The Community Evening Resource Center (CERC) is a community-based program located in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. It will operate daily from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Youth will be provided with structured activities that promote positive youth development. This includes engaging in community service, preparing for the workforce with job-readiness training, participating in group activities that offer young people a chance to explore alternatives to violence through learning about conflict resolution, life skills, and character building. The programs will emphasize violence prevention, mentoring, and service linkages.
The CERC will also support Philadelphia youth who have come to the attention of the Philadelphia Police in districts 14, 35th and 39th after a curfew violation. When youth arrive after curfew the CERC staff will talk to the youth and parents/guardian to safely transport the youth home and offer resources to the family to help the youth make better choices and abide by curfew hours. Far too often, young people find themselves victims of violence when out on the street late at night. The CERC is designed to be a place where young people can come to get off the streets and engage in activities that interest them.
The CERC will provide the youth and their families with resources that address trauma, violence, and receive mentorship and support in a safe environment.