Instilling Confidence in Future Generations

Shanon Skipworth, born and raised in Philadelphia, founded the non-profit organization You're Beautifully Made nearly 13 years ago after overcoming her own struggles with depression and self-esteem. Inspired by her personal journey and a mentor from her youth, she pursued a Master’s in social work to help others facing similar issues. The organization began with a mentorship program for girls aged 8-21 and has since expanded to six programs for children and adults.

As Shanon matured and embraced her role as a community leader, she came to appreciate the significance of Women’s History Month and the importance of celebrating women's achievements throughout the year. “Until I became a founder myself, I hadn’t fully realized the significance of recognizing women in general. I witnessed how hard I was trying to excel as a woman—juggling school, running an organization, working, and raising a family. Years later, I recognized the need to honor individuals for their contributions. For the past six years, we have hosted a Women's History event to honor women in our community.”

Shanon emphasizes the importance of building confidence in young women, empowering them to become strong individuals who can pass along their experiences and knowledge. "Uplifting others and ensuring they have what they need to build their confidence is what matters most to me. It's difficult to focus on securing a job or pursuing other opportunities without the confidence instilled in you. By building confidence in these young women, we are helping them develop into strong individuals who can give back to the next generation and continue this positive cycle."

Her advice to anyone struggling is to seek help and talk to someone, as doing so was crucial for her own growth.

Check out all You're Beautifully Made has to offer here.

HopePHL Takes Off!

This week, our Tech Stars Air Piloting class began at the Maynes Family Digital Learning Lab. According to the Centre of Aviation, only 4-6% of pilots worldwide are female and only around 3% are Black. Through our flight simulation program, in partnership with the Philadelphia Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, children have a unique opportunity to learn the basics of flight and gain hands-on experience and training using a real flight simulator.

Stay tuned for registration information for our May-June session.

3rd Annual Community Hero Award Winners!

Three years ago, the Neighborhood Advisory Committee at HopePHL was inspired to add a contemporary element to our Black History Celebration. The NAC invited our neighbors to nominate individuals, businesses, and organizations that are "Living the Legacy" of Black History heroes like Rosa Parks and Octavius Catto, who contributed to their communities through acts of service. We are excited to announce this year’s community-voted winners:

Hero Organization: Blackwell Cultural Alliance. Since their launch in 2018, the team at Blackwell Cultural Alliance Inc. has worked tirelessly to uplift youth through their "How Dope Are You?" talent contest, which highlights anti-violence initiatives. BCA also provides regular food distribution programs and a wide range of community service projects. They have a dedicated group of volunteers and staff from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique expertise and resources to everything they do.

Individual Community Hero: Rev. W. Nick Taliaferro. An ordained minister, Rev. Taliaferro has pastored three Seventh-day Adventist churches in West Philadelphia. He hosted "Evenings WURDS with Nick Taliaferro" on WURD-FM in Philadelphia and has provided backing vocals for at least five Grammy Award-winning artists, including Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, and Teddy Pendergrass. Additionally, Rev. Taliaferro served as Deputy Mayor under former Mayor John F. Street. Additionally, Nick is a dedicated participant of Men's Coffee Talk at HopePHL.

Hero Business: Leroy's Barbershop. Leroy's is the premier place in Philadelphia for haircuts for men, women, and children. With 40 years of professional grooming services, they have also served the neighborhood at large! The shop hosts children's bookbag giveaways along with a food cupboard.

Meet our HopePHL Team: Angie Maury

Angie Maury, Supervisor at Baring House Crisis Nursery, began her journey at HopePHL by connecting with community members and making a difference for decades. Initially a caregiver for a local family, she spent her days at playgrounds, bringing fun activities and books, often reading to other children.

One day, she met a woman outside her home who complimented her outfit. Angie asked if she could bring the child she was caring for to play with the woman's kids, promising fun activities for everyone. This led to Angie visiting frequently, and the woman eventually offered her a position as part of the childcare staff at Baring House.

