[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6225300,"mediaKeyId","3539101-ed8bf9bc6a2d9e1ef7dc9be5f9db2824","parentId",3539101,"title","Youth organizations Out Loud Delaware and First State Youth Move ask city to partner on mental health outreach and youth leadership","audioSeconds",2420,"startMs",3354000,"endMs",5774000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3539101-ed8bf9bc6a2d9e1ef7dc9be5f9db2824&start=3354&end=5774","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3539101-ed8bf9bc6a2d9e1ef7dc9be5f9db2824/thumbnail_3354000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6225300/Wilmington-City/New-Castle-County/Delaware/Youth-organizations-Out-Loud-Delaware-and-First-State-Youth-Move-ask-city-to-partner-on-mental-health-outreach-and-youth-leadership","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6225300-9156b1c1550110eac63d1930e92d1b0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178656&Signature=RuGKGN1jnLFruD3EMozSYbWVgtXRRUWfj6kLHIjef7PnQr3fKKqAApDem2xwjt0X49J-WFKLbuS5GKJsKCO3E7-MvBw-MiERmVvMlwaNF8Fi3ZjvQwrconlyH4TJKv~rr7UzUT61JdxRLaE2IIv7A~5jRwxo54St4MM3oEQgd9LYut5xaADN0mW7q5osF8ucHFsXDV9iF-6VfHCskfRWCPC~wjlVc9rZ6qQv1GsicQQ~wzueIRhQaJ1s7QRqgzY5A~Wn-Um-NdWMZckKpwQ3tiCZg1nf4oY1nPSOrJEvFpIDWaDBBorAvMNaELs0CE2Uyr74Qb5G3mAEtelMTJTV5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Wilmington, DE","date","2025-05-22T00:00:00Z","article","Jalen Powell, founder and CEO of Out Loud Delaware, and youth leaders from First State Youth Move presented mental‑health and youth‑leadership work to the Wilmington City Council Health, Environmental, Aging and Disabilities Committee on May 21, 2025. The presenters described programs that center youth voice, peer support, and culturally responsive outreach in historically underserved communities.

Powell said Out Loud Delaware’s approach focuses on empowerment, engagement and education; First State Youth Move leaders described youth‑run town halls, a “My Mind Matters” series and a mental‑health summit that organizers said was more than 60% youth‑attendee. The youth leaders said their work combines peer‑led facilitation, partnerships with mental‑health professionals and training (including Youth Mental Health First Aid) and events such as “Skate to Wellness” to create low‑barrier, youth‑friendly spaces for conversations about coping, stigma and services.

Why it matters: Presenters stressed early intervention and stigma reduction. First State Youth Move members cited statistics during the presentation that roughly 50% of mental‑health conditions begin before age 14 and that about 60% of youth with mental‑health conditions do not receive services; presenters said many conditions are preventable with early supports and youth‑centered intervention.

Barriers and strategies: Presenters and committee members discussed trust and access as barriers to youth engaging with services. Powell and the youth leaders said they try to meet young people where they are — libraries, schools and community events — and use anonymous post‑event surveys and one‑on‑one conversations to shape action plans and follow‑up. They described partnerships with the Behavioral Health Consortium, local sororities and school districts and requested city help to host events, amplify outreach and connect them with Wilmington school districts and community partners.

Committee response and public comment: Council members thanked the presenters and suggested continued partnership; Councilman Owens offered council facilities and district contacts for outreach. Public commenters, including teacher Phyllis Mobley, praised the youth presenters and offered to connect the organization with Brandywine School District and Mount Pleasant High School for partnerships.

Decision and next steps: No formal council action was taken. Presenters asked for city partnerships, event support, and help connecting to schools and local government; council members signaled willingness to follow up and host events or meetings to explore collaboration.

