PHILADELPHIA — The West Philadelphia YMCA has formed a partnership with Brown’s Super Stores and the Pepsi Bottling Group to help combat youth violence. “We are confident this partnership will make a difference in the lives of many of our neighbors,” said Paul Brauer, director of human resources and community affairs for Brown’s Super Stores, operator of 10 ShopRite stores. “The Pepsi Family Room Presented by ShopRite” is the first initiative in a new city-wide program, “Strong Families; Strong Children; Strong Communities. Let’s Be Safe,” created to offer support to youth and families in communities that are struggling with violence. The objective is to attract children and families in West Philadelphia to the YMCA and encourage them take advantage of its activities and services. The Pepsi Bottling Group Foundation donated $25,000 to establish a new YMCA program that includes mentoring, after-school study, educational and professional support, community gatherings and teen discussion sessions. “By providing a safe haven for our youngsters to grow strong socially, intellectually and recreationally, we are securing a better future for all,” said Dave Fitts, vice president and general manager of PBG’s Delaware Valley Market Unit.
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