The Backyard Philly Project delves into the lives of four teens growing up in the inner-city neighborhood of Penn Town. It shows how their involvement with The Helping Hand Rescue Mission has given them hope for a better life through tutoring and other character-building activities aimed at the neighborhood’s youth. Filming began in October 2011 and concluded in June 2012 and consists partly of video shot by the teens.

The neighborhood referred to as Penn Town exists between 6th and 7th Streets and Spring Garden Street, mere blocks away from historical Philadelphia and Center City. Although a small area, the neighborhood consists of 400 housing units. The Helping Hand Rescue Mission serves as a safe haven for the at risk neighborhood youth.