WHEREAS, Since 1989, Victim/Witness Services of South Philadelphia (V/WSSP) has administered unparalleled legal and personal support to more than 78,000 clients, offering healing to South Philadelphia’s residents under the duress of violence; and
WHEREAS, Through its Victim Compensation Assistance Program, V/WSSP has secured over $4.4 million used to assist victims and witnesses with expenses related to lost earnings, medical bills, relocation, and therapy; and
WHEREAS, The organization has adapted to the changing needs of victims and witnesses, facilitating crisis response for hundreds of clients via the emergency disbursement of food, shelter, and trauma resources, aiding the financial and emotional recovery of South Philadelphia residents most harmed by violence; and
WHEREAS, V/WSSP’s outreach team serves victims and witnesses in more than 10 languages in the 1st , 3
rd,
and 17th police districts of South Philadelphia, representing a diverse population of races and ethnicities reflecting Philadelphia’s cultural diversity; and
WHEREAS, In addition to their financial and socioemotional assistance, V/WSSP has advanced a breadth of legislative priorities regarding victim and witness initiatives, creating programs such as the Immigrant Access Collaborative which provides services to immigrant victims and witnesses citywide; and
WHEREAS, Through its unwavering commitment to advocacy, resource allocation, and legal assistance, V/WSSP’s has greatly aided the City’s efforts to reduce the lasting effects of violence in our communities by fostering deeper healing, safety, and community after traumatic experiences; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors Victim Witnesses Services of South Philadelphia for 35 years of dedicated service to those affected by violence in South Philadelphia and across the City.
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Victim/Witness Services of South Philadelphia as evidence of the gratitude of the Council of Philadelphia.
End