Please enjoy these writing samples from my time at Temple University
Melissa Troll FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 215-429-1515 Melissa.Troll@Temple.edu https://www.bethesdaproject.org/ Bethesda Project Appoints Melissa Troll as new PR Manager PHILADELPHIA- September 6, 2023- Bethesda Project appoints Melissa Troll as new PR manager. Non-profit sought a competent and regionally recognized- individual to direct their public relations efforts. Troll was hired following an extensive national search. Troll brings with her five years of PR management experience working in the non-profit sector. With a bachelor’s in public relations from Temple University, Troll is experienced in coordinating all PR activities. She has extensive experience in developing communication plans, complete with strategies, goals, budget, and tactics. Developing a media relations strategy; seeking high-level placements in print, broadcast, and online media. CEO Tina Pagotto states, “Troll is a well-qualified, ambitious individual with experience in housing underprivileged citizens throughout the city.” She has worked with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia and Project Home where her responsibilities included: traditional media relations and directly engaging with constituents in dialog regarding Bethesda project services and policies. Troll will direct all media relations efforts on behalf of the organization. She will clarify Bethesda Project’s mission to provide housing and rehabilitation services to its main audience through media, press releases and interviews. She will work to help stakeholders better understand the mission of Bethesda Project through media relations work, press releases, interviews and prepare speeches while overseeing full-time employees and volunteers. Her responsibilities will include publishing organization newsletters, monitoring social, economic and political trends affecting the organization; recommending ways to enhance the organizations image; preparing speeches for organization leaders; and also developing advertisements and communication materials. ### Since 1979, Bethesda Project has been providing emergency shelter, housing, and supportive services for thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. Across its 15 locations, Bethesda Project offers a home and safe environment where guests and residents can stabilize and regain their dignity and self-worth. Years later, the Bethesda Project remains committed to its initial calling, to find and care for the abandoned poor and to be family to those who have none.
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Melissa Troll
April 11, 2023 215-429-1515
PRSSA Welcomes Vice President of Communications at TIAA, LiRon Anderson-Bell
Anderson-Bell brings over 25 years experience across entertainment industries, consumer products, Pharma and cable television.
PHILADELPHIA, April 11, 2023.- LiRon Anderson-Bell will be sharing her successes with members of Public Relations Student Society of America.
PRSSA is a Temple University club for public relations undergraduates. It routinely hosts professional speakers, industry workshops, and educational seminars to prepare students for careers. The club also engages in campus activities such as PR OWL Pantry a special public relations program, and Dance-A-thon’s to help support CHOP.
Anderson-Bell has over 25 years of experience working in the entertainment industry. She developed campaigns, curriculums in public relations crisis communication, and executive communication. She created marketing and internal communication plans for her clients including change management. Anderson-Bell has spent the last seven years as the president of her own communications firm, Anderson-Bell Strategic Communications. She consulted with corporations, non-profits, start-ups, and public personalities. Her core qualifications include communication strategy, crisis and issue management, executive communication, change management communication, leadership development, and D.E.I.
Anderson-Bell is an advocate for diversity and representation. Being a woman of color, she strives for inclusion and equality throughout all industries and specifically in leadership roles. During her time at Temple, Anderson-Bell was a member of the Faculty Senate Committee on the Status of Faculty of Color.
Temple’s PRSSA strives to ignite inspiration and drive students towards success in the public relations field. The club meets weekly in the Howard Gittis Student Center room 223 and also via Zoom. For more information, contact club president Chole Mahar at Chole.Mahar@Temple.edu or visit the PRSSA website at www.templeprssa.org
Bethesda Project: A Beacon of Hope Amidst Homelessness
“To find and care for the abandoned poor and to be family with those who have none,” is the mission of Bethesda Project. In the heart of Philadelphia, a city teeming with history, life unfolds in all its complexity. It's a city of perseverance, contrasting narratives, and struggles unseen by many. I've had the privilege of experiencing both sides of this city, and the stark realities of homelessness. But I've also witnessed the transformation, the unwavering hope, and the incredible work of Bethesda Project, an organization that has emerged as a guiding light in the darkness of homelessness.
My journey with Bethesda Project began on the streets of Philadelphia. Having grown up in this remarkable city, I'd seen its evolution. I'd watched the homeless population increase, occupying street corners, and parks, struggling through each day. It was easy to ignore it, to walk by, averting my gaze, as many did. But one day, something shifted within me. Maybe it was the realization that these were not just "the homeless," but individuals with stories, dreams, and the same human dignity we all deserve. I decided to dig deeper, to explore the invisible lives that were part of my city's fabric.
