Dear Friends—
The Mayor’s Office of Community Services has a vision for community resurgence. We are a results-oriented agency that seeks to serve as an anti-poverty “pipeline” for the low-income communities we serve. Our Agency’s vision statement derives from the energy and motivation generated by this agenda: MOCS remains committed to serving as a capacity builder for anti-poverty organizations and as the central coordinator of poverty-related services in Philadelphia.
In our efforts against poverty, Philadelphia’s strength derives from the plethora of organizations already dedicated to providing anti-poverty services within its borders. The City is home to hundreds of non-profits focused on eradicating poverty and its effects, world renowned educational institutions with community spirit, and a devoted philanthropic private sector. These institutions are making a substantial difference. In addition to the City’s non-profit and private sector efforts, a number of city agencies provide essential services to low-income communities as well. The Office of Supportive Housing, the Office of Housing and Community Development, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Human Services, and other agencies all serve the interests of Philadelphia’s low-income residents. We recognize that when it comes to fighting poverty, MOCS cannot and should not fight alone. It is our mission to support these existing efforts, not by competing with them, but by coordinating the City’s anti-poverty services.
The ability to leverage both public and private resources for the benefit of low-income families has been a great asset to MOCS. We embrace the idea that reducing poverty is a shared responsibility—it should not fall on the shoulders of one agency alone. By strengthening anti-poverty organizations throughout the City, we can increase the effectiveness of individual organizations. MOCS can become a “force multiplier", growing prosperous, results-oriented, community based organizations that can stand on their own and provide innovative solutions for their clients. By maintaining a pipeline between community based organizations, service providers, and employers, MOCS can form a poverty fighting community stretching across the City. By developing a robust anti-poverty network comprised of empowered service providers and partner organizations, MOCS will establish a powerful weapon in the War on Poverty. MOCS is a premier community action agency within the City of Philadelphia—we will continue our efforts by providing excellent services and programs for low-income communities.
Sincerely,
Otis L. Bullock, Jr., Esq., Executive Director