Daniel Lombardo, CEO of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley discussed their needs for the families and individuals they support throughout the year with emergency support and wrap-around services.   He spoke of the current housing crisis, especially among the elderly, acerbated by COVID; he also discussed the needs of families who often leave a residence with little more than the clothes on their backs.   Volunteers of America supports its clients with emergency shelter, for men, women and families, and in Philadelphia those with traumatic brain injuries; he described their intake and plan for putting them back to self-sufficiency through social services, job and financial training.  We discussed the impact of being homeless and how it has a lasting effect on parents and children, it’s a defined trauma.  He also spoke of their programming for those returning from incarceration, veterans and persons caught up in Human Trafficking.  He reminds us that Human Trafficking is a growing crime that will only get worse with the big events coming to the Delaware Valley for the country’s 250th celebration. 

We talked about the needs, beyond the food pantries they offer, Volunteers of America need clothing – especially underwear – for all ages, household goods and linens. 

We discussed the annual Beasley Media Group station BEN FM Radiothon for Volunteers and he asks us to support their families at the holidays.  You or your business can adopt a family to provide the necessary items they need, or you can select names and needs from their Amazon list.   They also need volunteers throughout the years.    

The BEN FM radiothon is December 11th from 6A to 6P live from the Great Plaza at Cherry Hill Mall, next to Santa.  Kristen Hermann hosts with help from 6abc. 

For more information about the services and programming of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley and how you can support them through donations or volunteering, go to VOADV.org. 

For more details on the annual radiothon visit BENFM.com.

Daniel Lombardo, CEO of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley discussed their needs for the families and individuals they support throughout the year with emergency support and wrap-around services.   He spoke of the current housing crisis, especially among the elderly, acerbated by COVID; he also discussed the needs of families who often leave a residence with little more than the clothes on their backs.   Volunteers of America supports its clients with emergency shelter, for men, women and families, and in Philadelphia those with traumatic brain injuries; he described their intake and plan for putting them back to self-sufficiency through social services, job and financial training.  We discussed the impact of being homeless and how it has a lasting effect on parents and children, it’s a defined trauma.  He also spoke of their programming for those returning from incarceration, veterans and persons caught up in Human Trafficking.  He reminds us that Human Trafficking is a growing crime that will only get worse with the big events coming to the Delaware Valley for the country’s 250th celebration. 
We talked about the needs, beyond the food pantries they offer, Volunteers of America need clothing – especially underwear – for all ages, household goods and linens. 
We discussed the annual Beasley Media Group station BEN FM Radiothon for Volunteers and he asks us to support their families at the holidays.  You or your business can adopt a family to provide the necessary items they need, or you can select names and needs from their Amazon list.   They also need volunteers throughout the years.    
The BEN FM radiothon is December 11th from 6A to 6P live from the Great Plaza at Cherry Hill Mall, next to Santa.  Kristen Hermann hosts with help from 6abc. 
For more information about the services and programming of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley and how you can support them through donations or volunteering, go to <a href="https://www.VOADV.org">VOADV.org</a>. 
For more details on the annual radiothon visit <a href="https://957benfm.com/2024/11/12/adopt-a-family-radiothon-2023-2/">BENFM.com</a>.

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

Volunteers of America need your help at the holidays and throughout the year

Sasha Suda, the George D. Widener Director and CEO, and Audrey Hudson, the new Kathleen C. Sherrerd Deputy Director for Learning and Engagement for the Philadelphia Museum of Art discussed the museum’s educational offerings and its Fall exhibit, The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure.  Now through February 9, 2025 in the Dorence Galleries.  This North American Premiere of an exhibit launched by the museum and the National Portrait Gallery in London, brings together artists working in the U.S. and the U.K., including Michael Armitage, Claudette Johnson, Kerry James Marshall, Toyin Ojih Odutola, and Amy Sherald, known for First Lady Michele Obama’s portrait and Philadelphia’s Sansom Street mural.  For Philadelphia, additional artists working in Philadelphia, London, and New York have been added, including Jonathan Lyndon Chase, Kudzanai-Violet Hwami, Roberto Lugo, Danielle Mckinney, Deborah Roberts, and Arthur Timothy.

We talked about the history and the importance of the museum, both culturally and economically – Sue notes that tickets have been sold in over 40 countries to their current exhibition.  With holdings of over 2790,000 items, including one of three Van Gogh Sunflowers painting, the museum is a destination stop  for many travelers. 

