Stoneleigh Fellow David Irizarry spoke to Fox 29 Philadelphia about a new Philadelphia Police Department program, Summer Night Lights, to provide food and activities for young people throughout the summer.
Philadelphia Police are launching a new public safety initiative called “Summer Night Lights” (SNL) in North Philadelphia.
What we know: The new pilot program is providing programming to youth and families at Winchester Recreation Center and Penrose Recreation Center starting Monday, August 4 through Friday, September 5 weeknights between 4 – 8 p.m.
“The idea is every day we’re feeding young people, we’re providing some sort of structured activity whether it’s physical, whether it be mental whether it’s some sort of mentorship,” said David Irizarry, Senior Stoneleigh Fellow with the Philadelphia Police Department focused on gang reduction and youth development.
During the announcement on Friday, Irizarry said North Philadelphia historically led the nation in violence and continues to be one of the most impacted areas in the city.
Many of the police officers from the 22nd District will be at Summer Night Lights interacting with the youth in attendance.