While working, Angie pursued a master’s degree in social work, where she discovered her passion and gift for working with children. She believes giving back is central to her life and she tailors daily activities at Baring House to meet the families' needs. She organized backpacks with Black baby dolls, a book on diverse hairstyles with tutorials for parents, coloring books with all-Black illustrations, and Crayola’s “Colors of the World” crayons, ensuring all children can see themselves reflected in their daily activities.

Angie also fosters women’s empowerment, emphasizing the importance of women sharing experiences. She believes that "sharing helps preserve history and empowers younger generations to create their own legacies." By sharing her own struggles and successes, she aims to uplift future generations of strong women.

Learn more about Baring House here.

Join us in uplifting women's voices this March by sharing some quotes from inspirational women, many of which who have a connection to Philadelphia!



Click here to view the gallery celebrating Women's History Month!

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth on Lancaster Avenue!

Adora Johnson, the founder of Sweeties Sweets, grew up in the West Philly neighborhood, watching her parents run their local food store.

While home from college one summer, Adora decided to purchase a couple of buckets of water ice to sell in front of her parents’ store for some extra cash. She didn’t think much of this venture until the following summer when people began asking about her return. They looked forward to enjoying a cool treat on hot summer days, and at the time, there were no water ice or ice cream shops in the neighborhood.

After graduating, Adora recognized the opportunity to open her own business and went full throttle with the support of her parents, who had closed their food store. She ended up buying the spot right next door and opening Sweeties Sweets.

Once the space was purchased, HopePHL was able to assist with façade improvements, including painting, power washing, new signage, awnings, and a new service window through the Commerce Department’s Storefront Improvement Program.

While there was a learning curve to becoming a business owner, Adora is proud to be part of the growing community of women-owned businesses in the area. We were thrilled to have her at the Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival last summer where she had great success!

She hopes her story inspires young women with dreams of starting their own businesses. “If girls see that I was able to start my own business, I hope they realize they can too,” she says. Her biggest piece of advice is to “do as much research as you can and don't give up, even on hard days. Social media has glorified being a business owner, but it requires a lot of work researching details like licenses and funding, especially if you don’t come from a wealthy background.”

Sweeties Sweets is open seasonally from April through November and also offers catering options. Be sure to stop by when the warmer days arrive and support this Black Woman-owned local business with a delicious sweet treat!

Keep up with Sweeties Sweets here!

HopePHL Board Spotlight: Pamela Hansen

Meet Pamela Hansen, who first became a HopePHL Board Member in 2015!

Job Title: Senior Vice President in Corporate Banking, Citizens Bank

Why did you first get involved with HopePHL? When I joined, I was already lending to several non-profits in Greater Philadelphia, and HopePHL’s mission resonated with me. During my visit, I was inspired by Kathy Desmond and the dedicated staff, as well as the resilience of the youth and families we serve—especially the single mothers striving to improve their lives for their children.

Who is a woman that has inspired you and how? It may be cliché but it’s my mother. She was selfless, always giving to others and putting their needs ahead of her own. She would take in friends of my brothers who did not have a healthy and supportive family life, and she treated everyone she ever met with the utmost respect and made them feel special. She was active for years with several not for profits, but her passion was serving, including as Board Vice Chair, for a Hartford, CT not-for profit, Village for Children and Families, that has a very similar mission to HopePHL! 

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?  Be honest (true to yourself), curious and caring, treat others with empathy and respect and make sure to use your gifts wisely to help others. 

Show Some Love Day!

The Neighborhood Advisory Committee recently organized a vibrant Pop-Up Resource Fair called “Show Some Love Day!”

This event allowed residents to access important city services and connect with each other through the "Show Some Love Photo Booth."

Community Legal Services provided expert legal advice on preventing utility shut-offs, assisting renters, and handling property deeds.

The event showcased the strength of our neighborhood in supporting one another while having fun. The NAC looks forward to making this an annual celebration of neighborly love!

Check out more photos from the event here!

HopePHL is supporting the Youth Housing Symposium hosted by Philly Homes 4 Youth Coalition along with Valley Youth House and Eddie’s House. We are focused on identifying lasting solutions to address youth homelessness in Philadelphia, and we need critical funding to make it happen.

Register to attend by clicking here.

Thank you so much for being a part of our community!