It is FUNDRAISING TIME!

Join us on September 25th at Iron Hill Brewery & TapHouse in Center City Philadelphia for a special fundraiser benefiting Central Division Victim Services (CDVS). When you dine at the restaurant, 20% of your food bill will be donated directly to our cause, helping us continue the vital work of supporting and uplifting those in our community who need it most.

Your participation is more than just a meal; it's a step toward making a meaningful impact in the lives of others. By coming together, we can make a significant difference and ensure that Central Division Victim Services can continue providing services and resources every day. We hope to see you there, making a powerful statement of support for our shared mission! Please SHARE with your network of family and friends!

Check out these

FREE benefit services!

Action Word of the Month

Introducing an addition to the CDVS newsletter – the "Action Word of the Month" section. Recognizing the significance of actionable steps in making a positive impact, this new segment aims to provide our community with practical and meaningful ways to assist those going through challenges, be it survivors of crime or individuals facing various life difficulties. Each month, we'll highlight a specific action that embodies the spirit of empathy, support, and community involvement.

The importance of this section lies in its ability to transform goodwill into actionable initiatives, fostering a sense of unity and resilience. By incorporating the "Action Word of the Month" into our monthly newsletter, we aim to create an ongoing dialogue about the significance of compassionate actions and encourage a community-wide commitment to making a positive difference. Together, let's turn empathy into meaningful change.

The Action of the Month for Central Division Victim Services is

" CULTIVATE."

This September, our focus is on the word "CULTIVATE."

This action word of the month is a reminder to intentionally grow and nurture areas in need of development, both personally and collectively. At Central Division Victim Services, we encourage our community residents, stakeholders, and partner organizations to work together in cultivating safer neighborhoods and stronger support systems for all. Whether it’s through enhancing personal well-being, fostering relationships, or creating resources, growth happens through intentional action.

Identify one area in your life or community that needs nurturing. Dedicate time and effort to cultivate growth and see how your actions ripple outward. Together, we can build a stronger, safer environment for all.

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.

Support Advocate

Highlight & Updates

Carissa George

Carissa is deeply committed to criminal justice reform and focused on ensuring that victims receive trauma-informed care. She is dedicated to making sure justice-impacted individuals feel heard and have access to the resources they need. This Fall, she looks forward to applying her knowledge and experience with youth violence prevention through programs like PATH and Communities that Care. Her goal is to build meaningful connections and deepen her understanding of victims' rights and legal proceedings. A fun fact about her is that she loves traveling!

Welcome Carissa!!!

Our summer support advocate volunteer TianYi has started her next semester of grad school at Penn and has wrapped up her time with the agency. This summer, she spent her time supporting our Mandarin-speaking advocate Julia with document translations, attending community events and spreading resources in Chinatown, shadowing staff at court, and supporting staff with research tasks. TianYi’s enthusiasm and passion shone through with every project she was looped into this summer! CDVS sends our well wishes to her on all her future journeys! Daniela will be continuing her experience during the fall. This summer, she helped our Spanish-speaking advocate Bonn with translating documents, helped staff begin building a resource tool to use when supporting clients, and has played an active role in planning the agency’s Red Zone awareness campaign.

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 honor of being a part of Jazz on the Ave once again. This event is hosted by Beech. We had an amazing time connecting with community members and vendors from all across the city while celebrating the vibrant culture and spirit that makes our community so special.

We had the privilege of tabling and providing resources at two events in one day. We supported Club 140 at their Street Festival/Bookbag Giveaway.

Some of our team went to an incredible storytelling workshop at Penn State Harrisburg facilitated by Joseph Green. The workshop was provided by our friends over at the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance. We learned several techniques and strategies that we can not only apply when working with our clients but also when sharing our own stories.

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! 

Check us out at the following events:

September 12th : Ben Franklin Back to School Night

Time: 4:30pm to 6:30pm

September 19th: Simon Gratz Back to School Night

Time: 4:30pm to 6:30pm

Let's Talk Self-Care!

September marks Self-Care Awareness Month. It reminds us that self-care is not a luxury, it’s essential for long-term well-being. Self-care goes beyond temporary fixes and addresses your mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical health. It’s about building habits that sustain you for the long run.

Self-Care Awareness Month serves as an important reminder of how vital it is to prioritize self-care, especially for those who have experienced trauma. Survivors of crime or personal hardship often endure emotional, mental, and physical burdens that require ongoing care. Self-care isn't just a temporary fix, it’s a lifelong practice of nurturing one's mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. Whether it’s through mindfulness, therapy, physical exercise, or connecting with supportive communities, survivors can create sustainable routines that promote long-term healing and balance in their lives.

Additionally, those who work with survivors of trauma, such as advocates, counselors, and support workers, need to practice self-care to avoid burnout. Supporting others through difficult situations can take a toll and it’s essential for professionals to recognize the importance of tending to their own well-being. At CDVS, we understand that caring for oneself is just as important as caring for others. We encourage all community members, survivors, advocates, and staff alike to make self-care a priority, as we cannot pour from an empty cup. This month is the perfect time to implement self-care strategies that benefit both mind and body, allowing us to continue providing the compassionate services that are so crucial to our mission.

This month, commit to practicing self-care that nurtures all parts of you. Here are some tips:

1. Set Boundaries: Prioritize your time and energy.
2. Spiritual Connection: Meditate or pray regularly.
3. Move Your Body: Exercise for physical strength and stress relief.
4. Rest: Get enough sleep and practice mindfulness.

Share your self-care strategies with the Women on the Rise community and inspire others! Let’s support one another in cultivating habits that last beyond this month and lead to lasting growth.

September is

Hispanic Heritage 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.

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 both sexual health and 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.

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.

Temple University’s Department of Public Safety was excited to welcome the new Owls to Temple & returning Owls back to the nest.

Temple Public Safety staff had a great time seeing everyone at the Welcome Wagon last week held with Temple Eco Owls. Students enjoyed pretzels and water ice while they were reminded about Temple's safety resources.

How can your students stay safe as they go back to school?

The image below offers valuable tips for staying safe both in person and online. It includes guidance on how to be aware of your surroundings, safeguard personal information, and protect yourself on social media and other digital platforms. These tips are designed to help you navigate the physical world and the online space with caution and confidence, ensuring your children remain secure in everyday interactions and while using the internet.