FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2008

Philadelphia Safe and Sound
(215) 568-0620


Philadelphia Safe and Sound Board of Directors Vote to Cease Operations June 30, 2008

Philadelphia, PA – This week, the Board of Directors of Philadelphia Safe and Sound, a leading independent non-profit organization focused on improving the health, safety, and well-being of children and youth through research, technology, program management, and advocacy, voted to cease all of its operations as of June 30, 2008.

In a letter delivered to Mayor Michael Nutter, Board Chairman Ernest E. Jones called the decision “extremely painful” and explained that “given the current environment, the board of directors felt it was the only real option available to the organization. Because of a variety of factors, PSS believes it can no longer continue to provide services at a high level and has consequently taken this action.”

“I am disappointed that Safe and Sound’s good work will come to an end. But in the face of insurmountable obstacles, I fully understand and support the board’s decision as the only responsible course of action to take. We are proud of all that PSS has accomplished, including building one of the largest networks of out-of-school time programs in the country and achieving high levels of satisfaction from providers and parents. The controversy and uncertainty over the future of our organization has become unfair to our providers and made it difficult for us to plan effectively and retain staff. It is important for us to move aside so that the City Administration can turn its attention to implementing whatever it believes is best for families, youth and children,” said Anne L. Shenberger, President and CEO.

Founded as a non-profit corporation, 501 (c) 3, in 2000, Philadelphia Safe and Sound has a rich history of providing high quality services to the families, children, and youth. PSS was on the ground floor, often collaborating with city government and other nonprofit agencies, using research to pinpoint the needs of children and youth and craft programmatic solutions to address them. The organization oversaw and monitored a number of programs including the Beacon, afterschool and prevention programs to help children and families that were in most need or most at risk. The organization has served as a “fiscal intermediary” for city government and oversaw the delivery of over 200 Afterschool and Beacon Programs located in high-risk neighborhoods, along with a variety of other programs all aimed at reducing violence and preventing delinquency. Data from participants in afterschool programs show that for every additional year of afterschool attendance, youth were 25% less likely to be arrested and 10% less likely to enter dependent care placement.

Safe and Sound developed widely respected research and evaluation capabilities, including a Centralized Data Repository (CDR) to synthesize and analyze data from a variety of sources including the Police Department, Department of Human Services, Census Bureau, and the School District. PSS frequently prepared maps and other analyses for city government agencies, City Council members and other officials and organizations. Signature products include the annual Children’s Report Card and Community Report Cards and Children’s Budget which assessed the safety, health, and well-being of children city-wide.

Mr. Jones expressed to the Mayor, PSS’ commitment to work with the administration to “ensure a smooth transition to the new intermediary.” PSS also has notified more than 200 community providers of the board’s decision to cease operations, recognizing their “endless support of Philadelphia’s children and youth.”

Read the full text of Mr. Jones’ letter to Mayor Nutter and the notification letter sent to community-based program providers.


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