Problem Statement

Aside from being the founder of PAPA, I am a Philadelphia Police Officer, and facilitator of the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program. Through DARE, I have the opportunity to interact with neighborhood youth’s at their schools. I have first hand knowledge on some of their thoughts and request. I have observed their mannerism and attitude. I often offer suggestions for a more positive behavior. I ask them to explain where the negativity comes from, and they do it well. But, unfortunately no one can give me an answer to stop it; because they believe it is everywhere they go, in the streets, television, movies, songs etc.

According to the Philadelphia Daily News (8-16-04), 367 males and 51 females die as a result of homicide, and 137 males and 40 females died as a result of suicide. Although, this does not consist of all children, is this what our young children have to look forward to, the great possibility of death? The American Community Survey 2003 US Census Bureau for Philadelphia reports there are 374,722 students enrolled in school, and 163,564 students are in elementary school, which shows to be the largest population in one category. Statistics show, the largest juvenile crime to be arson at 53%. The second largest is vandalism at 41%. The violent crimes came in at 14%. But, that was in the year of 2000, with the popularity of the video games, rap music, TV videos and the influence it has on our children. I am very concerned about what the statistics in the 2010 census will show.

The question, “What can we do?” This has become the focus of discussion at the many meetings I have attended. Unfortunately, after a great deal of brainstorming, there are many opinions, but no one seems to have a direct answer.

There are numerous programs created and funded in order to remedy this problem. For instance, churches have initiated the after school programs, the Mayor of Philadelphia started the idea of a Beacon after school program and there are a number of other after school programs. To a faithful few, they are the lifesavers. Despite these efforts, how long will these programs run without increased enrollment? I have visited after school programs and found the attendance is low. I also noticed that meanwhile, on the street, unsupervised children are plentiful and people appear to be comfortable with that. Appearances aside, increased violence in the streets where it seems children are always present, has caused us to lose too many children. They are no longer safe.

The fare for SEPTA (South Eastern Pennsylvania Transit Association), which is the sole public transportation system in Philadelphia, is $2.00 one-way (and that is without transfer). As stated above, many parents cannot afford this fare on a continuous basis for their child /children. Therefore, the child does not get a chance to participate or show any interest in enrichment programs that are not in walking distance. As, a result, their “enrichment” is learned in the culture of the streets, negative and derogatory music videos, and videogames.

My interaction with teachers, principals, parents, counselors, organizations and the youth themselves has verified through conversation that we are in agreement that we indeed have a problem.

1^st Goal

To have a program available that will recruit youth ages 6 through16, thereby obtaining permission from their legal guardian for their involvement in being transported by the “kids bus”.

Objective

Door to door family soliciting for parental permission
Mall/shopping areas table set up for sign up
Flyers and community newspaper
Word of mouth
Van advertisements
Conduct community meetings
Networking
Radio TV Newspaper advertisement

2^nd Goal

To foster a safe, and drug free environment that supports the moral issues of our community and youth. We aim to reduce or prevent violence by reducing the use, possession and distribution of illegal drugs. This will reduce juvenile delinquency.

Objective

Take the children out of drug invested environments, by providing free vans services
Escort children to cultural, recreation and education enrichment programs
Redirect negative actions by providing transportation to constant safe activities
Transport the youth to positive social atmospheres

3^rd Goal

We will raise the numbers of participants to the non-profit organizations that are designed for the children ages 6 through 16. Finally, we will be placed in a position to coordinate with well established and grass roots organizations to network throughout the community.

Objective

· Identify the programs that meet the needs of our community youth between ages 6 through 16

· We will conduct collaboration meetings with various program providers

· Establish how many enrollments are available

· Partner with community relation police officers to track crime reduction

· Take advantage of any resources provided by the city, state and federal government

Track the progress, by providing telephone contact to both the serviced families and the providing organizations. For the first 6 months we will track weekly and follow up with a monthly report.