Ending note: Organizers said they will continue recruiting and hosting events, pursue Youth Mental Health First Aid certification for board members, and seek partnerships with local government and school districts to expand peer support and early intervention programming.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Wilmington Health, Environmental, Aging & Disabilities Committee Meeting | 5/21/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Out Loud Delaware and First State Youth Move presented youth‑led mental health programs to the Wilmington committee, described statewide and local activities including town halls and a mental health summit, and requested partnership with city offices and schools to expand outreach and services.","taxTitle","Wilmington City, New Castle County, Delaware","taxId",12638,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6225305,"Residents describe Rodney Reservoir community garden as foundation for neighborhood health, education and park plans",2583,721000,3304000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3539101-ed8bf9bc6a2d9e1ef7dc9be5f9db2824&start=721&end=3304","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3539101-ed8bf9bc6a2d9e1ef7dc9be5f9db2824/thumbnail_721000.jpg","/articles/6225305/Wilmington-City/New-Castle-County/Delaware/Residents-describe-Rodney-Reservoir-community-garden-as-foundation-for-neighborhood-health-education-and-park-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6225305-bf210a6212f47435c50a27572d51f9fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178656&Signature=GbAxsnGFKBHsxexKftcFCQpCObbHu99lHDiVnaTey--uSqWVFXpNg95akdlWptGwVR8TFmOJ3UA8wKcLAJEb0pKqNX2C9VcKsOAn8NUZKVuGPWn-6LCIiRJ9EIBsX0ozB9oSwnG5~vDkVULgNoVDUjO14gIiOemtcEqRJcrmchkj3Q0bH1NZ6eU~IghvJ3sE-6YCVM9ZOirbbNE24WsPBaDJL~mXKTlNAPbLSg4s1csmdIrUw4jfpiM~62EXWJiCtzoZqjgxiXZvh3JiT7SWOLYOj2Ohs7slZ9ITNO99RtyNy7oMqXc6eNHTGqsbM3RvY4VaYqv9lB7dc94mtp2N~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jamila Davey, co‑leader of Green for the Greater Good, told the Wilmington City Council Health, Environmental, Aging and Disabilities Committee on May 21, 2025, that neighborhood volunteers built and maintained the Rodney Reservoir community garden and that the site has grown into a center for food access, outdoor education and neighborhood organizing.

Davey said the group first organized in May 2022 after learning the city had requested bond‑bill money to demolish water infrastructure at the site and pursue potential development; residents coalesced to keep the site public, green and accessible. She described raised‑bed gardening at Rodney, free farm stands, school partnerships with Lewis Dual Language Elementary, a university‑supported community design process and plans for a new nature‑and‑community park that will include gardens and outdoor classrooms.

Why it matters: Presenters and public commenters framed community gardening as a public‑health, education and neighborhood‑stewardship tool. April Collins, a community health nurse and member of Green for the Greater Good, said community gardening provided mental‑health and physical‑health benefits for participants during the COVID‑19 pandemic and expanded access to fresh vegetables for households in food deserts.

Details from the presentation and public comment: Davey said the planned Rodney Reservoir park will include over 300 native trees, more than an acre of native meadow, stormwater infrastructure and outdoor classrooms; the site is roughly 3.67 to 3.68 acres. Historically, Westside Grows administered the garden with an annual plot fee that Davey said was “about around $30 a year.” She said the city of Wilmington has supported the park design and that Hinge Collective is an implementation partner. The University of Delaware’s bachelor of landscape architecture program and the Biden School of Public Policy participated in community design workshops.

Committee response and requests: Council members thanked gardeners and residents and asked how the council can help. Davey asked council members to advocate for resident leadership in opening and operating the garden, to support accessible (universal‑access) keyhole beds and to help catalyze partnerships and volunteer garden‑build days. Council members suggested coordinating with Parks & Recreation and the Wilmington Public Library to expand gardening and education across neighborhoods.

Public testimony: Multiple gardeners and neighborhood residents described personal and community benefits from gardening, including intergenerational education (Phyllis Mobley, educator), neighborhood connection (Mikey Reppy), mental‑health benefits for frontline workers (April Collins), climate‑resilience and heat‑island mitigation (Laura Filan), and family learning experiences (Tara Hubbard). Cornerstone West CDC confirmed its role as fiscal agent for West Side Grows Together and connected the garden to broader west‑side revitalization planning.

Decision and next steps: No formal committee action or vote was taken. Presenters asked council to help “get over the finish line” for garden activation and to include resident leaders in the opening and programming process. Council members said they would follow up with staff and district offices and indicated willingness to host events and partnerships.