Philadelphia, like many urban centers across the United States, grapples with a homelessness crisis. The numbers are staggering, with thousands enduring the harsh reality of life on the streets. Currently, there are 4,725 people living on the streets of the city. It's a problem that's difficult to quantify because it's not just about statistics; it's about the human lives affected—each one unique, each one deserving of a chance. These people have families, and past lives not lived on the streets. Each person is a unique case with a story of their own, yet they are overlooked by the citizens hurrying about the city each day. These people have value and worth, yet have fallen on hard times leaving them to fight the streets every day.
Bethesda Project's mission is not merely a response to homelessness; it's a beacon of hope, a testament to the belief that every person deserves a safe place to call home. Its core values are based on those of social work. Service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. The organization was founded in 1979, and over the years, it has become a lifeline for those experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. It operates with an unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive care and support to those in need. It's not just about offering emergency shelter; it's about providing transitional housing, medical and mental health services, case management, and equipping individuals with life skills to break the cycle of homelessness. This approach recognizes that homelessness is not just about the absence of a home, but a myriad of complexity that need attention.
To truly understand the impact of Bethesda Project, you need to meet the people it serves. I've had the privilege of listening to their stories, stories of resilience, strength, and hope. I've heard of individuals who have rebuilt their lives with the support of this incredible organization. Stories like those of who we will call, “Michael.” He struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol and ended up on the streets. Bethesda Project was able to provide counseling services and a safe home to get him back on his feet. These stories are a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who refuse to give up on themselves, even when the world sometimes does. No organization is without its challenges, and the Bethesda Project is no exception. Financial constraints, navigating complex social issues, and ever-increasing demand for services are hurdles they face. Yet, their vision for the future remains unwavering, driven by the knowledge that homelessness can be eradicated with the right support and determination.
Bethesda Project invites us all to be part of their compassionate movement. Whether it's volunteering, making a donation, or simply spreading the word about their work, there are numerous ways to get involved. While my journey with Bethesda Project has been profound, I have seen the power of community, strength of humanity, and the difference compassion can make in the lives who need it most. The organization has become a part of the Philadelphia legacy and lights the way for those who need it most.
Investigating the Homeless Population in Philadelphia, PA: A Study on Their Demographics
Homelessness in Philadelphia, PA is a major issue that affects thousands of people every year. A 2017 count showed that there were more than 4,489 homeless individuals in the Greater Philadelphia Area on any given day. This number had grown by approximately 10% over the past two years and continues to increase. The Bethesda Project, a local organization that provides housing and services to those experiencing homelessness, has been studying the homeless population in Philadelphia and its surrounding counties for fifteen years. By gathering data on age, gender, race/ethnicity, length of time homeless, and other key demographic factors, Bethesda Project aims to better understand who is affected by homelessness so they can better serve their clients. In this article we discuss some of their findings regarding the demographics of the homeless population in Philadelphia.
This study aims to explore the demographics of the homeless population in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We'll be investigating how many individuals are without homes in this city and what their backgrounds are like. To do this, we'll be utilizing the Philadelphia Point-in-Time Count to assess the demographics of the homeless population as well as analyzing data from other local sources such as shelters, food pantries, and health care providers. By understanding who this population is and what they're going through, we can better understand how to help them and ultimately end homelessness in the city.
A recent study conducted in the greater Philadelphia area investigates the demographics of the homeless population. The results show that single individuals account for the majority of those experiencing homelessness, with only 8.4% of the population consisting of families. This increase in homelessness is mostly attributed to a lack of affordable housing options and high unemployment rates in the region. The Philadelphia Point-In-Time count also shows that predominately females (816) were unsheltered compared to males (451). Black or African-American citizens were the majority of homeless individuals at a count of 1,138. Non-Hispanic/ Non-Latino individuals were recorded at 1,132 unsheltered. With an increased focus on developing more affordable housing projects and creating job opportunities, there is hope that homelessness can be reduced in this area and quality of life improved for everyone.
This research project is focused on exploring the demographics of the homeless population in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and studying the effects of the government-provided resources for this vulnerable group. We aim to investigate the current state of resources available to those experiencing homelessness and their associated impacts on the individuals affected. Utilizing data collection methods such as surveys, focus groups, and interviews we will measure how accessible these resources are and evaluate their effectiveness. With this analysis, we hope to identify any potential areas for improvement with regard to government-funded services for those who are without a home.
The causes of homelessness in Philadelphia are a complex and multifaceted issue. This report has provided an analysis of the current trends on homelessness in the Greater Philadelphia Area, including its demographics, and investigated government-provided resources for the homeless population and their effectiveness. Understanding the demographics of this population is essential in order to develop viable strategies to combat homelessness in this region. Government-provided resources are also necessary to help those affected by homelessness, but they must be used judiciously and effectively. By fully investigating these issues, we can start to work towards a solution for the homeless population in Philadelphia.