Recognizing, Honoring, And Celebrating The Violence Free Alliance (VFA) - For their vision that through a collaboration of diverse organizations dedicated to addressing the current entrenched epidemic of violence in the City of Philadelphia and by implementing a comprehensive long term multifaceted approach - Strong enough to ultimately create Neighborhoods of Living Hope.

WHEREAS, The Violence Free Alliance (VFA) started with the vision that through a collaborative public health approach to addressing Youth violence; positive seeds of change can be planted in every community; and

WHEREAS, Violence Free Alliance has grown into a strong force of diverse organizations ranging from Health Care Providers, the Business Community, Educational Institutions, Faith Based Organizations, Advocacy Groups, Community Development Organizations, Anti-Violence Organizations, Public Service Organizations to State, Federal and Local Government Agencies; and

WHEREAS, Violence in Philadelphia remains an epidemic of paramount proportions requiring a long-term, multifaceted approach addressing at-risk youths and those who have already committed crimes; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia’s challenges that contribute to violence can be overcome through sound Public Health Policy, emphasizing Primary prevention (health promotion programs, conflict resolution and advocacy), supported by secondary (anti-violence programs) and tertiary interventions (counseling, behavioral and environmental interventions); and

WHEREAS, Members of the Violence Free Alliance can help to reshape the future for those that feel they are no longer part of our society and are hopeless, by nurturing neighborhoods

back to health, supporting programs that work, exposes and immediately purge programs that have not been effective and be a facilitator of change by fostering collaboration of all stakeholders in creating and maintaining stronger bonds within our communities; and

WHEREAS, This is no small task, but rather the first forward step in a long journey, one which will take the dedication, courage, conviction and commitment of the community at large to reach out and take a concerted nonpartisan effort at reshaping Neighborhoods of Living Hope; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes, honors, and celebrates The Violence Free Alliance (VFA) – For their vision that through a collaboration of diverse organizations dedicated to addressing the current entrenched epidemic of violence in the City of Philadelphia and by implementing a comprehensive long term multifaceted approach – Strong enough to ultimately create Neighborhoods of Living Hope.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Violence Free Alliance as further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.

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