About Philly Voice For Change
Who We Are
Philly Voice for Change is a newly established non-profit founded by and for individuals affected by systemic issues like lack of access to treatment and high rates of family separation in Philadelphia. Our mission is to empower our community by fostering knowledge, and personal and professional development for all members.
Originally formed as a coalition by the non-profit Caring Helpful Handz, we have evolved into our own independent non-profit. We are committed to finding sustainable solutions to reduce the impact of systemic challenges in Philadelphia's communities.
Our Mission
We aim to prevent family separation and enhance stabilization for impoverished Philadelphians through the creation of a community-based coalitions, fostering self-sustaining programs, and delivering essential services to individuals and families in need.
Philly Voice is dedicated to uplifting communities through innovative solutions, advocacy and collaborative efforts to address the nuanced needs of communities and create a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.
Our founders
April Lee
April Lee is a community activist based in Philadelphia who has dedicated herself to supporting families at the intersections of substance use, child welfare systems, and the ongoing War on Drugs. Her advocacy spans various organizations and initiatives including the Family Justice Law Clinic Advisory Board, Philadelphia Coalition on Children and Opioids, and the Governor's Act 2 Opioid Abuse Child Impact Task Force. She also brings her expertise to the national advisory board of Stop Overreporting our People (STOP) an initiative promoting racial equity by mitigating bias and racism from mandated reporting decisions involving Black and Indigenous families.
April lives her life in service to others, from feeding the homeless, facilitating life skills groups, mentoring women throughout the community, to taking care of her family. When not working on other’s needs April has a passion for writing and has performed her poetry on many stages throughout the City of Philadelphia and abroad.
Yalonda Houston, Esq
Yalonda Houston, JD, MDA, is the co-founder and will be serving as the Executive Director and Project Manager at Philly Voice. Yalonda brings a wealth of experience to her roles, both as a parent and a professional, having been directly impacted by the child welfare system. She is a former kinship and adoptive parent and has been instrumental in driving systematic changes and addressing racial injustices within the child welfare sector.
In addition to her legal expertise, Yalonda holds an MBA and has worked as a business consultant since 2008. She has assisted community members in establishing both for-profit and non-profit organizations and has handled small business mergers and acquisitions. She will continue leveraging her diverse knowledge to support family stabilization efforts.
Yalonda also serves on multiple boards, including AlongtheWay.org and Doctor Dash & Friends, both of which are dedicated to supporting seniors and veterans. She is a passionate advocate for an interdisciplinary approach to representation in the child welfare system, believing this approach fosters stronger family relations, promotes stability, and reduces trauma.
A graduate of Widener Law School, Yalonda has been practicing law for 13 years, specializing in familial legal matters. Her professional experience spans several organizations, including Community Legal Services of Philadelphia and Along the Way. She has also served as a civil law clerk and is currently a staff attorney. For the past eight years, Yalonda has worked as a parent and child advocate in Philadelphia Family Court, ensuring the protection of family rights and welfare.
Our partners
JMAC For Families
Temple Legal Aid Office
Temple Legal Aid Office
Just Making A Change for Families, better known as JMACforFamilies, is a non-profit organization working to dismantle the family policing system while investing in community support that keeps families together. We are a team of impacted people, social workers, advocates, and organizers working towards the ultimate goal of abolition.
Temple Legal Aid Office
Temple Legal Aid Office
Temple Legal Aid Office
The Temple Legal Aid Office serves low income Philadelphians with legal problems. Clients work with our law students, staff, and attorneys to address legal problems including family law regarding custody, support, and adoption matters.
