Two long-time local groups, People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and Youth Service, Inc., announced their plan to integrate into one agency in November 2019 and officially began operating as a single organization, named HopePHL (pronounced “hopeful”), this month.
The merger marked the conclusion of a three-year integration process that blended staff, organizational culture and programs into a new comprehensive service organization for families, youth and children across Philadelphia. Together, they were recognized for 120 combined years of service excellence in 2022.
HopePHL’s mission is to inspire Philadelphia’s children, youth, families and communities to thrive by providing housing, advocacy, and trauma-responsive social services designed to promote equity, resilience, autonomy, and well-being.
“Together, we’ll deliver many of the same services, and some new programs, supporting over 25,000 community members, residents, and students annually to reach their goals of safe homes, economically secure and healthy families, and thriving students and businesses,” said Kathy Desmond, President of HopePHL, who led PEC for the past seven years. She is a child welfare and social work expert with three decades of experience in the non-profit sector.
The two agencies have already partnered for several years on parenting programs, respite shelter for young children, and services for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness.
“As a combined entity, we can better share our complementary programs and expand services by combining our resources and leveraging each organization’s specialized expertise,” said Gwen Bailey, Vice President of Programs at HopePHL. Bailey led YSI as Executive Director since 2004, but first joined the agency in 1988.
HopePHL program offerings include children’s services, supporting the well-being, development and education of children from birth through high school in shelters, the West Philadelphia Promise Neighborhood, and at partnering School District of Philadelphia schools.
The organization also offers young adult, adult and family, and community-based services, which include homelessness prevention, art and culture programs, food relief, Lancaster Avenue commercial corridor support, and many other resources. Their resident-driven community development programs support real estate development and affordable housing, and include partnerships with city and state agencies.
For more information, visit HopePHL.org or follow them on social media:
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