Happy New Year Everyone!

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 2026!

Chinese New Year is Approaching!

At Central Division Victim Services, we are delighted to welcome the Chinese New Year, which begins on February 17, 2026, ushering in the Year of the Horse. 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 is offering a variety of events to celebrate the Lunar New Year before it officially starts:

• Midnight Parade in Chinatown (Jan 28, 2026): Expect an explosive celebration with thunderous firecrackers, dragon and lion dances, and cultural performances starting at 10 PM at the Chinatown Friendship Arch.
• Penn Museum Culturefest (Jan 31, 2026): The annual celebration offers storytelling, artmaking, music, dance, and a traditional lion dance finale, included with museum admission.
• Dumpling Making Workshops (Feb 7, 2026 & other dates): Learn to make dumplings, wontons, or mochi at these hands-on events with Dumpling Academy.
• Noto Philadelphia Celebration (Feb 20, 2026): An evening Lunar New Year party featuring live performances and music.

Check you area and see what events are going on in your part of town. There will be more released as the official day gets closer.

We are on the MOVE!

These past few months, we've actively engaging with the community through informative tabling and community events while providing valuable resources on victim services. Check out the images below to see where we've been.

We had an amazing evening at the 22nd Police District Community Holiday Gift event at The Discovery Center. Our Community Awareness Coordinator, Tijania was able to assist and pour back into the community during the holiday season. Over 100 children received gifts during the event. The room was filled with food, music, dancing, networking, and an abundance of love. Moments like this reminds us why community matters and why showing up makes all the difference. We are forever grateful to be a part of something so impactful.

CDVS had an amazing time participating in Beech’s Avenue of Treats, an annual Halloween event that brings together youth, families, and community partners for a day full of resources, connections, and sweet treats! We loved seeing all the creative costumes and organizations sharing information.

CDVS tabled at Temple University’s Beyond the Classroom event connecting with over 800 students and sharing valuable resources, internship opportunities, and support services. Later that day, we also joined the Fall Into Resources Fair at Ben Franklin High School, engaging with students in their night school program. We want to make sure the community knows who we are and what we do.

She's Making Moves

This month, we celebrate women who are making strides, big or small, in their communities, careers, and personal journeys. Whether they are breaking barriers, creating opportunities for others, or leading with purpose and passion, these women inspire change and show what is possible when dedication meets action. Who is a woman in your life rising this month? Share her story for everyone to see how amazing she is. Shine a light on the women making an impact every day.

January is

Human Trafficking Prevention Month

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about a crime that impacts individuals across all ages, genders, and communities. Human trafficking often involves force, fraud, or coercion for labor or sexual exploitation. Many survivors and co-survivors may not immediately recognize that what they are experiencing is trafficking. Prevention begins with education, understanding warning signs, and addressing the vulnerabilities traffickers often exploit. At CDVS, we are committed to survivor-centered, trauma-informed support that prioritizes safety, dignity, and healing. By fostering awareness, believing survivors, and connecting individuals to trusted resources, we can strengthen prevention efforts and promote pathways to recovery.

If you or someone you know needs help, confidential support is available through local advocacy organizations and the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting HELP to 233733.

January is

Poverty in America Awareness Month

Poverty in America is more than an economic issue, it is a public health concern that affects individuals, families, and entire communities. Limited access to stable housing, nutritious food, quality healthcare, and mental health support increases stress, trauma, and chronic illness, creating long-term health disparities that impact generations.

When basic needs go unmet, communities are often left vulnerable. The resulting lack of resources and opportunities can contribute to higher rates of crime. This is not because poverty causes people to commit crimes, but because systemic inequities can create environments where survival becomes a daily challenge. Addressing poverty as a public health issue allows us to focus on prevention, community investment, and holistic solutions that promote safety, stability, and well-being for all.

By raising awareness and supporting programs that provide education, job opportunities, and access to healthcare, we can help break cycles of poverty and crime. Together, communities, organizations, and individuals can create environments where people have the resources and support they need to thrive because when we strengthen our communities, we strengthen our future.

January is

Mental Wellness Month

January is Mental Wellness Month, a time to prioritize our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. At CDVS, we recognize that caring for ourselves is essential not just for our own health, but so we can show up fully for others and support the well-being of our communities. Mental wellness includes managing stress, seeking help when needed, setting healthy boundaries, and practicing self-care consistently.

Taking the time to nurture our mental health allows us to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and make thoughtful decisions in both our personal and professional lives.

When we prioritize our own wellness, we are better equipped to assist others, provide guidance, and foster environments where people feel supported, seen, and valued. This Mental Wellness Month, let’s commit to honoring our mental health, investing in practices that recharge and restore us, and encouraging others to do the same because strong, balanced individuals create strong, healthy communities.

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 Public Safety and Temple Facilities Management joined forces with 22nd Police District to provide a bus so children from North Philadelphia could enjoy Shop with a Cop last week. This is what teamwork looks like!

Members of the Temple University Police Honor Guard, along with fellow officers, stood in solemn remembrance today while attending the funeral of Philadelphia Police Officer Andy Chan, honoring his life, service and lasting impact.