Eagles Youth Partnership Flag

  • Award Entered:
    Sport Team of the Year
  • Parent Organisation:
    The Philadelphia Eagles
  • Project Host Nation:
    United States
  • Overview of Project:
    Eagles Youth Partnership (EYP) is a 501(c)(3) public charity which leverages the appeal and the resources of the Philadelphia Eagles professional American football team in order to tackle health and education issues in the Greater Philadelphia area for over 50,000 children at risk. EYP runs multiple programs focused upon alleviating disparities in health and educational opportunities available to children. The Eagles Eye Mobile program provides vulnerable children with eye exams, prescription glasses, and follow-up care, all at no cost to children or their families. The Eagles Book Mobile travels to more than 325 regional schools and community centers to emphasize the importance of reading and to provide new books to children. The Eagles Playground Build is an annual event where players, coaches, and members from the entire Eagles organization come together with the community to construct a new playground and to cultivate a community haven for children and families in economically distressed neighborhoods. We believe that the shared passion for a sports team has the ability to evaporate divisions, galvanize neighborhoods, and encourage altruism among those in the broader community. Our aim is to tap into this passion in order to mobilize the resources and efforts of caring individuals and organizations towards helping children to reach their full potential.

Comments

Add Your Comment

Note: All comments are submitted for approval before they become visible on this page.

Alesha Hruska Snyder: 08 Jul 2010 - 16:06 BST

As part of the AREUFIT team that works with EYP, I am extremely proud to be a part of such a wonderful organization! The feeling you get helping children in need is like nothing else. The children of Philly deserve nothing less. Football season may only be a few months, but the Eagles organization gives back to the community all year long!

Dr. Mary Wirshup: 22 Jun 2010 - 19:04 BST

The Philadelphia Eagles is an organization that helps bring sight to my patients. Community Volunteers in Medicine is an organization that cares for the uninsured of Chester county Pennsylvania that are below the 300% poverty level. The Philadelphia Eagles sponsor the Eagle Van to come to the clinic which gives comprehensive ophthalmologic exams to the children in my practice. The children are given the eye exam and two pair of glasses for school and at home. The Eagles Van makes it possible for my children to succeed in school and in life. The Philadelphia Eagles care about the community.

Dr. Mary Brennan Wirshup: 22 Jun 2010 - 18:49 BST

I am the medical director of Community Volunteers in Medicine, an organization that cares for the uninsured of Chester county Pennsylvania who are below the 300% poverty level. The Philadelphia Eagles sponsor the Eagle Eye Van that comes to the clinic and provides eye exams for our children. They get a comprehensive ophthalmologic exam and then two pairs of glasses for school and home. This gives the children in my practice a chance to succeed in school and in life. The Philadelphia Eagles is an organization that truly cares about those in their community that are less fortunate.

Harold Orel: 22 Jun 2010 - 02:23 BST

Eagles Youth Partnership (EYP) is truly an amazing organization. I have witnessed the joy and tangible benefits it has brought children for the last 13 years. The annual playground build brings sheer joy to the children and energizes the entire surrounding community. The playgrounds have revitalized impoverished areas and cultivated a sense of pride for the residents. The playgrounds are only a small part of EYP's charitable programs. All the programs are targeted to provide the children the caring, hope and attention to give them the best chance for future success. EYP is a remarkable organization and is inspring for those of all ages.

Denise Gonzalez: 21 Jun 2010 - 22:13 BST

I, too, have had the pleasure of working with the amazing group of people from Eagles Youth Partnership. Seeing how they touch the lives of children with vision issues who may never get to an eye doctor. It's amazing to see just how grateful and appreciative these little children are to receive glasses. I've also seen the finished product a playground build and it's awesome to see how the Eagles give back to the youth of the City of Philadelphia. EYP Rocks!!

Siobhan: 21 Jun 2010 - 17:00 BST

I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be part of the auxiliary staff for the Eagles Eye Mobile for the past two years. It has been a wonderful experience to provide such important services to a population in need. EYP has a truly dedicated staff that goes above and beyond to benefit the children and families of Philadelphia. Best wishes to them in running for Sports Team of the Year - no organization deserves it more!

Beth: 21 Jun 2010 - 13:43 BST

EYP has tremendous effect on the lives of the children and community it serves. I have been working for almost 3 years with this organization. I couldn't be more proud to have a hand in what EYP does daily to change the lives of children.

Elizabeth Hodges: 21 Jun 2010 - 13:41 BST

The Eagles Youth Partnership has a tremendous effect on the children and community it serves. The star power that comes along with all of the educational outreach generates much change in a postive way. I have worked with this program for almost 3 years and have taken so much away from it. I am proud to be part of such a life changing organization.

