Family Services

Strong Families Make Strong Communities

Family relationships are critical pillars of support, especially for children in the household. GPCA services address family stability with parenting training and counseling for at-risk youth. Using trauma-informed counseling models, GPCA’s family stability programs focus on fostering healthy relationships within families and in school and neighborhood settings.

Community Umbrella Agency (CUA)

GPCA CUA 9 is a locally oriented DHS funded agency tasked with offering families in the 12th, 18th, and 77th police districts in West and Southwest Philadelphia, direct case management services. CUA 9’s goal is to improve outcomes for children, youth, and families involved with the child welfare system in Philadelphia. To achieve positive outcomes, we use child protection and child welfare services that are family centered, community-based, culturally competent, integrated, timely, and accountable for results. CUA 9’s main priority is to ensure the safety, permanency, and well-being for our children and youth. This is done by conducting visits to the resource and bio parent home, completing assessments, being a support, providing resources and services that strengthens families to create permanent solutions and positive outcomes. CUA 9’s desire is to create a stabilized environment where children, youth and families will succeed and thrive.

At GPCA through the CUA 9 program we:

• Provide Case Management Services to assist families with achieving permanency.
• Refer families to community supports that can assist with family stabilization.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families in our care.
• Partner with the Department of Human services and other outside entities to improve outcomes for our families.
• Build relationships within the community that aids CUA in providing additional support for our families.

Family Empowerment Services

Family Empowerment Services is a voluntary program that strives to increase family stability and well-being by connecting them to community resources. Referrals are accepted through the Department of Human Services or by way of self-referral directly to GPCA. Currently, our program serves families residing throughout Philadelphia county.

Parenting Educational Program / Parent Collective

Parenting Educational Program serves parents at-risk of involvement in the child protection system in addition to parents seeking to reunite with their children. We strive to work with parents in the Philadelphia area around issues such as re-unification, child neglect, and abuse so they can provide a nurturing environment for their children.

The Parenting and Anger Management Program provides 12 weeks of a Parenting Support Course that meets weekly, virtual or in-person. We use an evidence-based curriculum (Nurturing Parenting Program), which is a family-centered trauma-informed initiative designed to build nurturing parenting skills as an alternative to abusive and neglecting parenting and child-rearing practices. Inspired and written by Stephen J. Bavolek, PhD.

Classes are held virtually or at The Dixon House.  

Our program also includes topics that deal with the mental development of children in addition to the area of the child’s brain parents should be aware of when disciplining their young.

Community School Case Management

Case Management services are now available in an education environment!  

What is Community School Case Management? Services provided on-site at two Community Schools, South Philadelphia High School (SPHS) and Southwark Elementary School. The objective of the services is to improve daily school attendance and overall quality of life for the students and their family. By connecting families to supportive services that address their unique needs and challenges, the student will be on track for academic success.

Community School Case Management services thrive on connecting children and families to basic need benefits such as, but not limited-to:

• Housing Assistance
• Financial Literacy Assistance (utility assistance etc.)
• Child Care/ Daycare/ After School Programs
• Health assessments/vaccinations (Medicare, Medicaid, etc.)
• Eligibility for Assistance (i.e., Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program [SNAP]

Available at:
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Communities and Schools South
South Philadelphia High School (SPHS)
(2101 South Broad Street)
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Communities and Schools Southwark
Southwark Elementary School
(1835 S. 9th Street)

Teen and Pre-Teen Support

At GPCA, we are committed to uplifting youth through a range of community support programs designed specifically for children aged 10 and older. Our initiatives provide vital resources and assistance to create a safe and encouraging environment.

• Community Evening Resource Center (CERC): A supportive space that offers after-school programs and activities, allowing youth to engage, learn, and build connections.
• Intensive Prevention Services (IPS): Focused programs aimed at preventing crises and fostering healthy development through proactive support.
• Truancy Intervention and Prevention Services (TIPS): Specialized outreach initiatives that assist at-risk youth, helping them stay engaged in their education and connected to their community.

These programs work together to empower children, promoting resilience and a pathway to future success.