Rearing Successful Sons mobilizes Philly talent by forging human connections with Point Breeze youth
One in four people in Philadelphia between the ages of 18 and 24 are “disconnected” from the labor market – out of school and out of work – according to a September study by Drexel University’s Center for Labor Markets and Policy. These youth represent a resource that is of growing importance for area employers, now that the job market is tightening and the unemployment rate is teetering at just over 5 percent.
Presbyterian Community Ministries of Delaware Valley (PCMDV ) has assembled a broad, multiracial coalition to forge human connections to these youth, who are disproportionately African American. It is sponsoring a new initiative called Rearing Successful Sons (RSS), which currently serves African American youth 9 to 17 years. Successful professionals from around the city, representing Philadelphians from all walks and stages of life, invest in the youth, engage them and prepare them for future success.
On Sunday, Nov. 8, Rearing Successful Sons will host is first public fundraiser. It has h has been holding community meetings and working in Point Breeze for nearly a year. The fundraiser, “An Afternoon of Music,” begins at 3 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom at First District Plaza, 3801 Market Street. Tickets are $10 each. Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, RSS Drummers and Drummers with An Attitude will be featured performers. Rev. Lorina Marshall Blake, president of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, is Honorary Chair.
Rearing Successful Sons is designed to build resilience thorough human connection,” according to Delores Brisbon, the retired Chief Operating Officer of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, the first African-American ever appointed to that position. “We embrace a truth that one loving adult in the life of a child can make a difference.”
The RSS Program is modeled by a book titled “REACHING TEENS – Strength Based Communication Strategies To Build Resilience and Support Healthy Adolescent Development, edited by Kenneth R. Ginsburg, M.D., FAAP, FSAHM and Sara B. Kinsman, M.D., Ph.D., pediatricians in the Department of Adolescent Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Ginsburg is the Director of Health Services for Covenant House. Using human connection, the unique, science-based program focuses on building the seven C’s in young men: confidence, competence, connection, contribution, coping, character and control.
All proceeds from the event will benefit Rearing Successful Sons. Call 215 389-5504 for tickets and additional information.
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