One of our biggest questions while creating SustainPHL was how we’d discuss sustainability. We wanted to redefine the definition beyond recycling and rain barrels, but talk about ways people are improving the sustainability of their communities.

Our Civic Sustainability Award category is one example of individuals going above and beyond to invest in others. These three nominees are examples who advance their community through civic service or meaningful opportunities to give back. All three of these stories are incredible, and I’m excited that they’re a part of the SustainPHL awards.

I’m proud to announce that our three SustainPHL nominees for Civic Sustainability are: 

• Morris Holland Derry III | No More Pain
• Ryan Harris | As I Plant This Seed
• PowerCorpsPHL

Join us for SustainPHL on August 18th to find out who will become our Civic Sustainability Winner!

Civic Sustainability Nominees 2016

Morris Holland Derry III

“Morris Derry has helped many of our city’s homeless and addicted population with food, toiletry items and assistance with getting and receiving the help the need.

Morris made giving his Thanksgiving dinner plate to a homeless man his Thanksgiving tradition.”

Morris Derry founded No More Pain, Inc., a nonprofit organization that mentors individuals who suffer from substance abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, cancer, ex-cons and youth development. Compared to Big Brothers, Big Sisters but for adults, No More Pain is a mentorship program to give hope to individuals against the odds.

Since its vision in 1996 and finally being established in 2014, Morris has dedicated his life to helping others. Over the last eight years, he has gone out faithfully 3-4 nights a week not only to hand out donations but also to spend time and talk with everyone he meets. His only goal is to change lives. Morris has assisted people to get into treatment centers, detox, and rehabs and has created many events that spread awareness. 

Morris was an ex-con himself and created the program while behind bars.

Ryan Harris

“Ryan Harris is impacting sustainability by teaching & exposing the youth to various professional outlets that will ultimately not only sustain but enhance the future of us all.”

Ryan Harris is the Founder and Program Director of the nonprofit As I Plant this Seed,” currently located in the Hunting Park section of Philadelphia. Nominations from individuals he touched described testimonials about how he mentored youth, supplies families with school supplies and helped students regain self-esteem. He’s restored hope back into the community that someone cares. As I Plant This Seed is a successful program bridging the gap between law enforcement &  the community with the help of The Philadelphia Police Department and without outside funding.

Ryan is a graduate of the first HBCU, Cheyney University, where he received his BS in Recreation and Leisure Management and was mentored by Professor Dr. Julius Flynn. Dr. Flynn exposed Ryan to a world beyond his current surroundings and changed his perspective. As a result, Ryan created As I Plant This Seed to help youth in urban communities through various enrichment activities and programs.

In 2012, Ryan launched his two biggest events to date which is the Back 2 School event and Annual Christmas Banquet with services touching the lives of over 500 families and over 2,500 youth. Ryan participates in additional events include IROC’S Annual Father Daughter dance, the Know Your Status Campaign, and the Talk To Me mentorship program. Ryan also serves as an Executive Board Member for several local organizations including the award winning non-profit, IROC.

Ryan hopes to plant a seed of education, perseverance and ultimately change the mindsets of our at-risk youth, one child at a time.

PowerCorpsPHL

“I feel like PowerCorps impacted how others view me. I am a reflection of what is around me, and PowerCorpsPHL put me in a positive place. Without PowerCorpsPHL I would never have met the people I know now, or built a relationship with Philadelphia Water. I contribute my success to PowerCorpsPHL.”

Photo: PowerCorpsPHL Facebook 

PowerCorpsPHL is an AmeriCorps program designed to support the City of Philadelphia’s environmental stewardship initiatives, youth violence prevention, and workforce development priorities.

PowerCorpsPHL annually enrolls 100 at-risk individuals, ages 18-26, in a 9-month program: 6 months of full-time service as AmeriCorps members with City departments followed by three months of intensive job placement support. PowerCorpsPHL service members directly contribute to sustainability initiatives across the city, including tree planting, revitalizing public land, working on green stormwater infrastructure projects, and diverting waste from landfills at large public events.

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher