Same Mission, One Home

Just a reminder: As of September 1st, our North Philadelphia office at 16th & Cecil B. Moore permanently closed. CDVS continues to provide the same dedicated services and support for survivors in the 9th and 22nd Police Districts from our Center City office. While our location has changed, our mission and commitment remain as strong as ever.

For those visiting our Center City office, please remember to notify us in advance, as security measures at the front desk require clearance before coming up on the elevator. If you are referring clients, kindly remind them that scheduling an appointment beforehand is encouraged.



Although we miss our long-standing office at 1538 Cecil B. Moore, our work remains impactful each and every day. We look forward to continuing this important journey with you from our Center City location.

We are on the MOVE!

We've actively engaged with the community through informative tabling events, providing valuable resources on victim services and youth crime prevention. Check out the images below to see where we've been.

We had a wonderful time at the Annual Community Empowerment Festival. This event is was a collaborative effort with Love Zion Baptist Chruch, CTC of North Philadelphia, PATH Program and 22nd Police Department. Many community members stopped by to get resources, food, and even bookbags for the school year.

From the 9th to the 22nd District, National Night Out was a success! We enjoyed engaging with residents, sharing resources, and celebrating community spirit.

We had a time at Jazz on the Ave 2025. It’s always a pleasure connecting with our North Philadelphia community, sharing resources, and enjoying such an amazing atmosphere together. From incredible live acts and soulful music to the vendors and food (always on point ), this event was truly one to remember.

The Pathways Conference hosted by PCCD at the Kalahari Resort in Mount Pocono was an incredible experience! Advocates, leaders, and service providers from across Pennsylvania and even beyond came together to dive into important conversations around victim services, prevention, and trauma. The days were filled with engaging workshops, networking, and plenty of good food. Our very own Tijania led a dynamic workshop on social media that drew a packed room of more than 70 participants, and she, along with Jim, gained valuable insights to bring back and apply at CDVS. It was truly a time of connection, learning, and growth.

Communities That Care

(CTC)

Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives:

Be Part of the Change! 

37th Ward Communities That Care Coalition (CTC) of North Philadelphia is at the forefront of a community-based approach to preventing and addressing various social issues, especially those related to youth development and well-being. CTC is not just a program; it's a collaborative system that involves diverse stakeholders, including parents, schools, law enforcement, businesses, and social service agencies, working together to create a comprehensive strategy for positive outcomes. 

Join the Coalition!

Be part of this transformative journey! To join the CTC Coalition and contribute to creating a healthier and safer environment, contact

Ericka Gaines, at egainesfam@gmail.com or the CTC Chairs:

Reverend Clarence Hester, Pastor of Erie Street Baptist Church

Email: revhes@gmail.com

Clarence Nelson, Deacon of Love Zion Baptist Church

Email: cgnelson51@verizon.net

🍂 Women on the Rise – September Spotlight 🍂

As we step into a new season, Women on the Rise celebrates the power of renewal, resilience, and transformation. September reminds us that change can be beautiful, even when it feels uncertain. Just like the shifting seasons, women in our community continue to rise, embracing growth, healing, and purpose.

At CDVS, we are proud to honor the journeys of women who have faced challenges with courage and are now rewriting their stories in powerful ways. These women remind us that rising is not only about moving forward. It’s about doing so with intention, impact, and purpose.

September is

Hispanic Heritage

Awareness Month

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15th to October 15th, recognizes the profound contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities to the cultural fabric of the United States. This celebration highlights the resilience, achievements, and rich traditions of Hispanic individuals and families. At CDVS, we are deeply committed to serving the Hispanic population through accessible, culturally sensitive services that address their specific needs. From court advocacy to emotional support, our team is here to provide resources that empower survivors of trauma and violence within this vibrant community.

We work closely with local organizations, community leaders, and stakeholders to ensure Hispanic residents have access to crucial information, including safety planning, legal assistance, and emotional healing. Our aim is to foster a safe, supportive environment where all individuals, regardless of background, feel empowered to seek the help they need. By continuously collaborating with the Hispanic community, CDVS remains dedicated to delivering tailored services that promote healing, safety, and long-term well-being.

September is

Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, an important time to focus on mental health awareness, particularly for those who have experienced trauma or been affected by crime. Trauma survivors, including those impacted by violence, abuse, or witnessing a crime, can be more vulnerable to feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and suicidal thoughts. The aftermath of such experiences often leads individuals to feel overwhelmed and without proper support. They may also believe that there’s no escape from their pain.

Recognizing warning signs is key to prevention. Changes in behavior, mood swings, social withdrawal, or expressions of feeling like a burden can indicate someone is in distress. Being attentive to these signs and providing a safe space for open conversation can make a difference. Encourage professional support through counseling, therapy, or helplines, and remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. CDVS remains committed to supporting those affected by trauma, offering vital resources for their mental well-being and emotional healing during this critical time.

If you need to call the suicide prevention hotline in Philadelphia by calling

988 Philly is your connection to free, confidential support during a mental health, substance use, or suicidal crisis. You will be connected to a professional counselor 24/7.

September is

Sexual Health

Awareness Month

Sexual Health Awareness Month is not only about promoting safe practices, but also about recognizing how vital sexual health is to violence prevention. When individuals have access to accurate sexual health information and resources, they are empowered to make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships. This knowledge helps prevent situations of sexual coercion, assault, and abuse by establishing clear boundaries and promoting mutual respect.



Promoting consent, healthy relationships, and open communication about sexual health reduces the risk of sexual violence. At CDVS, we emphasize the connection between sexual health and violence prevention, as education plays a critical role in fostering safer communities. By providing resources and advocating for violence prevention, we create an environment where individuals can protect themselves and others from harm. This month is a reminder that protecting one's sexual health is a crucial step in preventing violence.

Let's Talk About

The RED ZONE

Stay informed and stay safe. Did you know that the first few months of the college year, known as The Red Zone, are when students are most vulnerable to sexual assault? We’re here to answer your questions, provide resources, and spread awareness to help keep our community safe. Remember, knowledge is power, and together we can make a difference.

Police for People

Walking escorts are available to accompany individuals to locations within Temple University's patrol boundaries. Escorts are security bike officers that maintain communication with Temple Police. Escort service is available daily. Below are the instructions to request an escort. Everyone please be safe.

Community members and the 9th District came together to fill 2,000 backpacks, ensuring kids were prepared and supported as they head back to school.

Temple University’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) hosted a comprehensive tabletop exercise focused on emergency response coordination. The exercise aimed to strengthen campus-wide readiness, according to Len Clark, Director of OEM.

Temple Public Safety hosted an amazing kickoff for the Pack the Patrol Car school supply drive, filling backpacks for students heading back to school! They were able to pack 80+ bookbags at the event.

Temple Public Safety Welcomes Barkley, the New Therapy Dog!

Meet Barkley, a 3-month-old Chocolate Labrador training to become a certified therapy dog. While still in the early stages of her eight-month training program, Barkley is already making an impact on campus greeting students with cuddles, tummy rubs, and a warm welcome.

According to her handler, Willard Griffin, college life can be stressful, from being away from home to keeping up with assignments and exams. Barkley’s mission is simple but powerful: to bring comfort, calm, and joy to the Temple community.

Temple's Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin and Deputy Director of Emergency Management Joshua Nussbaum shared important safety tips & reminders with the Temple Men’s Basketball Team.

Temple University's Department of Public Safety held a safety resource event.