By Todd Hopkins
PEC's BELL Permanent Supportive Housing Program Manager

Rha’sha is Building Early Links for Learning's newest Parent Ambassador. In that position, she is learning to share her story with other parents in Permanent Supportive Housing. She is hoping to do this as she engages families about the importance of early childhood development. She is very enthusiastic about child development. Along with being a Parent Ambassador, Rha’sha is currently working as an Assistant Teacher at an early childhood education program. She is currently taking classes online to earn her Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education. 

She was asked to speak to a group of thirty eighth graders about her experience as a resident in the Permanent Supportive Housing system. This was her first time sharing it in front of a group of people. It is something that she wants to get comfortable doing. “I have a fear of speaking to crowds. I want to overcome that fear by being here today. I’m trying to help people while getting over my fear.” 

Rha’sha is clear about what she wants her next goals to be. “I want to own my own home and I want to own my own daycare. I love working with children. There is a lot that I want to. Everybody has a story to tell. I plan to get really good at telling mine.” 

For more information on the Parent Ambassadors and BELL-Permanent Supportive Housing, contact Todd Hopkins at thopkins@pec-cares.org. To learn more about PEC's Early Childhood Education programs, visit www.pec-cares.org/early-childhood-education.
 

Keonna (her name has been changed to protect her privacy) is a 10-year-old girl living at People’s Emergency Center (PEC) with her family. She is a regular participant in PEC’s “Kids Therapeutic Arts and Movement” group, facilitated by Laurie Amado, our Independence Foundation Health and Human Services Fellow. Laurie took a few moments to tell us about this group and its significance for our families.

​Your job title, company: Vice President, Wells Fargo
Last read book or favorite book: Parable of the Sower, Salt to the Sea
You can find me streaming: Parks and Recreation
Best leadership advice ever received: “Don’t believe everything you think”

Theresa Clark and Michael Cormany are pillars of the communities PEC serves. As volunteers in PEC’s food relief program, their dedication and compassion has been critical to keeping services running consistently through the pandemic. Mike and Theresa helped us distribute more than 150,000 boxes of fresh produce and other products since 2020 – 5 times more than in any previous two-year period!

FEBRUARY 10, 2022

Welcome to our newest feature for this blog,  “Spotted on the Avenue,” which will introduce you to the small businesses in and around Lancaster Avenue here in West Philadelphia. We will be highlighting all those great “spots” where you shop, play, eat, celebrate, and more. 
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This month, we are looking at Imperial Caribbean & Seafood, located at 725 N. 42nd Street, owned by Jen Smith, her husband Thommy, and David Ross. According to their website, “Imperial is here to bring the fire and desire of Authentic Caribbean Cuisine, and the Seafood Sensations of Maryland to your door…with a taste of Soul.” 

​Day Job: Director of Core Infrastructure Services, Independence Blue Cross
Last Read or Favorite Book: The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein
Best Leadership Advice: Efficiency can never replace effectiveness.
What You Were Most Surprised to Learn about PEC:  The dedication to a holistic approach in serving the community.
Why You Joined PEC’s Board: To apply my talents to a cause focused on empowering those in need.