin, President and CEO, and Jean Allen, Volunteer,  Board Member and recipient of a home rebuild, discussed the non-profit that seeks to repair homes and revitalize communities.  Each year, with the support of hundreds of volunteers and community partners, they provide repairs to at least 125 homeowners, over 2,100 homes since 1988 to make them safe, healthy and secure assets for the next generation.  Volunteers work along side professional builders to make homes safe for their owners, based on a 25-point check list of priorities that includes fixing exterior walls and rooves, removing mold and pests, kitchens, baths and laundry are vented, smoke and CO detectors are installed, carpeting removed and replaced with dust free flooring, fixing plumbing and heating, and installing grab bars where needed.   
We discussed Philadelphia’s housing, older homes, an older population, with a 25% poverty rate and 51% home ownership, many with title issues.  Stefanie explained there are over 27,000 homes without the basics of heat or running water and 25% of our children have asthma, affecting their health, their education and their parents ability to work. 
Jean described the process, once homes are chosen through partnership with participating community development agencies, the hired contractors work with the homeowner to review the work, then volunteers and neighbors work together with them to complete the jobs.  The results, a liveable, safe home that not only increases the home’s value but impacts the neighborhood with lower crime rates and a new sense of community.
RTP believes that housing is a human right fundamental to survival, and homeownership gives a family the financial security of building equity (rather than paying rent) as well as the security of having a place to call your own.  It offers a stable environment to raise a family, a sense of pride, and a stake in the community. 
Stefanie and Jean discussed the need for volunteers, individuals and groups or businesses to work at their three annual Block Builds or the Asthma Trigger Reduction program rebuilding days.  They also need participants and volunteers for their Saturday, May 8th annual 5k Run/2-mile Walk to help raise money for the home repairs that keep people safe in their homes.
For more information about programming and volunteer opportunities go to <a href="http://www.RebuildingPhilly.org">RebuildingPhilly.org</a>

Rebuilding Together Philadelphia

Stephanie Gambone, President and CEO ofJunior Achievement of Southeastern PA discussed the national organization that readies young people to be future-ready for economic mobility and the pursuit of their own ambitions.   With a focus on under-resourced communities, JA works within schools with students as young as five, through middle and high school, to provide access to high quality financial education and career-readiness learning experiences to inspire possibilities, prepare them for careers, and build skills to succeed.   Programming has expanded through a US Department of Labor ‘Workforce Pathways for Youth Demonstration Grant’ to support young people through the age 25 to help them build connections through internships and mentoring. 

She spoke of the need for volunteers, individuals to work with the school programs, and local workforce partners, community organizations, and other nonprofits to offer job internships, business skills and networking.

For more information on enrolling your student or bringing JA to your school, or to volunteer, visit southeasternpa.JA.org

Stephanie Gambone, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Southeastern PA discussed the national organization that readies young people to be future-ready for economic mobility and the pursuit of their own ambitions.   With a focus on under-resourced communities, JA works within schools with students as young as five, through middle and high school, to provide access to high quality financial education and career-readiness learning experiences to inspire possibilities, prepare them for careers, and build skills to succeed.   Programming has expanded through a US Department of Labor ‘Workforce Pathways for Youth Demonstration Grant’ to support young people through the age 25 to help them build connections through internships and mentoring. 
She spoke of the need for volunteers, individuals to work with the school programs, and local workforce partners, community organizations, and other nonprofits to offer job internships, business skills and networking.
For more information on enrolling your student or bringing JA to your school, or to volunteer, visit <a href="http://www.southeasternpa.JA.org">southeasternpa.JA.org</a>

August 26, 2018 Liberty USO

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