West Philadelphia: Libraries “Plant A Seed” That Brings Success And Literacy For West Philly Children
Out of the 339 schools within the Philadelphia School District, only eight have full-time paid certified librarians. Louis Lozzi, a Philadelphia native and teacher said that the lack of library funding in the school system has been an issue since he began his teaching career 15 years ago. “I’m used to being in schools without […]
Grays Ferry: Vare Recreation Center Reopens But Still Needs Work
“Originally, we had no idea of when we were going to reopen,” said Gina Batavick, the recreational leader at Vare Recreation Center. “We had a community meeting the last week of October and they told us four to six weeks, so they’re basically on target for six weeks.” After being forced to close down due to […]
Juniata/Hunting Park: Teaching Islam And Serving The Community
Shireen Hammoudeh has been preaching about Islam since she became a teacher at the Muslim American Society Center in 2003 (MAS). Her mission has been to empower the youth and pass along the teaching of the last prophet in Islam, Muhammed. What is MAS? MAS, the Muslim American Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, that […]
Education: Five Classes To Try In Philadelphia Today
With all the negative attention education in Philadelphia receives, the community forgets about the different opportunities laced throughout the city. While there are endless programs serving the area’s youth, there are an abundance of classes and workshops available to all ages and skill levels. From arts education to STEM concepts, Philadelphia is a hub for […]
Fox Chase: Pennypack Environmental Center Teaches Youth About Environmental Issues
The Pennypack Environmental Center is a city-owned and operated facility run by Philadelphia Parks and Recreation. The center, located at 8600 Verree Rd., had its official opening in 1969 and is a subdivision of Pennypack Park. It was created with the purpose of educating community members about the environment. The Pennypack Environmental Center is about 110 acres, according to Stephen Barras, a […]
Bustleton: Center for Autism Expands on Grant Avenue to Support a Community in Need
The Center for Autism is the oldest treatment center for people with autism spectrum disorder in the United States. Its Northeast location, found at 2801 Grant Ave., is approaching the end of the first part of its multi-phase renovation process. The long referral list at the Center for Autism helped fuel the renovation process, according to Alena Subacus, […]
Germantown: Officer Ernest Pollard Helps Keep Inner City Youth Off the Streets
Those around him have often recognized Officer Ernest Pollard (above) for his dedication and desire to help others inside of the Goldie Paley PAL Center, as well as on the streets of Philadelphia … and on the basketball court. The Paley PAL Center, located on Germantown Avenue, is where Pollard spends much of his time during the […]
West Philadelphia: Center For Autism Working Toward “Outcomes for Life”
Four boys were hard at play, combining baking soda and vinegar. They were creating miniature volcanoes, in awe as they erupted. It’s an amusing and common pastime for any 4-year-old, but for these young boys it was more than just a game. It was part of the pre-K program at The Center For Autism in West Philadelphia. As they […]
West Oak Lane: Simons Recreation Center Director Offers “Safe Haven for the Kids”
For Amenah Claiborne, her role as center director at Simons Recreation Center doesn’t feel like work. Instead, her job reminds her of a family, one that is helping to provide a safe haven for kids living in the West Oak Lane community. Claiborne has worked within Philadelphia Parks and Recreation for 18 years. After graduating […]
Germantown: Businessman Joe Martin Carries Out his Vision for a More Idyllic Neighborhood
While Germantown still has a need for improvement, the community has come a long way in the past few years. As owner of Acclaim Academy and chairman of the Germantown Special Services District, Joseph Martin has impacted the community in more ways than one. From striving to make the streets cleaner, to implementing murals to […]