Ending note: Garden organizers said they plan build days and programming and requested continued partnership with the city to ensure the site reopens as a resident‑driven community garden and outdoor classroom.","Green for the Greater Good and neighborhood partners described the Rodney Reservoir community garden’s history, ecological and educational benefits, and asked council members to support resident‑led gardening and the planned park and garden reopening.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6225310,"Wilmington councilman introduces resolution seeking ability to levy city cigarette tax",295,419000,714000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3539101-ed8bf9bc6a2d9e1ef7dc9be5f9db2824&start=419&end=714","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3539101-ed8bf9bc6a2d9e1ef7dc9be5f9db2824/thumbnail_419000.jpg","/articles/6225310/Wilmington-City/New-Castle-County/Delaware/Wilmington-councilman-introduces-resolution-seeking-ability-to-levy-city-cigarette-tax","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6225310-b16fd238817c8e18c75d1c85718c2788/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178656&Signature=V-57R1n2XD3tpGa14sUGDKz9By4VGy4Tl1~WzYN47-3M-FknRsPw951kF9b5DK1jz99s6uB~quuUIvo5RHH2EmhS48-h2Wn74HX-Z8E2Y7qTTo~G3RhxyntVUU-WLOwrkGJKHVOOk0xUpJzWcZOErMUn0hFR39RDbNiMhLwAN5kF2LXPIm5Su8JHzMPmgQY0eIn7u2BoeIF~TtwlVR~WE-EXGmDBAJjs42t2LLs~2OzIemBNfYNwfzSyLTxnwSBgvY1SF5X9EWHR1VvjbgsAWf1ovmoaaIBf0CzUtjGNMCiOK0BvRJSbXOwG3PjnQ7HxMBEvn82HgEM3CWvRYl9-MA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilman Kobe J. Owens introduced a resolution at the Wilmington City Council Health, Environmental, Aging and Disabilities Committee on May 21, 2025, asking the Delaware General Assembly to give the city authority to levy a per‑pack tax on cigarettes sold within Wilmington’s boundaries.

The resolution, Owens said, is intended to support the city’s strategic plan for a healthier Wilmington and to raise local revenue that would fund public‑safety and other city services. He told the committee that research shows “for every 10% that the price goes up for cigarettes, about 6 to 7% usage of youth goes down,” and said the measure would mirror city cigarette taxes in places such as Philadelphia and New York and align with recommendations from the American Lung Association.

Why it matters: Owens said Delaware already has a cigarette tax but the revenue currently goes to the state; the proposed authority would let Wilmington keep revenue from cigarettes sold inside the city to support local programs including crime prevention and cold‑case units and housing initiatives. Owens described the item as a resolution to be sent to the state legislature for authorization, not a city tax ordinance adopted at this meeting.

Committee discussion and public comment focused on scope and priorities. Councilman Alexander Hackett urged the committee to consider other tobacco products, saying vaping and other non‑cigarette nicotine products are “hitting the market” and are a youth health concern. Owens said he was “100%” open to working with members on additional approaches to reduce youth tobacco use and to keep city air clean.

A member of the public who identified himself as Marshall opposed the proposal in public comment, saying the city should prioritize crime reduction and other issues before taxing smokers; Owens responded to the comment by noting the city had requested a 3% marijuana tax when the state legalized it and reiterated the city does not now receive cigarette tax revenue collected by the state.

Formal outcome and next steps: Owens said the item is a resolution that does not require a committee vote and will be referred to the full City Council agenda. No formal motion to adopt a tax or ordinance was made in committee; the resolution’s referral to the next City Council meeting was announced as the administrative next step.

Discussion vs. decision: Committee members discussed the public‑health rationale and how the tax could affect youth smoking rates and revenue use; Hackett and Owens raised the question of whether future measures should explicitly cover vaping and other tobacco products. The only formal action recorded in committee was referral of the resolution to the next City Council agenda for consideration and possible later formal action.

Ending note: The resolution seeks state authorization rather than city adoption at this meeting; if the General Assembly permits cities to levy such taxes, Wilmington’s elected officials would need to return to the City Council to propose and approve any local ordinance that actually imposes a tax.","Councilman Kobe J. Owens introduced a resolution asking the Delaware General Assembly to allow Wilmington to levy a tax on cigarette packs sold inside city limits; the measure was referred to full City Council and committee members discussed expanding any tax to cover vaping and other tobacco products.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Youth organizations Out Loud Delaware and First State Youth Move ask city to partner on mental health outreach and youth leadership

Residents describe Rodney Reservoir community garden as foundation for neighborhood health, education and park plans

Wilmington councilman introduces resolution seeking ability to levy city cigarette tax