Date: January 6, 2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brandon Johnson Director of External Affairs Bjohnson2@uac.org 215-851-1931 Philadelphia Children and Families Cabinet Urban Affairs Coalition Supports Philadelphia’s New Office of Children and Families Philadelphia, PA – January 6, 2020 -- The Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC) is proud to support the City of Philadelphia’s new Office of Children and Families. As a Home for Nonprofits, UAC believes in partnering with all segments of our community to ensure every person has an opportunity for educational and economic success, and a secure and healthy life. UAC is proud to support the City of Philadelphia and Mayor James F. Kenney during his second term to support and uplift children and families. “Today Mayor Kenney released his second term agenda. I applaud the Mayor’s priorities to keep children safer, families stronger, and schools supported,” said Sharmain Matlock-Turner, UAC President and CEO. “We know that our schools work hard to improve the lives of our children every day. We also know that it takes all of us working together, focused on clear goals, if we are to radically improve outcomes for our children – in particular the third of our city’s children who are living in poverty. That is why I support the creation of a new Office of Children and Families. This is an investment in the next generation. I look forward to providing leadership, coordination, and collaboration across government, business, and nonprofits with community stakeholders. I also look forward to working with Mayor Kenney and Deputy Mayor Cynthia Figueroa to advance these priorities, to lift more of our children and their families out of poverty and keep them out.” All children in our community deserve to grow up safe, healthy, and prepared for life. The City of Philadelphia Office of Children and Families works across City departments to ensure that policies, resources, and services for children and families are aligned and coordinated in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia. The Office of Children and Families oversees operations and policy for the following City programs and services: The City’s Department of Human Services (child welfare and juvenile justice); PHLpreK, the City’s free, quality pre-K program for three- and four-year-olds; Community Schools; and Prevention Support Services (Out-of-School Time, Youth Workforce Development, Truancy, and Summer/Winter Meals). The Office of Children and Families also oversees the Philadelphia Children and Families Cabinet, whose purpose is to improve outcomes for all Philadelphia children and families, build stronger communities and support great schools in every neighborhood. The Office of Children and Families starts effective January 6, 2020. ### The Urban Affairs Coalition is home to 80 nonprofits and community initiatives that work to improve the quality of life in our communities. UAC’s priorities are to build wealth in urban communities, develop youth and young adults, create strategic partnerships, and strengthen nonprofits. To learn more about the Urban Affairs Coalition, please visit www.uac.org.