Resolution 240678

..Title Honoring and recognizing Youth Action for over two decades of inspiring leadership and community service in Philadelphia. ..Body WHEREAS, Youth Action, a Philadelphia-based non-profit organization, was founded twenty-one years ago through the visionary efforts of a group of Philadelphia youth who attended the Youth to Leaders Summit in Washington, DC, and developed a business plan for a community impact project on teenage pregnancy; and WHEREAS, The organization has since grown from that initial $1,000 grant from Youth Ventures into a distinguished entity committed to empowering students to lead and serve their communities; and WHEREAS, Youth Action's core mission remains steadfast in inspiring and equipping students to become leaders and active contributors to their communities; and WHEREAS, Over its twenty-year history, Youth Action has achieved numerous accolades, including the City of Philadelphia Impact Award (2021), Non-Profit of the Year from the African American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ, and DE (2020), and the Wells Fargo Community Connector Award for Service (2015), among others; and WHEREAS, The organization has engaged 5,000 students in impactful community service initiatives, completed 375 service projects, and awarded $60,000 in scholarships to its members; and WHEREAS, 100% of recent graduates from the 2023-2024 service year have continued their education and commitment to service, demonstrating the lasting impact of Youth Action's programs; and WHEREAS, Notable milestones this year include the hiring of its first full-time Executive Director, the successful relaunch of the Junior Youth Action ("JYA") program, the expansion of service opportunities through the annual Toy Drive, and the launch of a new, user-friendly website in partnership with Hopeworks; and WHEREAS, These accomplishments underscore Youth Action's unwavering dedication to fostering leadership, community service, and positive social change among Philadelphia's youth; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby extends our heartfelt congratulations and deepest appreciation to Youth Action for its exceptional contributions to our community and for its steadfast commitment to empowering the leaders of tomorrow. We commend Youth Action for its remarkable achievements over the past twenty-one years and for its continued dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of Philadelphia's youth. FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to Youth Action, Inc. as an expression of the admiration and respect of this legislative body. ..End