Saint Joseph’s Further Cements Commitment to Community
Saint Joseph’s University announced a $200,000 investment in the neighborhoods surrounding Hawk Hill as part of a partnership with the Wynnefield Overbrook Revitalization Corporation (WORC).
On Friday, Saint Joseph’s University leadership gathered with elected officials and representatives from the Wynnefield Overbrook Revitalization Corporation (WORC) to announce a $200,000 investment in these neighborhoods surrounding St. Joe’s Hawk Hill campus. The announcement came as part of a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA).
“As Philadelphia’s Jesuit, Catholic University, we bring a deep investment in, and commitment to, the communities where we teach, learn, work and live,” said Saint Joseph’s President Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD. “[Partnerships like these are] an essential piece of our mission.”
The CBA reflects the long history of cooperation between SJU and its surrounding communities that stretches back decades. The agreement consists of three components.
As Philadelphia’s Jesuit, Catholic University, we bring a deep investment in, and commitment to, the communities where we teach, learn, work and live."
Cheryl A. McConnell, PhD
Saint Joseph’s PresidentPrimarily, the CBA stipulates an annual investment of $100,000 by St. Joe’s to support WORC’s operations, including staffing and technology. The second major component of the agreement is the creation of a Community Investment Fund which will be established with a $100,000 seed investment from SJU. This fund will provide grants to small businesses and organizations to enable business and community development. Lastly, the CBA formalizes the continuation of the University’s partnership with the Samuel Gompers School, as well as the expansion of this partnership to include the Science Leadership Academy at Beeber Elementary.
“We need institutions who are anchors in their communities to stand 10 toes down on their mission,” said the Hon. Morgan Cephas, State Rep. 192nd District, who was an integral part of the CBA’s development. “[The CBA] sets the model for other institutions in Philadelphia and how they can step up in their communities and partner with them.”
The Hon. Curtis Jones, Jr., 4th Councilmanic District, hailed the agreement as a continuation of the ongoing effort between SJU and the surrounding communities to provide one another with a “neighbor-to-neighbor benefit.” “This,” Councilman Jones Jr. said, “is the blueprint for a safer Philadelphia.”
