Envisioning a community where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to achieve optimal health image

Envisioning a community where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to achieve optimal health

Supporting communities in Northwest Philadelphia

$88,447 raised

$30,000 goal

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Foundation for Health Equity, with the support of our generous donors, is positioned to support nonprofit organizations in NW Philadelphia via grants support and community engagement. We are fortunate to share the work of one of our partners who received a multi-year grant this year.

Students Run Philly Style’s (SRPS) MileUp program, initiated in 2020, is an innovative partnership with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office that uses SRPS’ mentoring model to offer diversion programming to youth formally ineligible due to the seriousness of their crimes. MileUp provides youth facing felony charges (such as robbery or aggravated assault) a chance to build a path out, and away, from the juvenile justice system. Using restorative-based practices, MileUp youth are referred by the DA’s office to train with a team of peers, Advocates and Peer Mentors to run a long-distance race. As youth meet program milestones, they earn paid restitution, have their charges dropped and names submitted for expungement. Since inception, 92% of MileUp youth have completed the program and earned over $30,000 in paid restitution fees. Paid restitution, particularly for low-income families, decreases the risk of future system involvement and adult incarceration.

SRPS also continues to move from an out-school time program to one of systems-based change. With support from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, SRPS offers OUTPace, a program focused on increasing positive behavioral health outcomes in LGBTQ+ youth. OUTPace partners with organizations like the Attic Youth Center to host teams of students, and trains volunteers and staff on how to best support youth that identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. OUTPace offers drop-in sessions where youth and peers can build community and hosts group runs so students have a chance to learn about local LGBTQ+ history and the contributions of local LGBTQ+ leaders. All SRPS youth are excited to now participate in the annual Philly Pride Run each June.