Hunting Park: Esperanza Aims to Improve Neighborhood Conditions
Esperanza is a faith-based community development corporation and nonprofit organization. It was founded in 1986 by the Hispanic clergy of Philadelphia. At the time, the Hispanic clergy wanted to address some of the larger problems that the community faced – access to affordable housing, access to jobs, safe communities and an education. Philip Dawson, 29, […]
Education: A Comprehensive Look At Charters And What They Mean For Philadelphia’s Education
It is 4:20 p.m. and the security line at the school district’s Education Center was beginning to grumble with agitation. A mother clutched a poster-board using it as a fan as she stood in line in the heavy humid air. The small crowd took steps forward almost in unison, rushing to the auditorium hoping to […]
Germantown: Small Businesses Impact The Unemployment Rate
One may have noticed the influx of small businesses in Germantown that have popped up throughout the past decade. With unemployment still an issue, many wonder if this growth of small businesses is having any effect on residents. Local resident Alisha Gillespie is frustrated about the list of job requirements businesses ask for and wants to see a change in the […]
Chestnut Hill: Proposed Expansion of Firehouse Remains a Hot Topic
The proposed expansion of the Engine 37 firehouse (above) in Chestnut Hill remains a burning topic in the local community as steps are being taken to allow the 123-year old station to remain functional yet historically accurate. Located at 101 West Highland Ave. in the heart of Philadelphia’s “Garden District,” the Engine 37 firehouse is the […]
Clark Park: Eating Healthy and Affordable with Livengood Family Farm
Eating healthy, wholesome and local is no longer a privilege but a possibility for everyone in West Philadelphia, thanks to Livengood Family Farms. Entering its 15th year of selling Lancaster, Pennsylvania-grown produce and vegetables, Livengood Family Farms has become one of Clark Park Farmers Market’s biggest vendors. Dwain Livengood and his family are at the center […]
Spruce Hill: The Fuze Connects Community Members Through the Power of Words
On a recent Friday night, big, lantern-shaped yellow lights hung from the ceiling of Studio 34 and cast a warm shadow on intricate paper birds that dangled a few inches below. A variety of comfy couches, love seats and homey wooden chairs were scattered throughout the space, all facing a small stage area where a single mic stood. […]
Kensington: Artists’ Space Aims To Provide Unique And Challenging Programming To Community
Hidden within a corner of the historic Viking Mill in Kensington is an artists’ space that member Terrill Warrenburg said is named for “the post-World War II period in Germany, a time where artists were able to freely expressive themselves and creatively flourish.” “The original founders of Little Berlin wanted to tap into that ‘anything goes’ […]
Roxborough: Local Resident Works Tirelessly To Preserve Roxborough
Retired social worker Donald Simon is an avid proponent for his community. Simon works tirelessly to ensure it remains the way he and his neighbors believe it should be. When he’s not spending his time playing piano and drums, or working as a trail ambassador to ensure the safety of the Wissahickon Valley Park grounds, he’s serving as […]
Activism: Rachel Winsberg Leads JVP Philly’s Outreach
Rachel Winsberg is helping lead the way for the Jewish community in Philadelphia. Jewish Voice For Peace (JVP) is a national, grassroots organization focusing on Jewish traditions and working for a just and lasting peace. The organization works in accordance to the principles of equality, human rights and international law for the people of Palestine and […]
Northwest: Mount Airy Learning Tree Branching Out to Create Stronger Community
Mount Airy Learning Tree (MALT) is a community-based nonprofit organization that has been bringing together members of the Northwest Philadelphia community for more than 35 years. Founded in 1980 by Barbara Bloom, MALT looks to enrich the lives of community members by offering a wide range of courses in an informal learning environment on particular […]