South Philadelphia: Buy Nothing Group Fosters Community And Helps Neighbors Via Facebook
One similarity between Bainbridge Island, WA and Philadelphia is an experimental gift economy. Hyperlocal groups are based on the concept of helping neighbors by giving items one person no longer finds useful to others who do. These groups are forming in communities all over the country. No bartering, trading or illegal activity are allowed. Philadelphia started with one […]
Immigration: Planting Seeds of Culture to Build Connections Amongst People
Elizabeth Taylor-Mead is a development consultant at Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating youth and adults on Arab culture. Through the arts, music and language, the organization hopes to raise cross-cultural awareness and debunk discrimination against Arabs as well as all immigrants living in the U.S. Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture has partnered […]
How To: Get A Mural On Your Wall
Known as the “City of Murals,” Philadelphia is home to almost 4,000 murals that reach into neighborhoods and aim to connect communities. No permit or license is required to paint a mural, so long as the work does not serve as an advertisement. Most of these artworks are the signature of the Mural Arts Program, […]
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’ […]