They discussed the programming that allows the museum to be more accessible to all communities and all ages, including a new programming providing free busing and free guided tours to students in the Philadelphia School District and all tri-state Title-1 schools.  In addition to the youth programming, exhibitions and galleries feature online and in-person lectures and seminars, member tours and other programs to open the doors of the museum to all.

We discussed visiting the museum by planning ahead, the museum is open Thursday through Sunday, with Monday and Tuesdays reserved for school groups, and it’s open later on Friday evening with added music and dance programs, food and wine and cocktails.  The third Sunday of each month is also pay as you wish, and youth under 18 are always admitted free of charge.   

Now through the end of December, in honor of Rocky Fest, the Museum is displaying the Rocky statue, lent by Sylvester Stalone, at the tops of the famous steps as it was in the movie.  They invite visitors to run the steps, pose with Rocky and then come into the museum. 

For more information about educational programming, upcoming events, membership and planning a visit, go to philamuseum.org.    

Sasha Suda, the George D. Widener Director and CEO, and Audrey Hudson, the new Kathleen C. Sherrerd Deputy Director for Learning and Engagement for the Philadelphia Museum of Art discussed the museum&rsquo;s educational offerings and its Fall exhibit, The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure.&nbsp; Now through February 9, 2025 in the Dorence Galleries.&nbsp; This North American Premiere of an exhibit launched by the museum and the National Portrait Gallery in London, brings together artists working in the U.S. and the U.K., including Michael Armitage, Claudette Johnson, Kerry James Marshall, Toyin Ojih Odutola, and Amy Sherald, known for First Lady Michele Obama&rsquo;s portrait and Philadelphia&rsquo;s Sansom Street mural. &nbsp;For Philadelphia, additional artists working in Philadelphia, London, and New York have been added, including Jonathan Lyndon Chase, Kudzanai-Violet Hwami, Roberto Lugo, Danielle Mckinney, Deborah Roberts, and Arthur Timothy.
We talked about the history and the importance of the museum, both culturally and economically &ndash; Sue notes that tickets have been sold in over 40 countries to their current exhibition.&nbsp; With holdings of over 2790,000 items, including one of three Van Gogh Sunflowers painting, the museum is a destination stop &nbsp;for many travelers.&nbsp;
They discussed the programming that allows the museum to be more accessible to all communities and all ages, including a new programming providing free busing and free guided tours to students in the Philadelphia School District and all tri-state Title-1 schools.&nbsp; In addition to the youth programming, exhibitions and galleries feature online and in-person lectures and seminars, member tours and other programs to open the doors of the museum to all.
We discussed visiting the museum by planning ahead, the museum is open Thursday through Sunday, with Monday and Tuesdays reserved for school groups, and it&rsquo;s open later on Friday evening with added music and dance programs, food and wine and cocktails. &nbsp;The third Sunday of each month is also pay as you wish, and youth under 18 are always admitted free of charge.&nbsp; &nbsp;
Now through the end of December, in honor of Rocky Fest, the Museum is displaying the Rocky statue, lent by Sylvester Stalone, at the tops of the famous steps as it was in the movie.&nbsp; They invite visitors to run the steps, pose with Rocky and then come into the museum.&nbsp;
For more information about educational programming, upcoming events, membership and planning a visit, go to <a href="http://www.philamuseum.org/">philamuseum.org</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Philadelphia Museum of Art

From the Gift of Life Donor Program its President and CEO, Rick Hasz, Volunteer and ‘Donor Dad’ Gary Stever, and Volunteer Ambassador and heart recipient Earl Jones, discussed the largest organ procurement organization (OPO) in the nation, serving more than 11.3 million people across the eastern half of Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware and coordinating more organ and tissue donors than anywhere else in the US.  

Rick explains that GOF helps save lives by coordinating the recovery and distribution of organs and tissues used in life-saving and life-enhancing transplants.  Each organ donor can save up to eight lives while a single tissue donor can impact up to 100.  Gary explained that skin is used for burn and reconstructive surgery patients, corneas can restore sight, bone can repair fractures and prevent amputations, and heart valves repair defects, to name a few uses of donated tissues.   Organ donors can donate their heart, intestines, kidneys, pancreas and lungs.

Gift of Life is the link between individuals and families who make the decision to donate, and those who need a transplant.  For the year 2023 their efforts resulted in 693 Organ Donors, 1,734 Organs Transplanted, 1,433 Musculoskeletal Donors and 2,278 Cornea Donors.

