Happy New Year from all of us at Central Division Victim Services! As we step into this fresh start, we remain committed to supporting survivors and co-survivors in their journey toward healing and empowerment. This year, let's focus on building safer communities, fostering resilience, and creating meaningful change together.

 Cheers to a year filled with hope, growth, and progress. Here's to 2025!

Here is some important information that we think you should know that is a part of our 2024 recap for CDVS. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a part in making this year impactful and memorable. Together, we’ve brought comfort, support, and healing to our clients, and we look forward to continuing this important work in the year ahead.

Join Central Division Victim Services (CDVS) for a fun-filled Quizzo Night fundraiser at Top Tomato! Whether you want to play solo or create a team with friends, this is your chance to test your trivia skills while supporting a great cause. Get ready for an evening of laughs, competition, and community as we raise funds to continue our vital work. Don’t miss out and register now by clicking the link below. We can’t wait to see you there and make this night unforgettable!

Chinese New Year is Approaching!

At Central Division Victim Services, we are delighted to welcome the Chinese New Year, which begins on January 29, 2025, ushering in the Year of the Snake. This significant time represents wisdom, transformation, and resilience, qualities that resonate deeply with our mission to support and uplift the communities we serve, including the Asian community. We love seeing the unity and joy this celebration brings as families and friends gather to honor traditions, share meals, and embrace new beginnings.

The Chinese New Year is a time of joy, togetherness, and cultural celebration, marked by festive meals, traditional performances, and family gatherings. We are inspired by the way this season fosters connection and hope, and we wish all who celebrate a prosperous, healthy, and harmonious year ahead.

Philadelphia offers a variety of events to celebrate the Lunar New Year:

• Lunar New Year Celebration at the Penn Museum: Experience traditional performances, hands-on workshops, and cultural exhibitions on January 25, 2025.
• Lunar New Year at Dilworth Park: Join Temple University for a celebration featuring a prancing lion, traditional Chinese dancers, and a special menu in the Rothman Orthopedics Cabin on February 1, 2025.
• Handmade Dumpling Making Class: Participate in a hands-on dumpling-making experience on January 25, 2025, near Fairmount Park.
• Lion Dance on State Street in Media, PA: Enjoy a traditional Lion Dance performance on February 1, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
• Lunar New Year Celebration at Main Line Art Center: Celebrate the Lunar New Year with art activities and cultural festivities on January 25, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

These events provide wonderful opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and vibrant celebrations of the Lunar New Year. May this Year of the Snake bring prosperity, healing, and peace to all who celebrate!

Happy Lunar New Year!

Below, you will find various events and activities for Chinese New Year hosted by the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC).

Check out these

FREE benefit services!

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.

CDVS worked so hard to make this Holiday Gift Giving event a major success. Of course could have not done it without your assistance. We wrapped over 200+ gifts and we were able to bless over 60 children with gifts this holiday season. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making this happen!

What a wonderful time we had at the 22nd Police District Holiday Event! Watching the joy on the faces of children and parents as they received toys and gifts was truly heartwarming. From delicious food to dancing, music, magic acts, characters, and so much more, this event brought the community together in such a beautiful way. Huge thanks to everyone who helped make this event a major success. Moments like this remind us of the true spirit of the holidays!

We were proud to represent CDVS at the New Options More Opportunities better known as NOMO Foundation holiday event. It was a joy connecting with some of our CTC partners, sharing in the spirit of unity and collaboration. We value every opportunity to congregate with fellow organizations that share our mission and vision for the community.

CTC and PATH

Empowering Communities, Transforming Lives: Be Part of the Change! 

Community Stakeholders! 

We invite you to join the 37th Ward CTC!

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. 

Key Elements of the Communities That Care Model: 

1. Community Mobilization: Unite with us to address local issues collaboratively. We bring together the strength of our community members, organizations, and agencies. 
2. Data-Driven Decision Making: We prioritize using data to identify and address specific risk and protective factors. Local challenges are understood through careful analysis of community data. 
3. Effective Programs and Policies: Our approach involves selecting evidence-based programs and policies that target identified risk factors, ranging from parenting programs to community policing initiatives. 
4. Implementation and Evaluation: We ensure chosen programs and policies are effectively implemented, assessing their impact through ongoing evaluation. Continuous improvement is our commitment. 
5. Sustainability: Establishing mechanisms for long-term sustainability is crucial. This involves securing funding, maintaining community engagement, and fostering a culture of prevention. 

