Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Tina Pagotto, CEO of Bethesda Project, discussed the continuum of services offered by the non-profit, helping the homeless of Philadelphia's Center City district.  Ms Pagotto discussed its history; a group of volunteers in Paoli looking to find support for what we then called, 'Bag Ladies,'   From caring about their basic immediate needs they began looking at long term solutions t bring the homeless into self- sufficiency.  Today they have 14 residential sites throughout Center City, with common ares and kitchens and volunteers on site.  She discussed their philosophy of 'housing first.'  Many organizations work on a temporary sheltering basis; a client must prove he or she is 'housing ready' with issues resolved before receiving housing; Bethesda believes that by removing the stress and chaos of the street, you can get a better, long last term result.  Not a temporary homeless shelter, they work with single, homeless adult men to first house, then help them develop a plan to remain sheltered, through drug and alcohol treatment, medical and psychiatric care, education and/or job training. Self-determination is key.  She noted that one size doesn't fit all, some need mental health services, many need government IDs; all are evaluated individually.  Bethesda works with other agencies, avoiding a duplication of services, connecting their clients with the programs and resources they need.  We discussed Philadelphia's high poverty rate and low supply of affordable housing and its high rate of alcohol abuse and addiction despite its growing economy and buzz and Ms Pagotto reminds us, it's the measure of a thriving city, how we care for hose on the margins.  Bethesda is looking for businesses and individuals as donors and volunteers, it is in need of in-kind and cash contributions for its residents and residences, and volunteers to work in their homes and offices.

For more information visit BETHESDAPROJECT.ORG

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leslie Hickman, Chief Officer of Septa and Key Card Spokeswoman, stopped by the WMMR studios to talk about the , The Septa Key Card roll out on Lines 1 & 2, The Septa Key Card and it's advantages/perks, why SEPTA and more. Thank you for listening. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lindsay So, Assistant Director of Philadelphia's Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, discussed the city's art initiatives, from the '1% For Art' mandate, to online connectors between the city and local and national artists. We started with a brief discussion of the art's impact on the city, Ms So noted that it is a booming industry that affects not just the artists, but the travel and tourism business as well, pumping over 157 million in taxes. As the nation's first World Heritage City, Philadelphia stands out for its public art collection of over 11,000 pieces; Ms So discussed the city's long standing program 'I% for art' which requires triggering construction projects to set aside one percent of its total budget for a piece of public art.   She described the process, citing the city's own new Archives which incorporates an interactive mural depicting local sites important to racial equality and civil rights.  We also discussed the Mural Arts Project, originally an anti-graffiti campaign, now an internationally recognized program that works with artists and local communities to tell the stories of people, events and neighborhoods.  She spoke about ArtsLink, the city's online resource to match artists with projects and art lovers with classes and events, and the published Guide to Philadelphia Public Art.   Ms So also pointed out that culture includes 'history' and the office is charged with the protection and maintenance of several important sites, including Bethel Burying Ground, the city's oldest religious affiliated burial ground for African Americans. Culture also includes other types of art and the city sponsors in-school and neighborhood performances of circus, music, dance and other selections throughout the year.   Ms So invites all to visit City Hall's standing gallery, the April 'Jazz Month' performances, the Arts Education Fair in August and the many other free events and activities offered by the city.

For more information visit CREATIVEPHL.ORG

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kwinn Tucker, Executive Director, and Nancy Craskey, Director of Development, discussed CityTeam and its work with the families of Chester County and neighboring communities in Delaware and Southern New Jersey.  CityTeam works with families for lasting solutions, addressing systemic issues of intergenerational poverty, food insecurity and addiction.  They are a faith based organization that works with other service providers including Weidner School of Law and local wellness clinics, they aim to instill ownership of the process in their clients, they ask ‘what are your immediate needs’ and ‘how can we help?’  Their own services range from emergency crisis help such as food or diapers, to addiction help, a ‘shop’ in their main facility where families can choose clothing for the parents and kids and toys and books for their children, a computer lab, GED classes, housing counseling and weekly produce distributions.  They offer accommodations for men who are battling alcohol abuse or addiction as well looking for long-term solutions to their homelessness.  

Learn more at CityTeam.org and select CHESTER or follow them on Facebook as CityTeam/Philadelphia Area, on Instagram @CityTeamChester

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben Saunders, Chief Curator of the Marvel Universe Of Superheroes Exhibit at The Franklin Institute, was in the Beasley Studios to discuss this incredible new exhibit. This is the quintessential art exhibit for those who love Stan Lee's Marvel Universe. It's a special world that Ben speaks about with great passion, knowledge and understanding. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Robb Reichard, Executive Director of The AIDS Fund and Dr. Luis Montaner, VP of Scientific Operations were in The Beasley Studios to discuss the work of The AIDS Fund, Wistar Institute and latest breakthroughs in medical advancements in regards to fighting the disease. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stefanie Seldin, CEO/President, and Brandon Alcorn, Director of Operations of Rebuilding Together Philadelphia discussed the independent, local affiliate of this national organization, working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods through volunteer resources.  We discussed Philadelphia’s aging and poor population and its aging housing, 90% built before 1980.  They described how, through Block Builds every April, June and October, they identify a street and renovate multiple homes, helping the residents retain a habitable home.  They also discussed their programs for seniors, making home repairs and adding adaptive rails and other supports to allow the owner to stay and age in place and retain the home’s value for the next generation.   They described how their renovations and repairs are helping strengthen neighborhood communities.  They discussed the program’s reliance on the now 30,000 volunteers who have helped them aid over 1,585 homeowners over the years and asked for volunteers, individuals and groups, and donations of cash and in-kind materials, as renovations and repairs are made at no cost to the homeowner.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kim Fraites-Dow, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern PA, discussed the 107 year old organization for girls, by girls.  She discussed the research-based programming offered to girls, kindergarten through 12th grade, teaching them a sense of self, allowing them to connect with others and to take action, all in a girls-only safe environment.  She noted that Girl Scouts learn to make things better and to take a leadership role, through lessons and activities in STEM, the outdoors and entrepreneurship.  She explained how the annual cookie drive teaches goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and ethics, while helping support the troop and the activities they want to do.  It also helps offset costs, especially important to low income girls.   Ms Fraites discussed programming for girls of incarcerated mothers, taking them on activities and visits to their parents, as well as outreach into newer and non-English speaking communities.  Finally she discussed the mothers and other volunteers who help the girls run their programs.

Girl Serving.and Girl Leading.

Girl Scouts are found in every zip code across the country, to find your local council go to GIRLSCOUTS.ORG and for Eastern PA visit  GSEP.ORG

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mark Feinman, ACS(American Cancer Society) Bikeathon Chairperson, Winston (cancer survivor) & Jasmine (caregiver) Robinson, were in the Beasley Studio to discuss the 2019 American Cancer Society Bikeathon as well as how some of the monies raised are used locally to benefit families through programs like the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge in Cheltenham. Philadelphia's fantastic cancer fighting teams also receive money for research thanks to events like the ACS Bikeathon. More information at wmmr.com Search Bikeathon.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nick McIlWain from the Preston & Steve show, along with his brother Adam McIlwain and Alyssa Brookstein from Big Climb Philly and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Eastern PA were in the studio to discuss Big Climb Philly, Team Luke and how the money is used locally. A very moving and personal story. Sign up for Team Luke at wmmr.com. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.