Earl discussed his experiences.  He was born with a genetic heart defect that went undetected until he was 12 years old and he had a normal childhood of sports and play.  It wasn’t until he turned 30 that he developed congestive heart failure that put him in the hospital and on the heart waiting list.  Twenty-two years after his transplant, he has seen his children grow up and now has grandchildren to enjoy.

In recognition of their 50th anniversary in 2024, they are conducting a ‘50,000 for 50’ Donor Drive, looking for 50,000 to pledge their organs.  Signing up and making your wishes known can help your loved ones during a terrible time.   Gary, described the comfort he felt knowing his son’s organs were going to help others;  he felt as if his son’s story was continuing, it wasn’t total ending.   

Both Earl and Gary are avid volunteers who share their stories in hopes they can inspire others to make the decision, for themselves and for their loved ones.

Gary explains that it costs the donor family nothing to give and their staff are there to walk them through the process.   They will be there after, too, with counseling and support.   He reminds us that there are about 5,000 in our area waiting for an organ transplant, more than 100,000 nationally and each day 17 will die on the waiting list.    

There are also volunteer opportunities at Gift of Life, including helping at Howie’s House, a residence for people waiting for the call, fund raising and awareness campaigns.  

For more information go to DONORS1.org 

From the Gift of Life Donor Program its President and CEO, Rick Hasz, Volunteer and &lsquo;Donor Dad&rsquo; Gary Stever, and Volunteer Ambassador and heart recipient Earl Jones, discussed the largest organ procurement organization (OPO) in the nation, serving more than 11.3 million people across the eastern half of Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware and coordinating more organ and tissue donors than anywhere else in the US. &nbsp;
Rick explains that GOF helps save lives by coordinating the recovery and distribution of organs and tissues used in life-saving and life-enhancing transplants.&nbsp; Each organ donor can save up to eight lives while a single tissue donor can impact up to 100.&nbsp; Gary explained that skin is used for burn and reconstructive surgery patients, corneas can restore sight, bone can repair fractures and prevent amputations, and heart valves repair defects, to name a few uses of donated tissues.&nbsp; &nbsp;Organ donors can donate their heart, intestines, kidneys, pancreas and lungs.
Gift of Life is the link between individuals and families who make the decision to donate, and those who need a transplant.&nbsp; For the year 2023 their efforts resulted in 693 Organ Donors, 1,734 Organs Transplanted, 1,433 Musculoskeletal Donors and 2,278 Cornea Donors.
Earl discussed his experiences.&nbsp; He was born with a genetic heart defect that went undetected until he was 12 years old and he had a normal childhood of sports and play.&nbsp; It wasn&rsquo;t until he turned 30 that he developed congestive heart failure that put him in the hospital and on the heart waiting list.&nbsp; Twenty-two years after his transplant, he has seen his children grow up and now has grandchildren to enjoy.
In recognition of their 50th anniversary in 2024, they are conducting a &lsquo;50,000 for 50&rsquo; Donor Drive, looking for 50,000 to pledge their organs.&nbsp; Signing up and making your wishes known can help your loved ones during a terrible time.&nbsp;&nbsp; Gary, described the comfort he felt knowing his son&rsquo;s organs were going to help others; &nbsp;he felt as if his son&rsquo;s story was continuing, it wasn&rsquo;t total ending.&nbsp; &nbsp;
Both Earl and Gary are avid volunteers who share their stories in hopes they can inspire others to make the decision, for themselves and for their loved ones.
Gary explains that it costs the donor family nothing to give and their staff are there to walk them through the process.&nbsp; &nbsp;They will be there after, too, with counseling and support.&nbsp;&nbsp; He reminds us that there are about 5,000 in our area waiting for an organ transplant, more than 100,000 nationally and each day 17 will die on the waiting list.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;
There are also volunteer opportunities at Gift of Life, including helping at Howie&rsquo;s House, a residence for people waiting for the call, fund raising and awareness campaigns.&nbsp;&nbsp;
For more information go to <a href="https://www.DONORS1.org">DONORS1.org</a>&nbsp;

The Gift of Life Donor Program

Leslie Macedo, Senior Director of Programing and Mark Schulz, Senior Director of External Affairs discussed Dancing Classrooms and Musicopia, programs that deliver professional lessons in music and dancing to area classrooms. 

