Philadelphia Department of Human Services

09/03/2026

🎉 A new space for Philly youth is officially open!

DHS and OCF leadership joined the Juvenile Justice Center of Philadelphia to celebrate the grand opening of the new Central Community Evening Resource Center (CERC) at 16th and Cecil B. Moore! The evening brought together youth, families, community partners, and City leaders for games, food, and a first look at the new space.

Special thank you to Senator Sharif Street, Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, and Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr. for joining us to celebrate! 🙌

The new Central CERC provides Philadelphia youth ages 10–17 with a safe and welcoming place to spend their evenings, with free programming, recreation, homework help, workshops, meals, and more.

📍 1632 N. 16th Street
💙 Free for Philadelphia youth ages 10–17

Find a CERC near you: phila.gov/CERC

09/01/2026

📦 Starting their DHS careers with care, compassion, and community!

Last week, newly hired social workers transitioning into the Bridge Unit participated in their Community Day Project. The Bridge Unit provides mentorship and guidance to new social workers as they prepare to serve children, youth, and families across Philadelphia.

For their project, the August 2026 class came together to support older youth in foster care by collecting and assembling care packages filled with hygiene items, hair products, clothing, and other essentials.

The class packed the boxes and delivered them to the DHS child care room, putting the values at the heart of their work into action. 💙

08/19/2026

08/07/2026

Hey Philly families! Did you know you can get free food and meals at a distribution site near you in Philadelphia?

From fresh produce to pantry staples, these sites are open to all Philly residents and do not
require ID or proof of income.
✅ Easy to access
✅ No paperwork required
✅ Open to ALL Philly residents

Find a free food or meal site close to home by visiting: Phila.gov/food See less

07/29/2026

Today, we extend our sincere thanks to Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 13000, Councilmember Jim Harrity, and everyone who helped make this meaningful donation possible.

Through CWA's nationwide Human Rights Committee Initiative, the organization is working to support marginalized communities and inspire others to give back. We are grateful to partner with them in this effort by helping provide luggage to children and youth in foster care.

For young people transitioning between homes, a suitcase is more than just a way to carry their belongings. It represents dignity, comfort, and the reassurance that their personal items matter.

Thank you to CWA Local 13000, Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, and Councilmember Jim Harrity for your partnership and commitment to supporting Philadelphia's children, youth, and families. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

06/30/2026