The Villa is a specialized residential program for youth who have demonstrated a history of truancy, emotional trauma, family conflict and difficulties in the community. The program strives to empower youth through services geared toward strengthening family relationships and support systems while developing age-appropriate social skills and teaching responsibility.

Founded in 1911 by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, the facility was originally named St. Mary's Villa for Children and established as an orphanage for boys. In 2001, St. Mary's Villa combined resources with Holy Family Institute in Pittsburgh and gained recognition as a preeminent provider of services for abused and neglected children in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Villa joined PHMC in April 2013.

The Villa currently offers a range of services to address the physical, cognitive, social, educational and emotional needs of youth to help them become productive members of society. Its programming focuses on developing the skills needed for reunifying children with their families and introducing them into the public school system. Services are also available through its daytime school for students from surrounding districts in need of special education.

Read more about The Villa here.

You’re Beautifully Made, Inc., empowers youth and adults to thrive in all aspects of their lives through community-based programs and collaboration with other organizations and community leaders. Founded by Shanon Skipworth in 2012, the organization has served more than 3,000 people across the Philadelphia area through its programs, services and community events.

You’re Beautifully Made currently offers a six-month mentoring program with a scholarship opportunity, a summer mentoring club, a seven-session parenting program for new and expecting mothers, and income-based home essentials support. Additional programs include employment attire assistance, computer skills classes and culinary arts sessions for youth. Registration for a new literacy program will open at the end of the year. You’re Beautifully Made also connects families to resources throughout Philadelphia to help individuals access employment, physical and mental health, public transportation, and more.

To learn more about You’re Beautifully Made, Inc., visit their website or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

James Wright is the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Major Gifts at the People’s Emergency Center (PEC). He has 18 years of experience in neighborhood planning, economic and real estate development, and galvanizing multiple stakeholders to leverage community assets. Prior to his role at PEC, James worked in real estate and economic development at New Kensington Community Development Corporation.

James has served on the boards of Mighty Writers and the West Philly Tool Library, and he is a current board member for the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations. He was recognized as a 2016 Rising Star by the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations.

James is a Southwest Philly native and resides with his family in Cobbs Creek, West Philadelphia. He holds an MBA in Urban Economic Development and a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Eastern University.

Reverend Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake is President of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation. In this role, she directs strategic, programmatic and operational efforts to fulfill the Foundation’s mission to lead sustainable solutions that improve the health and wellness of communities. While overseeing its grant-making work, Dr. Marshall-Blake steered the Foundation to its position as a collaborator, innovator, convener of diverse organizations, and thought leader in addressing emerging health needs in Southeastern Pennsylvania. In addition to leading the Foundation, she serves on 25 nonprofit boards and committees of local, state, and national organizations, including the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association – Corporate Responsibility Committee, Pennsylvania Conference for Women, the Urban Affairs Coalition, and the Urban League of Philadelphia.

Dr. Marshall-Blake’s leadership and community service has been recognized by the NACCP, Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, The Philadelphia Tribune, and the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey. She is a recipient of the Philadelphia Region’s Leaders Award from The Philadelphia Tribune and the Health Care Innovator Award from the Philadelphia Business Journal. Devoted to her church and community, she serves as an associate minister at the Vine Memorial Baptist Church in Philadelphia. In addition, she is affiliated with more than 30 professional and civic organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League and the United Negro College Fund, and is the 28th President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omega Omega Chapter.

Dr. Marshall-Blake holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Antioch College, a Master’s in Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania and an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Albright College. She is an Honorary Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and was appointed to the National Advisory Council on Nursing Education and Practice in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.