SEPTA bus services neighborhoods affected by gun violence

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A retired SEPTA bus is back in service, but it's not picking up commuters. It's providing healing and services for neighborhoods torn by gun violence.

Instead of sending it to the scrap heap, SEPTA Tuesday donated a retired bus to The CHARLES Foundation, an antiviolence organization.

CHARLES stands for Creating Healthy Alternatives Results in Less Emotional Suffering. The nonprofit is named for co-founder Movita Johnson-Harrell's son, who was killed in 2011 in what police called a case of mistaken identity.

Johnson-Harrell was on hand Tuesday at SEPTA's Callowhill bus facility to accept the donation of the "Starbus," a retired SEPTA bus that was decorated for the holidays last year to resemble a rolling Starbucks coffee shop.

"What we may think of as just a lighthearted fun competition can lead to helping an organization that teaches children life skills and prepares them for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities," said Scott Sauer, SEPTA's chief operating officer.

Johnson-Harrell said her organization will use the bus to travel to neighborhoods affected by gun violence.

"We’re going into communities to address the trauma that is a direct result of people living in active war zones," Johnson-Harrell told KYW Newsradio.

"We’ll bring out tables. We’ll bring out hula hoops and jump ropes and even food to get the community engaged. And once we get them engaged we will provide them with the services that they need."

"We’re going to go in and provide play therapy for children," she continued. "We’re going to go in and provide jobs and skills opportunities and resources, mental health treatment and drug and alcohol treatment."