Anita Duke: 19 Jun 2010 - 02:00 BST

The Richard R. Wright has had an amazing partnership with the Eagles Youth Partnership. It started with a dramatic set of interior and exterior murals and playground for our school. When I went to the school thirteen years ago, the exterior walls were full of ugly graffiti and not one mural has been marked up since EYP and Mural Arts created them. They are a source of pride in our North Philadelphia neighborhood. Our fights at recess have decreased dramatically since the playground was built. The Eagles Eye Mobile has provided our children with many pairs of glasses and first class follow up appointments to Will's Eye Hospital. Yearly incentives of bikes, the StoryBook Man and stipends have given the school many opportunities to support students doing the Wright thing. The EYP staff truly cares about children and are dedicated to giving back to the community. I LOVE them and appreciate all that they do to help children.

Kathy Sena (AMETEK Foundation, Inc.): 18 Jun 2010 - 20:15 BST

The AMETEK Foundation has sponsored EYP and, in particular, the Philadelphia Eagles Book Mobile since 1998. We are so proud to fund the Eagles Book Mobile which operates primarily in the spring and summer, visiting tens of thousands of underprivileged children at schools, libraries, recreation centers and summer programs. At each stop, the Storybook Man, a costumed actor, reads aloud to the elementary school-aged children and invites them to select their very own books to keep. The Eagles Book Mobile is stocked with award-winning multicultural collections of new Scholastic books. The books span in reading level from kindergarten to ninth grade and vary in topic and genre; some books are bilingual. The Eagles Book Mobile only visits sites where at least 80% of the children are living at or below the Federal poverty line. For many of these children, the book they receive from the Eagles Book Mobile is their very first book, and they often do not have parents or guardians at home that are reading to them. Given this sad, yet realistic, fact, the Eagles Book Mobile experience is sometimes a child's first opportunity to connect the written and spoken word. The Eagles Book Mobile program targets second and third graders, though the vehicle is stocked with books for children of all ages. The Eagles Book Mobile visits key cities and urban pockets in eastern Pennsylvania, South Jersey and Delaware. In addition to reading to the children and giving them new books and educational materials, including bookmarks and posters, the program aims to shift attitudes about reading. Leveraging the star power of the Philadelphia Eagles football team, the Eagles Book Mobile makes reading fun, cool, and accessible to children. Congratulations and Best of Luck, EYP!!!!

Dan Bruce, Partners In Vision: 18 Jun 2010 - 17:22 BST

I work for the company that Makes and delivers the Eyewear for the Eyemobile. I delivered the glasses to the students for two and a half years and now have moved on to a managing positioning that oversees the deliveries. When I delivered we started giving one pair to each student and didn't have much follow up on repairs and adjustments. Every year I have been part of the meetings and witnessed first hand the growth of now doing two pairs of eyewear (in case of breakage), giving eyeglass repair kits to the nurses to help with adjustments, and the addition of promotional materials to help kids stay excited about their glasses and to make sure they take care of them. The Eagles Youth Partnerhip isn't just about providing a service to a community in need. They are an ongoing think tank of ideas to help the community. They are always looking to grow and be more efficient. I have worked as an Optician for 14 years and have never had more professional satisfaction then looking at a childs face when a whole new world appears in front of them after putting their glasses on.

Brandi Fleischman (Potter-Thomas School): 17 Jun 2010 - 17:44 BST

Thanks EYP! The playground you funded & built for our school community is the best:) It's been an honor working with such a wonderful group of dedicated people!

Kimberlie Rolek: 17 Jun 2010 - 14:47 BST

I have been a school nurse in Philadelphia for the past 9 years. I have utilized the services of the Eagle Youth Partnership to assist children in need to get free eye exams and glasses. One of the biggest challenges in my job is getting parents to follow up on vision referral and get their children glasses. The EYP brings their van right to the school saving parents missed time from work and children missed time from school. With just my schools they have helped hundreds of kids improved their vision, they have helped thousands city wide. This is an invaluable program that definitely makes a difference.

Dorothy M. Smith: 16 Jun 2010 - 15:55 BST

Eagles Youth Partnership has taken commitment to the community to new heights. Giving back to disadvantaged schools is not some slogan to them, it is a spirit of generosity that has breathed new life into the very fabric of our children. As a teacher, I was fortunate to work with these caring professionals whose untiring dedication was a joy to behold. Our school was transformed with murals and a new playground, but more importantly with a renewed sense of vitality. The fact that someone believed our children were worth the effort has strengthened their sense of self -value immeasurably. New playground - Thousands of dollars... Confidence/Self-Esteem-Priceless!

