The Community of Compassion CDC Inc. (“Compassion CDC”) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, incorporated in 2001, located at 6150 Cedar Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19143.  Compassion CDC is as an outgrowth of The Church of Christian Compassion, founded in 1981, which has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the redevelopment and revitalization of both human and physical aspects of the community.  Compassion CDC was created to implement the vast number of holistic programs and initiatives to improve the quality of life, promote community development, neighborhood pride and empower people to attain hope, motivation and the skills necessary to reach their personal potential and for families to become self-sufficient.

Tell us about how you got your start at Community of Compassion

I began working with the Community of Compassion at its inception in 2001 as a volunteer to help bring programs and resources to the community; and just recently became the Executive Director in 2021 after the former director resigned.

What do you love most about the work you and your colleagues do? 

What I love most about the work we do at the Community of Compassion CDC is helping the youth navigate their journey through life.  We offer many programs for youth to explore and learn various skills.

How has your experience been, being in the city’s pilot evening resource center?  What would you like young people and others in the community to know about this program?

The experience so far as a pilot evening resource center has been amazing.  It has opened more doors for young people to have a safe place to come and learn and explore who they are.  I would like young people and others to know that we have a dedicated staff to help provide direction, mentoring, academic tutoring and to give them a safe, non-judgmental place where they can come and relax and find hope.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter into the type of work and programming you do?

The advice I would give is to make sure you love what you do and be willing to give 100% to the work.  In addition, research other organizations that are doing the work.  You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, but you can add your unique flavor to something that is already working to make it even stronger.

What’s on the horizon for Community of Compassion? What are you excited about in the future?

One of the major projects we have on the books for the very near future is the new Compassion Food Distribution Center.  This will be a place where the community can get fresh vegetables and nutritious food for themselves and families. People will be able to come in and place their order on a kiosk or with a live person and then pick it up the same day. This will operate 6 days a week for anyone who is in need of food and it will be free to everyone. We are in the process of renovating a building to house this great project.  This project will provide jobs for those in the community as well. So, I am very excited for what this is going to do for this community.

Here is a quote from one of the parents from our tutoring program:

Student (Mufi, 2nd grade)

Dear Compassion CDC Family

I’m writing to send blessings and praises. My son Mufi was not reading on grade level due to his kindergarten year being cut short due to Covid 19. His first grade year consisted of him staring at the computer for virtual learning. I am an essential worker who has no time or experience teaching. So my son fell behind. But thanks to your services my son now has a passion to learn to read. Ashley has worked wonders on him. He wants to be at tutoring everyday. Thank you so much for this service. It has changed my child’s outlook on learning.

Sincerely Marquieta & Mufi Morris