
The William Penn Foundation award a $150,000 grant to the
ParentChild+ home visiting program to allow it to expand and cover
50 more PHA families. Home visitors coach adults on the best ways
to use books and play to support their child's development. The
Foundation awarded another $150,000 grant for the authority's
out-of-school time (OST) programming for 250 youth at 11
sites.
(Philadelphia - June 30, 2020)-William
Penn Foundation (WPF) has conferred two, generous grants to the
Philadelphia Housing Authority's (PHA) to address the impacts of
COVID-19 and the economic shutdown. The $150,000 grants to each
program will help the authority modify the ParentChild+ home
visiting program and out-of-school time (OST) program for youth,
keeping participants safe during the pandemic.
"We are thrilled and most grateful to the William Penn
Foundation for its support of these vital programs. The emergency
caused by the pandemic has stretched everyone's resources, so these
grants are like manna from heaven," said PHA President and CEO
Kelvin A. Jeremiah.
"We know that much work is needed to ensure that all
Philadelphians share in the recovery from COVID- 19," said Janet
Haas, M.D., Board Chair of William Penn Foundation, in a
statement detailing these grants among others.
"These initial grants signify our commitment to helping
ensure that all Philadelphians have the opportunities and resources
needed to thrive."
The Foundation grant to the ParentChild+ home visiting
program will allow it to expand and cover 50 more PHA families.
Home visitors coach adults on the best ways to use books and play
to support their child's development.
Families with children ranging in age from 16 months to 5
years will receive twice weekly Zoom "visits" from a
community-based early learning expert, as well as children's books
and educational toys. The visits will help reduce learning loss and
family stress. The health emergency has made it extremely difficult
for families living in PHA developments to participate in existing
early childhood programs offered by the agency.
The second grant will transform PHA's out-of-school time
(OST) programming for 250 youth at 11 sites. The authority and its
partner organizations will redesign and implement enhanced OST
programming that responds to the current conditions, including
developing print materials and virtual programming, and extending
the "Lunch and Literacy" program at three sites. The agency has
moved to substantially expand internet access at its sites, which
will strengthen this work.
The William Penn Foundation was founded in 1945 by Otto
and Phoebe Haas, and dedicated to improving the quality of life in
the Greater Philadelphia region through efforts that increase
educational opportunities for children from low-income families,
ensure a sustainable environment, foster creativity that enhances
civic life, and advances philanthropy in the Philadelphia region.
In 2020, the Foundation will grant more than $117 million to
support vital efforts in the region.