Brandi Fleischman (Potter-Thomas School): 16 Jun 2010 - 15:51 BST

Thanks so much for the wonderful playground last June. You have made such a positive impact on our school community.

Jeannine Stuart: 16 Jun 2010 - 12:45 BST

Our organization is proud to be a partner with Eagles Youth Partnership (EYP) since 1997. EYP and the Philadelphia Eagles represent team work like no other professioanl sports team. Their committment to improving the quality of life of children in the Philadelphia region is exceptional. Through the star power of the Philadelphia Eagles and the committment of EYP the Eye Mobile Team is able to provide eye exams to over 3000 children a year who otherwise would not have access to vision care. More than 2/3rds of these children receive corrective lenses and several receive sight saving surgeries! Go Eagles! Go EYP!

Community Volunteers in Medicine: 15 Jun 2010 - 20:57 BST

We are a free medical clinic for low-income, uninsured families and the Eagles Youth Partnership has been an amazing asset to our clinic. They have repeatedly come and offered free eye exams for our children and each child walks away with 2 pairs of glasses. They have been amazing and without them most of our children could not afford to have eye exams.

Caitlin Ward: 15 Jun 2010 - 18:46 BST

I am a school teacher in the middle of Philadelphia. One of the biggest problems our school had for a long time was creating a safe place for our students to play after school. EYP swooped in and solved that very problem for us. Two years ago, our school was lucky enough to be a part of the EYP Playground Build. It was such an amazing experience with the end result being a playground above and beyond anything we could imagine. EYP is an amazing organization that really just wants to give back! I am honored to even be able to say that I once worked with EYP. They deserve every amazing, wonderful thing that comes their way!

Kimberlie Rolek: 15 Jun 2010 - 16:29 BST

I am a school nurse in Philadelphia and for the past 10 years that I have been employed by the school district, the Eagle Youth Partnership has been instrumental in providing eye care and free glasses to children in need. Getting families to follow up on vision referrals is an on going issue in schools, and the Eagle Youth Partnership help greatly to alleviate the problem. I only wish they had the capability to provide care for even more kids. They are wonderful!

Susan Duffy: 15 Jun 2010 - 15:39 BST

I have worked with the Eagles Eye Mobile for eight years in the School District of Phila. I get tremendous gratification from facilitating good vision in the student population. Good vision is essential in education. One of my favorite memories in my career as a school nurse took place when a first grade student got her new glasses in my office. She looked out my window and exclaimed, Wow, the trees have leaves on them! I am honored to work with the team on the Eagles Eye Mobile. They provide excellent vision care for the students whom we serve.

Doria Mitchell: 15 Jun 2010 - 03:30 BST

The EYP has been a blessing to our school Potter Thomas. It provided our school with a beautiful playground and murals for our students, staff and community to enjoy. They also provide our students with eyeglasses from the Eagles Eye Mobile. Many of our students may not have had the opportunity to get glasses from a doctor. The EYP also provided reading mentors for our school. The students would go to Lincoln Financial and receive one-on-one tutoring and mentoring. They also provided additional partnerships with other companies to help Potter Thomas students succeed. EYP is now a member of the Potter Thomas Family. They continue to give to year after year to the Philadelphia community.

Alyssa: 15 Jun 2010 - 02:02 BST

Eagles Youth Partnership provided my school with a beautiful playground, turf and murals. It brightened the school and kids are excited to come to school now to play on the equipment!

Alex V. Levin, MD, MHSc: 14 Jun 2010 - 21:44 BST

In Philadelphia, over 13,000 children fail their vision screen every year and never see an eye doctor. The Eagles Eye Mobile Program is a landmark initiative to help reverse this trend. By visiting schools where over 80% of students are below the poverty level and offering eye care to those children who have failed their screen, partnering with local hospitals to provide top level pediatric ophthalmic care, providing glasses at no charge to students, and becoming a leader in the newly formed Philadelphia Vision Coalition and its days for open eye care for any child at no charge in Philadelphia, the Eagles are bringing vision to literally thousands of children year after year. To my knowledge, this effort is unparalleled in the developed world and offers itself as a model for sports teams around the globe to particiate in the delivery of healthcare to the underserved. With these efforts, the Eagles truly deserve the title of Sports Team of the Year.

PJD: 14 Jun 2010 - 21:30 BST

I have had the pleasure of working with EYP for 9 years and I continue to be amazed and impressed with their work. The organization reaches out to a population that many choose to ignore, but truly need help. The honor of making the short list will encourage EYP,and hopefully other organizations, to continue helping others.Best of luck EYP, you have my vote!!!!!

