East Kensington: Community Center Helps Adults Strengthen Literacy Skills
In a small classroom on the second floor of Community Center at Visitation, which refers to itself as “A Beacon of Hope in Kensington,” a group of eager students sit ready for the day’s lesson. These aren’t just regular school students, however. They are adults from the United States and countries beyond set on improving […]
Kingsessing: Developing Adult Literacy Provides Opportunities
Eight years ago, Darrow Lyons’ wife encouraged him to join Never 2 Late, an adult literacy program offered through the Center for Literacy, an organization that provides programs to adult learners. The 63-year-old South Philly resident has been attending classes ever since. The program is held at the Kingsessing Branch of the Free Library every […]
Tioga: Mercy Neighborhood Ministries Gives Students an Educational Head Start
Bright lights shine on the beaming green and orange painted walls as the next group of children happily walked into the Mercy Neighborhood Ministries building located on W. Venango Street in Tioga. The inviting staff and abundant open space offer some of the best amenities and educational assistance in the area for children in kindergarten […]
Tioga: Mercy Neighborhood Ministries Educates Adults in Need
Adult education at Mercy Neighborhood Ministries has become a mainstay in the community. Located at the corner of West Venango and 19th streets in the Tioga section of the city, the organization provides education services to adults who are unable to afford them elsewhere. Sister Maureen Conklin (pictured below) is the coordinator of the adult education program at Mercy Ministries. […]
Newbold: Spanish-Speaking Organization Promotes and Preserves Mexican Culture and Traditions in South Philly Community
Mexican culture is a major focus for the Spanish-speaking community that gathers in the salmon colored building on the corner of 17th and Dickinson streets in South Philadelphia. Casa Monarca is a small nonprofit organization that serves mostly Spanish-speaking families, women and children. “Casa Monarca’s mission is to preserve and keep the Mexican tradition and culture […]
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 […]
Education: Center For Literacy Classes Offer Adult Learners Help, Hope
Adult illiteracy is a major issue in Philadelphia, with more than two-thirds of the adult population classified as low literate – meaning they do not have the basic skills necessary for the modern workplace, according to a report published by the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board. Center for Literacy (CFL) is a 50-year-old, longstanding institution that works to […]
Bustleton: Helping Immigrants Navigate a New World
For adults who have recently immigrated to the United States, whether working or unemployed, daily life can often be a struggle in and of itself. Resources to cultivate educational opportunities or to develop second-language skills may be more scarce than one thinks, and a life of poverty and feelings of being an outcast are sometimes […]
Passyunk: City’s Immigrant Population Receives Practical Language Skills with Help from Iron Chef
With nine restaurants in Philadelphia alone, Iron Chef Jose Garces is synonymous with the city’s culinary culture. A second generation immigrant, Garces uses his success to support the Garces Foundation, his nonprofit that works to create practical opportunities for the city’s immigrant population. Started by Jose Garces and his wife, Beatriz Mirabal Garces, the Foundation […]
Veterans Affairs: Diane Sandefur’s Passion, Patience and Leadership Guide Veterans Upward Bound Program
For people who choose a career in the field of serving those who have served our country, high levels of dedication and sacrifice come with the territory. Who would want to give anything less to the men and women who have served in the ranks of the United States Armed Forces? Diane Sandefur (pictured above), […]