Join Our Coalition: Be part of this transformative journey! To join our coalition and contribute to creating a healthier and safer environment, contact Ericka Gaines, Director of CTC and Prevention Programs at egaines@cdvservices.org or the CTC Chairs:

Reverend Clarence Hester, Pastor of Erie Street Baptist Church

(37^th Ward CTC)

Email: revhes@gmail.com

Clarence Nelson, Deacon of Love Zion Baptist Church

(Strawberry Mansion CTC)

Email: cgnelson51@verizon.net

Our PATH program’s goal is to reduce or prevent violence in the Strawberry Mansion and Kensington communities by building resilience in families of youth ages 14-24. We would like to partner with schools and youth serving organizations within Strawberry Mansion and Kensington. For more information about PATH or if your organization or school would like to become a PATH Partner, please contact Ericka Gaines at egaines@cdvservices.org. 

Let's build a stronger, safer, and more connected community together! 

Resilience through Empowerment

For this month’s “Women on the Rise” section, we want to highlight the importance of building resilience through empowerment. Resilience is more than just bouncing back, it’s about growing through our experiences and using them to build a stronger foundation for the future. This month, as we approach the end of the year, we encourage you to reflect on the strength you’ve built and the accomplishments you’ve achieved, no matter how big or small. For many, rising above challenges isn’t just about surviving, it’s about learning to thrive and to see new possibilities within ourselves.

Empowerment can come in many forms, whether it’s through setting boundaries, pursuing personal or professional growth, or leaning into the support of mentors and communities. In each of these, we find ways to reclaim our sense of agency and purpose. Celebrate your resilience and the journey that has led you here. Remember, every step you take toward your own growth is a testament to your strength. CDVS is here to support you in this journey and we’re proud to witness each “Woman on the Rise” embracing their unique path to healing and empowerment.

January is

Human Trafficking Prevention Month

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact of human trafficking and to amplify efforts to end it. Human trafficking is a crime that exploits individuals for various forms of labor or services through force, fraud, or coercion. Survivors often endure immense trauma, including physical, emotional, and psychological harm, which can have long-lasting effects on their well-being. At Central Division Victim Services, we remain committed to supporting survivors and advocating for prevention through education, resources, and collaboration. Together, we can take steps to protect vulnerable individuals and create a community where no one falls victim to trafficking.

January is

Poverty in America Awareness Month

January is Poverty in America Awareness Month. It is a time to focus on the challenges faced by individuals and families living in poverty and to work toward solutions that promote stability and opportunity. In North Philadelphia, one of the areas most impacted by poverty within our city, the effects are far-reaching with the highest concentration of public housing and significant food insecurity. Poverty not only limits access to essentials like housing and healthcare but also increases the risk of trauma and stress within households. In some cases, a lack of resources may contribute to higher crime rates, as individuals face desperate circumstances.

Organizations such as Project HOME, which provides housing and education for those experiencing homelessness, Philabundance, which tackles hunger through food distribution, and the Philadelphia Housing Authority, which offers affordable housing options, are vital to addressing these challenges. Additionally, resources like Bebashi – Transition to Hope and Catholic Social Services provide support for families in crisis, offering food, shelter, and job readiness programs.

By supporting these organizations and spreading awareness, we can work to alleviate poverty and create stronger, more resilient communities. Let’s use this month as a reminder to act with compassion and advocate for systemic change that ensures everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive.

January is

Mental Wellness Month

January is Mental Wellness Month, a time to prioritize mental health and well-being. At Central Division Victim Services (CDVS), we work closely with survivors and co-survivors of crime, whose mental health is deeply impacted by their experiences. Addressing mental health challenges is crucial, and we encourage seeking help when needed.

As advocates, we dedicate ourselves to supporting survivors and co-survivors, but it’s vital to remember that we cannot pour from an empty cup. This work can take an emotional and mental toll, and prioritizing our own well-being is essential to continuing to provide effective support. Practicing self-care, seeking peer support, and setting boundaries allow us to show up authentically for those we serve while maintaining our own mental wellness. Remember, prioritizing mental wellness is not only necessary but also empowering.

Here are five ways to promote positive mental wellness:

1. Practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress and stay grounded.
2. Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, yoga, or dancing.
3. Stay connected with loved ones, building a support system to share your thoughts and feelings.
4. Establish healthy routines, including proper sleep, balanced meals, and self-care time.
5. Set boundaries to protect your energy and focus on what truly matters.

Let’s use this month to foster environments that support mental wellness and encourage seeking help when needed. Remember, you are not alone, and there is strength in taking care of your mental health.

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.