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, and promoting community economic development. This essential and involved activity has been unmatched in the Philadelphia area, which has fueled unprecedented growth and development; and
WHEREAS, Access to justice and legal representation are indispensable American rights, making Philadelphia VIP’s role in the pursuit of justice essential, and worthy of admiration and emulation. VIP will undoubtedly continue to meet the needs of the Philadelphia community by providing powerful resources and the highest quality of free legal services to those in need for many years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors Philadelphia VIP on the special occasion of its Fortieth Anniversary.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Philadelphia VIP as evidence of the sincere admiration of this legislative body.
End