JJC’s 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, character building, and engage in fun, engaging activities. Activities range from music enrichment, creative writing, e-gaming, video production, self-care workshops, etc. The program is designed to increase awareness about violence prevention, mental wellness, and offer service linkages.

The CERC will also support Philadelphia youth who have come to the attention of the Philadelphia Police in the North West divisions ( 5th, 14th, 35^th and 39^th districts) 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 safe place where young people can come get off the streets and engage in activities that interest them.

If you or someone you know would like to apply for a position working with the youth at the CERC visit our employment page.

View the NBC 10 news clip here to see why the CERC’s are so vital to our community.