PHILADELPHIA – TerraVida Victims of the War on Drugs (VOWD), is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Urban League of Philadelphia’s Out4Good program—an initiative that helps individuals with criminal records reintegrate back into the community.
TerraVida VOWD is the non-profit branch of a woman-owned and minority team which currently operates TerraVida Holistic Centers, a rapidly growing medical cannabis company with a successful track record and three locations in the Greater Philadelphia area. TerraVida VOWD’s mission is to provide education to community leaders and legislators on the value of marijuana in relation to the health and economic development of society including those who have been disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. The non-profit works to progress legalization in both Pennsylvania and across the country, expunge marijuana-related records for people to seek employment in the cannabis industry, and assist those who have been victimized by the drug war via life & career building services.
The Urban League of Philadelphia’sOut4Good program is an intensive four-week long program that reintegrates formerly incarcerated individuals with criminal records into the economic and social mainstreams of the community. Out4Good assists with job training and employment opportunities, intensive case management, and peer-to-peer support services and builds on local and national movements, both social and economic, to help individuals reconnect with society and obtain gainful employment.
“We whole-heartedly support the Urban League of Philadelphia’s mission to provide resources to those looking for a fresh start in the community,” said Chris Visco, President & CEO of TerraVida VOWD and Founder of TerraVida Holistic Centers. “Together, we have the opportunity to change lives by giving those who have served their time the means to re-enter society and the workforce while precipitating change that ultimately creates a lasting, positive impact on the Philadelphia community.”
Upon prison release, many re-entering citizens are tasked to actively pursue responsibilities like returning to their homes and families and seeking employment. TerraVida VOWD will sponsor an Out4Good Emergency Fund, which allows the organization to provide monetary assistance with cellular bills, travel expenses for commuting to and from work, child support, court costs and fines, and financial resources.
Currently, existing re-entry programs assist these individuals in finding careers but do not provide compensation, the emergency fund gives re-entering citizens the opportunity to participate in these programs without having to worry about their bills. The Parole Community Reentry Agent specifically refers ex-prisoners to this program, excluding those convicted of a crime of rape, molestation and murder. Individuals referred to Out4Good, are believed to benefit from the various programs offered, and a specific plan is formed for each individual based on their background.
“The Urban League of Philadelphia is deeply committed to uplifting and empowering underserved communities, including giving those who have paid their debt to society a second chance,” said Andrea Custis, President, and CEO of the Urban League of Philadelphia. “Our partnership with TerraVida VOWD is a natural fit for the Out4Good program which will allow us to work together and ease the financial burdens that come with transitioning back into the community.”
In addition to their upcoming work with Out4Good, TerraVida VOWD will continue to serve the local community through their involvement in several positive, philanthropic initiatives. Previously, TerraVida VOWD has participated in many charitable initiatives including census and voter registration, donations to various community outreach organizations, food drives and pandemic relief initiatives throughout the Greater Philadelphia community.
In addition to their upcoming work with Out4Good, TerraVida VOWD will continue to serve the local community through their involvement in several positive, philanthropic initiatives. Previously, TerraVida VOWD has participated in many charitable initiatives including census and voter registration, donations to various community outreach organizations, food drives and pandemic relief initiatives throughout the Greater Philadelphia community.
ABOUT TERRAVIDA HOLISTIC CENTERS
TerraVida Holistic Centers is a women-owned, Medical Marijuana company founded in 2017. The company operates medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the state of Pennsylvania and organizes events to educate the local community about medical marijuana. To learn more about TerraVida, please visit, https://terravidahc.com/.
ABOUT THE URBAN LEAGUE OF PHILADELPHIA
The Urban League of Philadelphia, an affiliate of the National Urban League, is a nonpartisan civil rights organization that has empowered African Americans and other underserved communities for more than a century. Through housing, employment, entrepreneurship, youth development, health and wellness and advocacy, we impact more than 15,000 children, youth and families a year. To learn more about ULP, visit www.urbanleaguephila.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information.