Judi Rogers: 14 Jun 2010 - 17:53 BST

The Eagles Youth Partnership is both impactful and inspiring. One book, one pair of glasses, one playground at a time – EYP is changing the lives of our less advantaged children in amazing and significant ways. I have had the privilege of working (as a volunteer) with EYP for several years, and have always been impressed by their targeted mission and their extremely impressive results. The staff’s passion and enthusiasm are contagious, and their efforts are certainly worthy of the “team of the year” recognition!

Siobhan: 14 Jun 2010 - 16:54 BST

I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to be part of the auxiliary staff for the Eagles Youth Partnership's Eye Mobile program for the past two years. It's been a wonderful experience to work with such a hard-working, dedicated staff and to provide such needed services to the children in Philadelphia. Without a doubt, Eagles Youth Partnership goes above and beyond to benefit these underprivileged families and to encourage passion towards both sports and academic programs.

David Sorin: 13 Jun 2010 - 03:22 BST

I have known Sarah Martinez-Helfman for more than 10 years and have seen the work she and others do for EYP first hand. It is an incredible organization with a broad reach and an important impact. The dedication of the organization to achieve more and more results is intense and it is a model of what a sports team can do for its community when it has focus and execution. I can't imagine any team deserving this award more than the Eagles. EYP has the support and guidance of team ownership and management and the execution and implementation that leads to strong results. They are desrving of big kudos and our region's ongoing support.

Ben: 12 Jun 2010 - 18:55 BST

Eagles Youth Partnership's presence in the greater Philadelphia area is absolutely incredible. EYP has touched the lives of countless Philadelphians by utilizing the star power of athletes to improve the health, education, and safety of children in the community. Kudos to EYP and their brilliant work. For such efforts as the Playground Builds, After-school Chess Program, and Eye and Bookmobiles, EYP truly deserves this honor!

Mark: 11 Jun 2010 - 20:05 BST

Eagles Youth Partnership is the model for professional sports philanthropy, and it's great to see them being recognized for the important work they do all year long. Whether Eagles fans realize it or not, their support of EYP literally reached more than 50,000 kids each year in our area - kids who deserve nothing less than the best but so rarely are given that opportunity. Go EYP!

Joe Tierney: 11 Jun 2010 - 19:12 BST

The Philadelphia Eagles Youth Partnership distinguishes itself with its intense focus on outcomes. In a field (sports philanthropy) that is often more interested in promoting a team or players, the Eagles Youth Partnership prioritizes making a difference in the community. The EYP provides a diverse portfolio of programming that is making our community a better place. I’m proud to support this organization.

Sprinturf: 11 Jun 2010 - 16:21 BST

We have had the fortunate experience to work with the Eagles Youth Partnership on their annual playground build program serving public schools in and around the Philadelphia area for several years now. I can't imagine a more deserving organization for this type of recognition. Their contributions to their surrounding community impact so many individuals and communities in a very positive way, especially the children. We are thrilled they are being recognized for their tireless efforts. Best of luck EYP!

Thomas A. Schweiker, RA: 10 Jun 2010 - 18:07 BST

The Philadelphia Eagles have partner-shipped with the Philadelphia School District, The Philadelphia Mural Arts Program and The Philadelphia Water Department for over Ten Years. Each year they have turned Barren, Blacktopped School District Play yards into Spaces of Color (Mural Arts), Environmentally Friendly Green Spaces (Water Department) and have created sites for youth that encourage creative Play and the Development of Socialization skills. These programs have inspired surrounding neighborhoods to contribute to the improvement of their communities and have resulted in positive change for the young and old alike

Irene Brown: 09 Jun 2010 - 18:21 BST

It has been my pleasure to work with Eagles Youth Partnership over the past several years. Their dedication to the youth of this area through the Eagles Eye Mobile, Book Mobile and Playground Builds shows their on-going committment to our youth. I am most familiar with the Eagles Eye Mobile program and the positive outcomes for so many children seen through this program. These children are our future --- thank you EYP for the excellent care provided to these children; you are most deserving to be a short listed candidate for the Sports Team of the Year Award. You are already a winner in my book. GO EAGLES!!!!!

Samantha: 08 Jun 2010 - 21:44 BST

I read about the Playground Build in the Inquirer and it is an amazing project!

Alan: 08 Jun 2010 - 16:44 BST

I've had the opportunity to see the Eagles Eye Mobile in action and it was a great experience. I'm very happy that EYP has been shortlisted for the Sports Team of the Year Award. Go Eagles!

Alan: 08 Jun 2010 - 16:01 BST

I had the opportunity to see the Eagles Eye Mobile in action and it was a great experience. EYP does great things in the community and I'm very happy they have been shortlisted for the Sports Team of the Year award!

Go back to the previous page

Media Centre


Downloads
Download Brochure