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Council honors Philadelphia Anti‑Drug Anti‑Violence Network for recreation center violence‑prevention pilot
Summary
Council adopted a resolution honoring the Philadelphia Anti‑Drug Anti‑Violence Network (PAN) for its "Playing It Safe in the Eighth" initiative, a pilot placing credible‑messenger teams in four recreation centers to reduce violence.
Philadelphia City Council adopted a resolution recognizing the Philadelphia Anti‑Drug Anti‑Violence Network (PAN) and its Playing It Safe in the Eighth initiative, which placed credible‑messenger violence‑intervention teams in four recreation centers in the Eighth Councilmatic District.
Deputy Whip Councilmember Cindy Bass introduced the resolution. She said the pilot targeted four recreation centers — Jerome Brown, Happy Hollow, Lonnie Young and Belfield — and that the program reported no incidents of gun violence at participating sites during its operation. George D. Mosey Jr., representing PAN, told the council the program relies on “credible messengers” who combine lived experience, courage and caring to engage young people and de‑escalate conflicts.
The resolution highlights that the initiative emphasizes relationship‑based intervention rather than enforcement, connects participants to employment opportunities (including supports for people returning from incarceration), and relies on partnerships among city agencies, community organizations and law enforcement. Sponsors said the effort could serve as a model for other neighborhoods and asked the council to support funding to expand the program citywide; no specific city funding was approved during the meeting.
Council adopted the ceremonial resolution and commended PAN staff and center advisory councils for their work. PAN leaders and council members said they hope to scale the approach pending available resources and partnerships.
