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As the Philadelphia Eagles took to the trimmed grass of Lincoln Financial Field, 1020 Pattison Ave., late Monday morning, Meko Rose encouraged her peers teenagers to offer the athletes energetic high-fives.
Members of The Teen Evolution Experience Network, the youngsters ventured to the stadium to enjoy their heroes’ fifth and final preseason public practice and to gain inspiration for chasing their dreams, which for all of them will involve overcoming homelessness.
“It’s great to see the Eagles, but it’s even better to have another opportunity to bond,” Rose said as she glimpsed the action and the youths’ reactions. “Seeing them is an experience we’ve never had, and many of us have to worry about food problems, so it’s been a plus not to have that concern for at least a day.”
The 19-year-old and the others came as guests of the team’s Youth Partnership, which is also responsible for endeavors such as the Play 60 Challenge, which rewarded learners from Edwin M. Stanton, 1700 Christian St., and George W. Nebinger, 601 Carpenter St., schools with a May 30 trip to the field for their fitness commitment. Under the supervision of Al B. Quarles, Monday’s group diligently observed the professionals as they prepared for tonight’s final exhibition at the New York Jets and shared laughs to counter what often comprises the individuals’ days.
“Homelessness is an enormous barrier,” the School District administrator and regional coordinator for homeless and emergency services said. “The network strives to remove blockades, especially educational ones, to give participants the best opportunities to move on.”
Quarles noted his employer last school year assisted 4,800 homeless pupils, with kindergarteners through fifth graders making up the majority. Because the number of compromised students has ranged between 4,500 and 5,000 over the last five years, he and his colleagues have needed to court numerous allies in their fight to preserve thoughts of fruitful futures for their charges. Having aligned with the Camden Riversharks for their previous two pre-September morale boosters, the network registrants enjoyed the occasion to catch the pigskin stars, including star running back LeSean McCoy, who drew the loudest introductory cheers.
“Today is a pep rally, really, to set them up for a good year with people who have their welfare in mind all the time,” Quarles said as quarterback Michael Vick and the other signal callers engaged in drills. “They have to be resilient, quite often more so than adults, so we’re happy to be able to give them this treat as they get ready to tackle their challenges.”
Along with the sporting elements, enrollees gather for job readiness workshops, learn how to prepare for the possible rigors of college while mastering their secondary studies and visit places of higher education as extra motivation. Monday’s outing featured many new members, whom Quarles will supply with the typical love and attention their contemporaries have required.
“Some rely on shelters but most live with someone,” he said of their situations, which often include couch circling, the dependency on a revolving list of friends and relatives to provide shelter. “Even when with someone close to them, all is not necessarily well.”
Rose joined the network, which locates and supports Philadelphia teenagers who have experienced hardships, three years ago while a George Washington High School attendee. Learning of it through an aunt with whom she resides in Germantown, she saw making connections as a great way to put into perspective her troubled home life and to intensify her educational pursuits.
“I wanted more investment in my future,” Rose, who became an intern for the four-year-old entity in November, said of engrossing herself in applications, from which she gained admission into Temple University. “That’s really what the whole network is about, helping people to believe in themselves and letting them see that even though they’ve had to grow up faster, it’s still OK to ask for help.”
The sophomore psychology major is aspiring to give youths the same sort of hope that in three years has situated her among the network’s tireless touters. Her overseer likewise sees her as a beacon for the current participants, many of whom have had their circumstances rob them of opportunities to ponder careers.
“Meko has been a great help to us,” Quarles said as All-Pro outside linebacker Trent Cole and his defensive mates went over formations. “She’s come out of the program as a strong voice for our children, and I’m grateful for her willingness to motivate.”
As their hosts, who will open the regular season Sept. 9 at FedExField against the Robert Griffin III-led Washington Redskins, finished their reps, the youths eagerly awaited chances to obtain their autographs. Slated to begin school the same day the Birds head South, they hope to root for them again in the Super Bowl.
“There are so many possibilities for them and us,” Rose, already hitting the books on North Broad Street, said. “Today’s been fun.”
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
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