The Village of Upper Darby: Roots of Resilience | The American Dream Segment

Added: 2026-06-02

[00:00:00][music] [music] >> Today, we're exploring the dream of support with two [music] amazing women that are transforming the township.

[00:00:21]First, we're [music] headed to Murphy's Giving Market to meet with Desiree Lamar Murphy, who has built a sanctuary of hope and food security for families in need. Then, [music] we're headed to state representative Gina Curry's office to discuss her legislative [music] advocacy and her work around maternal health.

[00:00:42]So, from the volunteers [music] packing the bags to the leaders drafting the laws, they prove [music] the American dream is what we build together. Let's head to the market.

[00:00:55]So, I'm here at Murphy's Giving Market, a spot that has redefined [music] what it means to be a good neighbor in Upper Darby. What started as a simple act of [music] kindness from Desiree's backyard has turned into a massive community resource serving fresh [music] food, hope, and dignity to thousands. I'm here with the visionary behind it all, Desiree Lamar [music] Murphy, to talk about why this is personal and how she's making sure no one's left behind. So, thank you for meeting with me.

[00:01:24]>> Thank you.

[00:01:25]>> So, Desiree, [music] Murphy's is a pillar of this community, but it started in your backyard. What was the specific spark or personal moment that made you want to [music] get this going?

[00:01:34]>> So, on March 13th, 2020, that's when the pandemic started officially, and people on Facebook were really concerned about children not having food when schools were closed cuz we know a lot of kids depend on school meals. [music] I work in schools. I get it. I'm concerned, too, but I'm also concerned about my own health. Right. So, Murphy's [music] decided, before it was Murphy's, to my family decided to just make sure that kids had access to meals during [music] the pandemic, during the shutdown. And social workers came in and helped, and it grew because we realized that the need was much [music] greater than just the students.

[00:02:03]>> Right. It's beyond just providing a fresh meal. What is your ultimate goal for the families that [music] come through these doors?

[00:02:10]>> Our ultimate goal is to make sure that the food that we got we give to them is culturally [music] relevant, it's appropriate, it's healthy, it's safe, and it gives them [music] dignity. It lets them shop for what they want, not just getting a handout. They already feel that they're at their lowest, so making them feel better makes us feel better. [music] >> Absolutely, and I have witnessed this firsthand.

[00:02:30]Um and [music] then when neighbors and the community is involved, we all win together, right?

[00:02:36]So, what does Murphy's need [music] most right now? How can people get involved and help sustain this vision?

[00:02:42]>> Right now, [music] with the tariffs, with the increasing cost in food, with increasing cost in gas, food has risen exponentially. [music] Right. What used to cost $30 a case for tomatoes now costs 114.04.

[00:02:53]That's [music] not attainable for us, it's not sustainable for us, and that means people don't have access. So, right now, it's connections to distributors that can give us better pricing, but it's also people making [music] donations and really investing in the community.

[00:03:04]>> And I'm sure they could go to your website, [music] look you guys up on Facebook, social media to get that information. I just want to thank you for everything that you do for the community. You are amazing and we're so grateful [music] for you. I am honored to know you and appreciate taking the time to be with us. Thank you so much.

[00:03:22]>> Thank you, Jane. Group hug.

[00:03:30]>> [music] >> So, from the front lines at Murphy's, [music] we've moved to the office of State Representative Gina H. Curry. Gina represents [music] the 164th District and is a tireless advocate for our community and also a champion [music] for maternal health. So, Rep. Curry, your work spans everything from local education to state policy. [music] What is the why that drives your commitment to our community and how did that make you get involved [music] with maternal health?

[00:04:02]>> Well, thank you, Jamie. And uh this is special today [music] because I've known you for such a long time and it feels really cool that we're having a one-on-one about what I'm doing [music] now. But you know, because our families kind of grew up together, um moving into Upper Darby was [music] a thing for my husband and I to start our families. And you know, we were both working, we're both educated at St. Joe's University. He was a Delco guy, I'm a Baltimore girl.

[00:04:33]>> [music] >> We decided to land in Delaware County.

[00:04:36]He's from Lans- He was from Lansdowne, so we came over to Upper Darby trying to figure out where we were going to educate [music] our children.

[00:04:44]And in 2017, which is almost 10 years ago, I can't believe [music] it. 2017, folks were like, "You need to get involved. I think you should run [music] for school board." And that's what I did.

[00:04:55]>> Right.

[00:04:56]>> And um so I I got involved at that point in the local government as an elected [music] official.

[00:05:02]And then moved on into state policy, which is incredible because it's not just [music] about the 164th legislative district, but it's about the entire Commonwealth. And so, >> [music] >> you know, making policy and legislation, which I'm happy to say I've gotten a few bills over the governor's desk, [music] not only in the PA Black Maternal Health Caucus, but doing the work that is necessary to make [music] sure all Pennsylvanians have what they need and what they deserve.

[00:05:32]>> Absolutely.

[00:05:35]>> [music] >> Today, we saw the American dream isn't [music] about individual success. It's what we build together. From the front lines at Murphy's to the office of state representative [music] Gina H. Curry.

[00:05:50]The heartbeat of this community is service.

[00:05:53]So, that wraps [music] up this segment of the American Dream. And until next time, I am your host, Jamie Roscoe Smith.

[00:06:04]>> [music]