WHEREAS, Since its founding in 1983, the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia (AVP) has worked tirelessly to reduce the cycle of violence by providing a wide range of compassionate services to victims and survivors, and by promoting healing, safety, and peace throughout our City; and
WHEREAS, AVP began as
Families of Murder Victims (FMV)
, a grassroots effort formed in partnership with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office to serve families who had lost loved ones to homicide, offering vital support, advocacy, and guidance during the most painful times of their lives; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, AVP has expanded its services and impact through the establishment of programs such as the Counseling Center (1996), which provides free trauma-informed counseling to children, families, and individuals affected by violence; the West/Southwest Victim Services Program (2005), which supports victims of violent crime in a community-based setting; and the Youth Violence Outreach (YVO) initiative (2016), which delivers school-based, trauma-informed therapy to young people at risk of becoming victims or perpetrators of violence; and
WHEREAS, AVP’s collaboration with the Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office, beginning in 2007, ensures that families receive immediate emotional and practical support in the devastating days following a homicide; and
WHEREAS, Through the decades, AVP has earned numerous local, regional, and national honors, including the National Organization for Victim Assistance
Excellence in Victim Services Award
(1989), the Philadelphia County Medical Society’s
Outstanding Health Services Award
(1994), and the
GlaxoSmithKline Community Partnerships IMPACT Award
(2004), recognizing its leadership in improving the quality of life and care for underserved Philadelphians; now, therefore, be it.
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and commends the
Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia
for its outstanding service, steadfast leadership, and lifelong commitment to reducing violence, supporting victims, and fostering peace in every corner of our beloved City.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia as a token of the Council’s deepest appreciation and admiration for over forty years of dedicated service to the citizens of Philadelphia.
End