MLK Day of Service with YouthBuild Philadelphia Charter SchoolYouthBuild Phildadelphia joined over 70,000 volunteers across the Greater Philadelphia area to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These are the images and voices of our students, staff, Board members, and volunteers as they celebrate this national day of service.

Workshops with the “Freedom Fighters” at the MLK 365 Signature SiteOriginal members of the Cecil B. Moore Philadelphia Freedom Fighters led “We Were There: A Point from the Past to Better the Future,” with students from YouthBuild Philadelphia and George School, a coed boarding and day school located in Bucks County. Everyone joined in song following the presentation.

Workshops with the “Freedom Fighters” at the MLK 365 Signature Site“Hearing stories from the[Freedom Fighters] had an impact on me because 16-18 year old kids took a stand for our education ... They didn't do it for themselves. They did it for us. They did it for the future. We're not acting like we deserve it." – Tyrik Gass, joined here by “Freedom Smitty”

Service Learning through Interviews with Simpson House Residents“I learned a lot about what segregation was like in Martin Luther King’s day by talking with the residents. They were about our age when all of this was happening in Philly. I was surprised that they think many things are worse now – especially crime and violence. I learned that most people of different races did get along, but businesses and restaurants kept people apart. ” – Andre Wright, YouthBuild Student

YouthBuild Students lead “GreenBuild”YouthBuild students, staff, Board members and volunteers worked on the rehabilitation of a home aimed at sustainable development. In partnership with Nicetown Community Development Corporation, the home will be completely transformed over the next year into an energy efficient home for a low-income family.

YouthBuild Students lead “GreenBuild”Student Fantasia Shaw guides YouthBuild Board of Trustees Member Marty Brigham and volunteer Harriet Rubenstein as they work with recycled materials to frame the rehabilitated home. 12 community volunteers joined 15 students on this project to honor MLK.

YouthBuild Students lead “GreenBuild”“Martin Luther King, Jr. selflessly fought for our freedom. I felt good knowing that instead of being in the house I was making a change." – Student Isaiah Ross, pictured here ripping up old flooring in a home that is being renovated into a energy efficient home for a first-time homebuyer.

Rehabilitation of Penrose Playground and Community Center In partnership with the University Community Collaborative of Philadelphia, YouthBuild Students renovated Penrose Community Center, a recreation facility in a low-income neighborhood in North Philadelphia. The project included the installation of new bookshelves for a library, painting walls, and installing plumbing.

Rehabilitation of Penrose Playground and Community Center “We were thrilled and inspired by the commitment and energy of YouthBuild students and staff, who rocked everyone's socks off with their speed and professionalism … We are confident that the commitment is just going to continue increasing as many more people, organizations and communities are noticing that it takes a village to raise a Rec Center. “ -Natalia Smirnov, University Community Collaborative of Philadelphia (UCCP)