Be a part of our

Community Healing Library!

Our Survivor Book Shelf is still open for donations, and we’d love for you to be a part of it. We’re continuing to collect book donations that focus on trauma, healing, empowerment, and grief to build a meaningful library for our clients and community. This bookshelf is meant to be a space for growth, reflection, and connection, and we’d love for you to contribute.



We’re accepting new and gently used books at our main office:

📍 1538 Cecil B. Moore Avenue

If there’s a book that inspired or comforted you, consider donating it and helping someone else on their healing journey.

Together, we’re creating a space where every story empowers.

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 had the pleasure of attending the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation Expo! It’s always an honor to table and share vital resources with the community at this well-attended annual event in the Chinatown community. Special thanks to our Mandarin Speaking Victim Advocate, Bill, and Support Advocate, Paeton, for representing our agency with care, compassion, and commitment. 

CDVS had a great time joining the 22nd Police District for their Juneteenth Community Festival! It was a day filled with food, music, resources, and fun for all ages. It was a beautiful way to celebrate freedom, unity, and culture right in the heart of the community.

Our CDVS Team had the opportunity to provide resources at the Brownstones on Diamond Street Resource Fair.

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. 

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

Email: revhes@gmail.com

Clarence Nelson, Deacon of Love Zion Baptist Church

Email: cgnelson51@verizon.net

A Note to the Woman Who’s Still Rising

Sometimes rising doesn’t mean you’re soaring. Sometimes it means getting out of bed when your heart is heavy. It means choosing to show up for yourself, even in small ways. This month in our Women on the Rise section, we simply want to honor the quiet strength in healing. Whether you’re setting boundaries, making time for rest, or just learning to breathe through the tough days you are still rising.

Keep going. Your journey matters, even when no one sees it.

July is

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, observed each July, emphasizes the unique challenges faced by minority communities regarding mental health. It aims to shed light on the disparities in mental health care access and treatment among racial and ethnic minority groups. Stigma, cultural differences, and systemic barriers often prevent individuals from seeking help, leading to higher rates of untreated mental health issues.



Raising awareness and promoting culturally competent care is crucial to addressing these disparities. During this month, organizations and advocates work to provide education, resources, and support to minority communities. By fostering open conversations and understanding, we can create a more inclusive mental health care system that meets the needs of all individuals, regardless of their background. Let's use this month to educate ourselves, support one another, and advocate for equitable mental health care for everyone.

July is

Make A Difference To

Children Month

July is Make a Difference to Children Month, a time dedicated to uplifting and protecting the well-being of our youth. At Central Division Victim Services (CDVS), we recognize that many children in our communities are silently navigating the long-term effects of grief, trauma, and victimization. Whether it's exposure to violence, the loss of a loved one, or being directly impacted by a crime, these experiences can deeply affect a child's emotional, behavioral, and social development.

That is why CDVS remains committed to supporting children and their families through trauma-informed care, community resources, and advocacy. We believe that every child deserves to feel seen, safe, and supported. Making a difference is not always about grand gestures. It is about showing up, creating safe spaces, and helping children rebuild hope after hurt. This month, and every month, we encourage our community to be intentional about protecting, uplifting, and listening to our youth. Because when we make a difference in a child’s life, we truly change the future.

July is

National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month

July is National Bereaved Parents Awareness Month, a time to honor, recognize, and support parents who have experienced the unimaginable loss of a child. Grieving the death of a child whether through violence, illness, or tragedy is a journey that no parent expects to take. The grief is lifelong, and the healing often comes in waves. At Central Division Victim Services, we hold space for bereaved parents every day, knowing that their pain is valid, deep, and deserving of care.

Many of the families we serve have lost children due to acts of violence in our city. We recognize that grief tied to victimization can feel especially complicated. It’s not just about loss, it’s about trauma, justice, and the ripple effect that follows. CDVS remains committed to walking alongside bereaved parents through support, advocacy, and trauma-informed services. Whether it’s a shoulder to lean on, assistance navigating the system, or simply someone to listen, our team is here.

This month, we encourage our community to extend compassion, patience, and understanding to those grieving a child. Say their name, honor their memory, and continue to uplift the parents who carry their love every single day.

July 24th is

International Self-Care Day

July 24th is International Self-Care Day, a reminder that taking care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. At Central Division Victim Services (CDVS), we know that for those impacted by trauma, grief, and violence, self-care is an essential part of the healing process. Whether it is seeking support, setting boundaries, attending therapy, or simply taking a quiet moment to breathe, self-care looks different for everyone. CDVS continues to advocate for the importance of intentional self-care, especially for survivors and those who support them. Today and every day, we encourage our community to prioritize rest, peace, and healing. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Self-care is a step toward reclaiming your power.

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.

9th District partnered with Wawa for their Annual Wawa Hoagie Day.

The 9th District Community Relations Team was at the Let Out Girls Luncheon at St. Paul’s Church gymnasium.

22nd Police District hosted their Let's Do Lunch event. Some community members attended and the food was delicious.

Temple University’s Department of Public Safety faced off against Duckrey School’s summer camp in a friendly basketball game.