Kensington: Local Gardens Cultivate Community, Help Revitalize Neighborhoods
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 Motivos, worked with an elementary school teacher and a professor to reclaim land and create a place for growth and […]
Kensington: Community Center Works to Serve Neighborhood’s Needs
The Community Center at Visitation (CCV) is one of many outreach facilities dedicated to improving the quality of life in Kensington. Led by Sister Betty Scanlon, a Sister of Mercy and director of CCV, the center tries to fill the gaps in services needed by local residents. “We learn so much from the community. This facility is […]
Fairhill: Puerto Rican School of Music Reflects the Beat of the Community
The Puerto Rican Institute of Music sits on North 5th Street, a road surrounded by Latino influence. Walking by on any afternoon you might even hear the beat of plena – traditional Puerto Rican music – filtering out the upstairs windows. With only a couple of classrooms, the Puerto Rican Institute of Music has about 10 […]
West Kensington: Peace Corps Alumnus Continues Work With Latino Community
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 projects and summer work opportunities, the NSNP works to support and bring together the Latino youth community. Justin Trezza, the […]
Kensington: Neighbor Helps Improve Access to Healthy Food Through Co-Op
The Kensington Community Food Co-Op started in 2008 when the community came together to talk about issues in the neighborhood. Residents weren’t satisfied with the healthy food options that were available. Conversations evolved from those initial concerns. Holly Logan is the president of the Kensington Community Food Co-Op. Its mission is to open a member-owned cooperative […]
Northern Liberties: Liberty Lands Brings the Community Closer
The Liberty Lands committee wakes up early many Saturday mornings not to drink coffee and relax but to plant trees, clean up trash and pull out weeds from more than 30 garden plots. Liberty Lands sits along North 3rd Street in Northern Liberties, covering two acres of land. The existence and upkeep of this park is all […]
Northern Liberties: Fitness Trainer Takes the Extra Steps to Bring Strength to Philadelphia
John Edwin, founder of Strength Personal Training and co-owner of Strength Academy in Northern Liberties, works everyday to help people achieve a healthier lifestyle and reach out to the community around him and beyond. How did you get started in the fitness training business? I have a degree is exercise physiology and my initial thought was […]