Broad Street: Tolentine Community Center Serves Beyond South Philly Border

Students are excited to spend their afternoon at the Tolentine Community Center.
Students are excited to spend their afternoon at the Tolentine Community Center.

Tucked away on Mifflin Street near 10th Street is one of Philadelphia’s best kept secrets. The Tolentine Community Center is a nonprofit center that was established in 1983. The center hosts a wide array of activities, events and services for people throughout the city.

Diane Zotti has served as the director of this center for seven years. She’s been an employee there for the past 16 years. Zotti’s family has lived in the neighborhood for five generations. Her passion about the community helps ensure that the center provides various services to local residents.

Tolentine Community Center offers senior programs, an after-school program and summer camp.

“We have a great summer camp. A magnificent summer camp. Our children go on 16 trips,” Zotti said.

Every Tuesday and Thursday, campers are taken out of the building and into the city. Trips campers take include going bowling, roller and ice skating, swimming and visiting various museums like the Franklin Institute. Kids also participate in fun events like ‘Christmas in July,’ and ‘Not too scary Halloween.’

“We have great kids. They’re so sweet. And good parents, good parental support,’ Zotti said.

While attentive to children the forty-plus activities, programs and services at Tolentine provides for people of all ages.

The Tolentine Community Center for example hosts the largest bingo game in the city. Games are held on Tuesday and Thursday nights.

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*