About Us

Saving Philly’s Youth from Gun Violence

17 With Life is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Philadelphia, dedicated to saving youth from the cycles of gun violence and incarceration. Located at 4230-32 Aspen Street, Philadelphia, PA, we empower young people ages 12–34 with opportunity, guid-nance, financial literacy, and a life-saving direction rooted in truth. Our mission is to transform lives through prevention, job readiness, mentoring, safety, work development, art, and economics, addressing the crisis affecting 1,000–10,000 youth in our city.

Our Commitment

We are committed to supporting 100 young people annually, while 1,000 to 10,000 need our help, with comprehensive, year-long programs that provide alternatives to street violence. In 2026, our 17 With Life 4-8-8 Jobs Program will employ 80 youths and young adults (ages 16–34) in a summer and year round initiative that combines paid work, skills training, and mentorship. By operating, initially, 10 fundraising “Pop-up Stores” at high-traffic Philadelphia locations, we solicit donations in exchange for a specialty item—i.e. each donor is providing a branded T-shirt in exchange for a $20 donation—fueling our mission while empowering youth and young people with income and opportunity.

How We Make a Difference

• Workforce Development: Our 4-8-8 Jobs Program offers 4 weeks of training, 48 weeks of paid work (Salespersons earn $8/T-shirt; Case Managers earn $15/hour), and 8 hours/week of mentoring, equipping 30 youth with skills for sustainable careers.
• Fundraising for Impact: Each $20 donation for a T-shirt allocates $4 to programs, $8 to youth commissions, and $8 to cover costs, raising $144,000 to support 24 youth at $6,000 each, with plans to reach 100 through additional grants.
• Community Engagement: Our Pop-up Stores, with blue vibrant tables and “Stop Philly Gun Violence! $20 Donation = T-shirt, Saves Lives!” banners, engage 50,000+ community members with our anti-violence message.
• Holistic Support: Through prevention workshops, art initiatives, financial literacy, and trauma-informed mentoring, we provide safe spaces and tools to break free from violence, inspired by partners like CeaseFirePA, NOWSI.org, and Men of Courage.

Our Vision

We envision a Philadelphia where every young person has the opportunity to thrive, free from the threat of gun violence. By investing in youth through jobs, education, mental health, and community, we aim to reduce the city’s homicide rates—down but still critical—and empower the next generation of leaders. Our 2025 goal is to raise $720,000 through Pop-up Stores, funding programs for 100 youth and building a model to reach thousands more.

Leadership

• Nasir Shawqi, Chairman: Leads with a vision for youth empowerment and community safety.
• Dawud Al-Rasul, Vice Chairman: Coach directs mentorship programs and training
• Howard Speight, Secretary: Ensures organizational integrity and community connection.
• Jeffrey Felder, Treasurer: Oversees financial stewardship, banking partnership with PFCU, TD Bank, and Citadel FCU.

Join Us

Together, we can stop gun violence and save lives. Donate $20 in exchange for a T-shirt, apply for our 4-8-8 Jobs Program, volunteer at our Pop-up Stores, or partner with us to make Philadelphia safer. Visit our Get Involved page or contact us at 4230-32 Aspen Street, Philadelphia, PA 19138.
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