Northern Children's Services

08/20/2026

What does youth violence prevention look like?

Sometimes it looks like learning how to manage difficult emotions. Going for a hike. Making art. Learning to communicate. Understanding your first paycheck…and realizing just how hard taxes hit! 💸

And sometimes, it looks like being able to say, 💬“I love who I am becoming. I don’t mean to sound cocky—I’m just really proud of myself.” 💬

Today, 27 young people ages 11–24 came together with their families and Northern staff to celebrate the completion of the third summer of Northern’s Youth Promoting Peace Program (YP3).

Several youth shared what they’re carrying forward:
💬 “School didn’t teach me how to be financially stable. I’m 19, and I’m grown now. This program impacted my life so much.” 💬

One of our older youth participants also reflected on learning to deal with emotions in healthier ways—to turn away from violence and drugs and toward healthy choices, even when that isn’t easy.

That is at the heart of YP3.

Congratulations to our Summer 2026 participants! 🎓 We’re grateful to the Northern staff, families, guest speakers, and community partners who invest in our youth, and to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)’s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) initiative and the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust for funding this important work.

08/20/2026

The start of a new school year can bring excitement and big feelings. 📚💭

Families can make the transition gentler by returning to regular routines, preparing materials together, talking through expectations, and creating space for children to share how they feel. Small steps can help build a confident start.

08/19/2026

08/18/2026

🍗🧇 Chicken & Waffles with Northern Staff! 💙

What better way to celebrate the end of a successful summer than with good food, great conversations, and even better company? Our Northern Children staff came together to enjoy some delicious chicken & waffles and celebrate all the hard work that made this summer a success! 🎉

We’re grateful for the dedication, energy, and heart our team brings every day. Here’s to our amazing staff—and to many more successes ahead! 🙌

08/14/2026

Today is the final day of Northern’s Wellness Summer Camp! 💛☀️

Over the past eight weeks, our Wellness kiddos have spent their days learning, playing, building friendships, trying new things, and strengthening the social-emotional and behavioral skills that help them thrive.

Wellness is so much more than summer camp. It provides a safe, supportive environment filled with enrichment, recreation, connection—and plenty of summer fun!

We’re so grateful to our incredible staff, caregivers, community partners, and volunteers who made this summer possible, and to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) for investing in this important program.

Most of all, congratulations to our Wellness kiddos on an amazing summer! 💛

08/13/2026

We were honored to welcome State Senator Vincent Hughes to Northern today for a special afternoon with our young people!

Senator Hughes spent time with youth and staff from our Wellness Summer Camp and Youth Promoting Peace Program (YP3), answering questions and talking about service, leadership, and the importance of making your voice heard. He encouraged our young people to speak up about the needs of their communities and reminded them that even before they are old enough to vote, their voices matter 💬.

The conversation continued over an ice cream social 🍦, with a few special surprises! Our campers created a thank-you illustration, and Hamzah, a talented young artist in YP3, presented Senator Hughes with an original drawing. 🎨

We were also proud to share the impact of programs made possible through public and philanthropic support. YP3 is supported by our State's PCCD Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) initiative and the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, while our Wellness Summer Camp also receives PCCD VIP support.

Thank you, Senator Hughes, for spending the afternoon with us and encouraging our young people to use their voices and lead through service!

08/12/2026

🌟 Staff Spotlight: Terrence & Sue!

Meet Terrence and Sue, Northern’s Program Quality and Data Analysts who help support the important work happening across our programs every day.

For them, choosing Northern meant becoming part of an organization where their behind-the-scenes work can contribute to something bigger. Through their roles, they support our staff, strengthen the quality of our services by measuring outcomes and analyzing impact, and ensure we continue to make a meaningful difference for the children and families we serve. 💙

We’re grateful to have Terrence and Sue as part of the Northern team!

08/11/2026

On August 3, 20 Summer Wellness Campers joined Summer Youth Promoting Peace Program (YP3) students for Phase 1 of a collaborative Mural Art Project! 🎨

Participants worked side by side to paint pre-designed canvas mural pieces, using creativity, teamwork, and self-expression to contribute their own unique touches. More than an art activity, the project gave campers and students an opportunity to build new connections, support one another, and create something that represents unity and community. It was so much fun to have these two summer programs come together.

After painting, the group enjoyed music and a lively game of Silent Ball, keeping the positive energy going while encouraging focus, teamwork, and social interaction.

We’re excited to watch the mural continue to take shape throughout its future phases and eventually celebrate the completed project with our community!

08/06/2026

Hey, neighbors! 👋 Walk-in hours at Northern’s Community Food Pantry are almost back! Stop by on one of our upcoming dates to pick up fresh produce, pantry staples, and other available items—no appointment needed during walk-in hours. 🥬🍅🥖

📅 August 12 & August 26
📅 September 9 & September 23
⏰ 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Share this post to help us spread the word! 💚

08/04/2026

School is almost back in session! 🎒📚

Our 2026 Back-to-School Fair brought families, staff, volunteers, and community partners together for a day filled with smiles, fun activities, helpful resources, and plenty of back-to-school essentials. From backpacks and books to snacks, face painting, and more, we loved helping our young people feel excited and prepared for the new school year!

Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, partnered with us, or joined us on campus to make this special day possible. Together, we’re helping our children level up for a successful school year! 💙✏️