City of Philadelphia - File #: 210995

• File #: 210995
• Version: 0
• Type: Resolution
• Status: ADOPTED
• File created: 12/9/2021
• In control: CITY COUNCIL
• Final action: 12/16/2021
• Title: Honoring Philadelphia VIP on the Special Occasion of its Fortieth Anniversary.
• Sponsors: Councilmember Parker, Council President Clarke, Councilmember Squilla, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember Gauthier, Councilmember Jones, Councilmember Henon, Councilmember Quiñones Sánchez, Councilmember Bass, Councilmember O'Neill, Councilmember Brooks, Councilmember Domb, Councilmember Gilmore Richardson, Councilmember Green, Councilmember Gym, Councilmember Thomas

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
12/16/2021	0	CITY COUNCIL	ADOPTED
12/9/2021	0	CITY COUNCIL	Introduced and Ordered Placed On Next Week's Final Passage Calendar

Title
Honoring Philadelphia VIP on the Special Occasion of its Fortieth Anniversary.

Body
WHEREAS, Since its founding in 1981, Philadelphia VIP has served as a beacon of community empowerment through its endeavor to ensure equitable access to justice for all Philadelphians facing legal challenges which threaten their basic human needs, including housing, family, income, and community. This year, Philadelphia VIP celebrates a momentous milestone in their Fortieth Anniversary; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia VIP was initially established as the pro bono arm of the Philadelphia Bar Association to address the urgent, unmet need for civil legal services, however four decades later, the organization's work continues to be essential. With a vision to bridge the civil justice gap, VIP's mission is rooted in guaranteeing free legal services to those otherwise unable to access justice, including low-income individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits so that they may blossom in their communities; and

WHEREAS, Fostering a community connection is at the crux of Philadelphia VIP's work and attained through their volunteer-based service model. VIP recruits, trains, and supports hundreds of volunteer attorneys so they may provide pro bono legal services to clients in need. Additionally, VIP provides both clients and volunteer attorneys with essential legal services including referral, intake/work-up, matching, legal representation, and ongoing support. The volunteerism model allows VIP to meet the ever-growing need for civil assistance and secures the best representation for clients. Since its inception, VIP has enabled thousands of volunteer attorneys to provide free legal services to over 20,000 small businesses, neighbors, and nonprofit organizations; and

WHEREAS, The remarkable work of VIP not only improves the lives of individuals, but the community as a whole through their substantial impact in preventing homelessness, preserving income, supporting family stability...