Belmont: Bringing Authentic Jamaican Food to the Heart of West Philly
From a rural area in Manchester Parish, Jamaica to the bustling hustle of Lancaster Avenue in West Philadelphia, the Williams family is well known for making authentic and savory Jamaican cuisine. “We were the family back in Jamaica that would host all of the big block parties and cookouts for all of the neighbors,” said […]
Powelton Village: Cooking and Learning at Drexel University’s Dornsife Center
On the first night of June, residents from Powelton Village and Mantua attended a cooking class at Drexel University’s Dornsife Center for Neighborhood Partnerships, at Dornsife’s Community Wellness Hub. The cooking instruction was led by Alyssa Kalter, an educator for EAT.RIGHT.NOW., the official nutrition education program of the School District of Philadelphia. The program is funded by the […]
Mantua: Neighborhood Bike Works Provides Mobility and Independence
Neighborhood Bike Works’ Summer Camp has grown significantly since its humble beginnings in 1996, now providing both kids and adults practical mechanical skills, development opportunities and the empowerment and ownership of a bicycle. The nonprofit bike education program, located at 3939 Lancaster Ave., is in a unique location in that it sits at the intersection of several distinct neighborhoods […]
Powelton Village: Five Churches Supporting the Community
The Powelton Village section of West Philadelphia is known for housing a unique blend of students, artists and activists but it is also home to a rich tapestry of religious organizations. One three-block stretch of Baring Street in the heart of the neighborhood, for example, is lined with four churches and a religious student center. […]
Powelton Village: Arts Community Leader Passes The Torch After 20 Years Of Service
After 20 years with the Community Education Center in West Philadelphia, Theresa Shockley is ready to hand over the reins as Executive Director. Prior to Shockley’s time at CEC, she was a student at the Ohio State University Dance Department. After college, Shockley became a founding member of the Urban Bush Women dance company, touring around the country […]
Powelton Village: A Neighborhood In Transition
Usually when a person’s name is drawn from a hat, they gain something. But when Linn Washington had his name called hours before one of Philadelphia’s most controversial events, he almost lost his head. Literally. “On August 8, 1978, the police quite surprisingly allowed six journalists to come within the police lines and essentially be […]
Amateur Sports: Nonprofits Help Homeless Beyond Athletics
Street Soccer USA On any given night in the United States, there are approximately 564,708 people who are counted as homeless. On any given night in this country, there are also 39,907 unaccompanied youth between the ages of 18-24. As of 2014, at a local level, between 30 and 40 percent of Philadelphia’s youth live […]
Powelton Village: Lancaster Mews Gets Historic
Lancaster Mews, a row of apartments and businesses on the 3600 block of Lancaster Avenue will keep its 19th century architecture after a city commission ruled on its importance. Last month, sites around the city were given historic designations by the Philadelphia Historical Commission. Along with Mews, Satterlee Heights and the Edward Corner Building in Fishtown […]
Brewerytown: Rep. Donna Bullock Gives Residents a New Voice in Harrisburg
State Rep. Donna Bullock was sworn in as the legislator for the 195th District in August after her predecessor, Rep. Michelle Brownlee, pleaded guilty to a conflict of interest charge and tendered her resignation. The 195th District stretches from Strawberry Mansion to Powelton Village, encompassing communities of varying backgrounds and incomes. “It’s a tale of two cities,” said […]
Powelton Village: Seth Goren and a Legacy of Jewish Community Service
Rabbi Seth Goren is determined to help fix the world. The Mt. Airy native and son of a union organizer is no stranger to the fight for social justice. We sat down with him at Repair the World’s Philadelphia headquarters, near 40th and Market streets, where he explained some of his organization’s goals. Can you […]