Founded in 1974, Musicopia’s mission is to provide equitable access to music education and enrichment, encouraging self-confidence, global awareness, dedication and joy in Pre-K to 12th grade students and their communities. 

It revitalizes school music programs in the Greater Philadelphia area, bringing over 151 teaching artists into classrooms at over 130 schools, with music that reflects that community and the students’ interests.   Programming includes in-class lessons, string orchestras and after-school  drumlines.

In addition to the classroom lessons, Musicopia’s Gift of Music program collects, repairs and places gently-used band and orchestral instruments in playable or reasonably repairable condition in schools and with students who are eager to play and are in need of a quality instrument.   The Lullabye Project, in conjunction with Carnegie Hall, allows parents and caretakers to create a special song for their child with professional musicians to discover new and fun ways to sing, move, and play together during family time. Music and play promote self-care and a child's development.

Learn more about Musicopia programming at musicopia.net.

Dancing Classrooms, is a global program was launched in Philadelphia in 2007 to teach ballroom dancing, merengue, foxtrot, rumba, tango, swing, and waltz and selected “sugar” dances – such as the cha cha slide and stomp, to entire 5th and or 8th grade classes.  The program fosters teamwork and other social skills, giving students the confidence, connection, and community to take the lead in their lives.   Beyond in-class lessons they offer teaching workshops, and classes in Hip Hop, Latin and now, K Pop, there’s an end of the year performance and selected students are given the opportunity to represent their school at the optional Colors of the Rainbow Team Match events.  Schools can request lessons and fundraise the fees for teachers and costs; there are some limited scholarship opportunities. 

Learn more about the programming at dancingclassroomsphilly.org.

The programs will host a special party December 5, 5:30 to 7:30 at World Café Live.  High Note High Step, will celebrate the impact of Musicopia and DCP’s programs and the passion and artistry of their students in Musicopia’s 50th year.   There will be youth performances, inspiring stories, food, drinks, and a prize raffle.  Tickets are $50 or pay-as-you-wish.  

Leslie Macedo, Senior Director of Programing and Mark Schulz, Senior Director of External Affairs discussed Dancing Classrooms and Musicopia, programs that deliver professional lessons in music and dancing to area classrooms. 
Founded in 1974, Musicopia’s mission is to provide equitable access to music education and enrichment, encouraging self-confidence, global awareness, dedication and joy in Pre-K to 12th grade students and their communities. 
It revitalizes school music programs in the Greater Philadelphia area, bringing over 151 teaching artists into classrooms at over 130 schools, with music that reflects that community and the students’ interests.   Programming includes in-class lessons, string orchestras and after-school  drumlines.
In addition to the classroom lessons, Musicopia’s Gift of Music program collects, repairs and places gently-used band and orchestral instruments in playable or reasonably repairable condition in schools and with students who are eager to play and are in need of a quality instrument.   The Lullabye Project, in conjunction with Carnegie Hall, allows parents and caretakers to create a special song for their child with professional musicians to discover new and fun ways to sing, move, and play together during family time. Music and play promote self-care and a child's development.
Learn more about Musicopia programming at <a href="https://www.musicopia.net">musicopia.net</a>.
Dancing Classrooms, is a global program was launched in Philadelphia in 2007 to teach ballroom dancing, merengue, foxtrot, rumba, tango, swing, and waltz and selected “sugar” dances – such as the cha cha slide and stomp, to entire 5th and or 8th grade classes.  The program fosters teamwork and other social skills, giving students the confidence, connection, and community to take the lead in their lives.   Beyond in-class lessons they offer teaching workshops, and classes in Hip Hop, Latin and now, K Pop, there’s an end of the year performance and selected students are given the opportunity to represent their school at the optional Colors of the Rainbow Team Match events.  Schools can request lessons and fundraise the fees for teachers and costs; there are some limited scholarship opportunities. 
Learn more about the programming at <a href="https://www.dancingclassroomsphilly.org">dancingclassroomsphilly.org</a>.
The programs will host a special party December 5, 5:30 to 7:30 at World Café Live.  High Note High Step, will celebrate the impact of Musicopia and DCP’s programs and the passion and artistry of their students in Musicopia’s 50th year.   There will be youth performances, inspiring stories, food, drinks, and a prize raffle.  Tickets are $50 or pay-as-you-wish.

Volunteers of America need your help at the holidays and throughout the year

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