The Next Mayor: Bicyclists Seek Leader to Promote Safety, Harmony on the Roads
Bike commuting in Philadelphia has grown more than 200 percent over the past 25 years. And while Philadelphia continues to lead the top 10 largest cities in bike commuters, it has fallen behind other major cities in safety and infrastructure improvement. The Better Mobility 2015 platform, released in November by the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, illustrates the […]
Powelton Village: As School Libraries Close, a Non-Profit Fills the Void
[vimeo 80776295] It’s no secret that the School District of Philadelphia has fallen on hard times. The district has to work with the budget it has set and because of this budget there have been many staff layoffs. Among those laid off include principals, assistant principals, secretaries and teachers. One position that was hit hard were […]
Powelton Village: Local Organization Helps Men in Search of Recovery
At first glance, the 3300 block of Powelton Avenue looks to be just another block filled with student housing for nearby Drexel University students. Every house looks almost identical. The first house on the block is different, however. It does not house students. It houses Re-Enter Incorporated. Re-Enter Incorporated is a free-standing, non-hospital, licensed drug […]
West Philly: After-School Program Helps Local Children With Their Writing Skills
[vimeo 79246709] On the corner of 39th and Lancaster Avenue stands an unusual building with a circular facade like no other on the street. This building is perfect to house an organization like no other nearby, Mighty Writers. Mighty Writers is a nonprofit organization that teaches students how to write and think clearly. “We provide writing […]
University City: Invisible Sentinel Celebrates its Expansion Within the Science Center
[vimeo 79066938] Invisible Sentinel, a startup company based out of the Science Center in University City, announced its company expansion this fall. Invisible Sentinel develops diagnostic technologies for a safer food supply. Its focus is on developing rapid diagnostics that quickly provide accurate information about the presence of harmful pathogens. The company currently has 18 […]
Haddington: WePAC Holds a Conversation on Philly Schools Budget Crisis
Members of the West Philadelphia Alliance for children (WePAC) recently hosted a discussion “Budget Battles: A Conversation on Philly Schools” at the Haddington Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia. WePAC provides literary programs to young students. It’s funded by private dollars and offers all of its services at no cost to schools or to […]
Powelton Village: New Sculpture Beautifies 40th Street
The People’s Emergency Center‘s mission is to nurture families, strengthen neighborhoods and advance change in West Philadelphia. “One of the suggestions, which came out of our recent neighborhood planning process, was the desire to turn up the volume on the local arts scene,” said Kevin Musselman, manager of Neighborhood and Resource Planning at PEC. “We believe that installing public […]
Mantua: New Catholic School Education is Back at MHCC
[vimeo 78027577] There are many reasons why community centers are great to have in the neighborhood. They are a safe place for children to go after school. They make more jobs in the area and also hold events like dances and parties. Community centers serve as an affordable place for children to learn, have fun, […]
Powelton Village: Respite and Emergency Care Makes a Difference in West Philadelphia
[vimeo 75233536] Youth Service, Inc. is a nonprofit child welfare agency that’s been in operation for over 60 years. It provides a range of services to youth and families. They have a teen shelter and a mother/baby group home but the majority of their services are now prevention services. The crisis nursery programs are part of YSI’s […]
Mill Creek: Urban Farm Gives Residents a Healthy Choice
Mill Creek Farm is an educational urban farm that’s dedicated to improving local access to fresh produce, building a healthy community and promoting sustainable food system. Micaiah Hall, the assistant farm manager, makes sure that the farm, located at 4901 Brown St. in West Philadelphia, produces to demand. He plants the next season’s crops, runs their produce […]