West Kensington

Joshua Grace has served as pastor at Circle of Hope Church since 2003. Grace leads efforts to unite his community through its thrift store, Circle Thrift, and events hosted by the church. He works with [continue reading…]

For many, owning a first home is a big part of the American Dream. In Philadelphia, that dream is less of a reality than other cities in the country. According to public data sources gathered [continue reading…]

María Quiñones-Sánchez took office 10 years ago representing District 7 in Philadelphia City Council. Long considered a party outsider, it is not uncommon to find her battling politically with Latino leaders in her own neighborhood, [continue reading…]

When Rock to the Future was started seven years ago, it had one clear goal in mind. The Kensington-based non-profit wanted to provide Philly youth an opportunity to learn instruments with after-school programs and summer camps, but [continue reading…]

Longtime community members fight for their neighborhood one block at a time in Harrowgate. Repelling drug dealers, moving addicts along and fighting opportunistic slumlords starts less with city-wide policy and more with in-person communication and leading [continue reading…]

It was in the 1970s when drug use and the violent state of the neighborhood spurred a unique change among a small group of Puerto Rican women in West Kensington. These women, called the Grupo [continue reading…]

Entering the Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) is an experience in itself. With bright colors, the side-by-side row homes create a place that becomes a safe haven for youth in Kensington. Through numerous after-school programs, garden [continue reading…]

Slowly but surely, the art community in Old Kensington is pushing forward. It’s hidden among the abandoned factories and vacant lots of the area, but the artists aren’t complaining. “There are five studios within blocks [continue reading…]