NorthCamden.Org

I have just finished reading over the draft of the report. This is a work in progress, however, my first read is that the report offers little for older youth. It seems as though recreational facilities is what we think will attract youth. How about jobs? Hopeworks has provided over 200 youth jobs in the last 7 years. We are providing internships with companies—what about a focused internship linking North Camden youth to companies? What about supporting youth job programs in the neighborhood? What about connecting youth to jobs in Philly?

The emphasis on a North Camden Youth Council in which “10-15 teens will provide guidance on future development, planning and neighborhood issues including youth programming” seems to be a return of the proposed youth brigade. What was learned from our last attempt at a youth brigade? Why wasn’t it successful? Why is this effort different?

Are any of the sports leagues focusing on teens? If so, where does this happen (I know the soccer league in PP park), any others?? Many youth I know don’t play sports once they are in high school—why is this?

I also don’t see how the report is taking seriously the transitory nature of the youth who are in the community. Families come and then they go. I don’t see how the targeted youth objectives address this. Are we helping people to stay or to have a quality “stay in North Camden?” What is the report’s relationship with people outside of North Camden? That is, if services are provided to someone and then the family moves to Cramer Hill, is it envisioned that services would continue to be offered?

One of the highest concentrations of youth is located in North Gate I and the low rises. Are they in this report at all?

Just some musings—-see you all tomorrow.