Honoring and recognizing The Elevation Project, a non-profit organization, for its outstanding contributions to reducing recidivism, supporting formerly incarcerated individuals, and helping create pathways to a brighter future.

WHEREAS, The Elevation Project has been an ambitious non-profit organization aimed at improving the quality of life for residents of Philadelphia, particularly by addressing the needs of formerly incarcerated individuals through holistic services, empowerment, and new pathways for success; and

WHEREAS, There are an estimated 400,000 Philadelphians living with criminal convictions and lasting legal system records, and mass incarceration has contributed to the U.S. poverty rate by an estimated 20%; and

WHEREAS, Research has shown that a family’s chance of remaining low-income is 40% higher if the father is incarcerated, and on average, 40% of those released from incarceration re-offend within one year, while 65% recidivate within three years; and

WHEREAS, The Elevation Project works to break this cycle by providing comprehensive services to formerly incarcerated individuals to aid in their reentry journey as well providing support to ensure future success; and

WHEREAS, The Elevation Project's reentry hub, located in West Philadelphia, provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to access essential wraparound services, including housing referrals, employment assistance, education and skills development, mental health and substance abuse support, family reunification services, and mentorship, all designed to help individuals successfully rebuild their lives and thrive; and

WHEREAS, The Transformative Business Center, conducted by the Elevation Project, is one of the first facilities of its kind in the country, providing a unique and supportive environment for formerly incarcerated individuals, particularly men over 18 years old from across Philadelphia, to build and grow thriving businesses; and

WHEREAS, The success of The Elevation Project lies in its holistic approach, providing not just immediate relief but long-term support to individuals and families, and in its collaborative work with other community organizations, local government, and business partners to create lasting change; and

WHEREAS, Through its efforts, The Elevation Project has made a significant impact on reducing recidivism and empowering individuals, opening new pathways to success, while also contributing to building a more equitable and just Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia recognizes the transformative power of projects like The

Elevation Project in addressing the root causes of systemic issues like mass incarceration, poverty and racial inequality; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and recognizes The Elevation Project for its outstanding contributions to reducing recidivism, supporting formerly incarcerated individuals, and helping create pathways to a brighter future.

End