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Kensington news: CPOC Spanish Heritage Month Celebration, NKCDC plant dye workshop, Norris Square poetry slam, and Philadelphia Folklore's ‘Corazón, Corazón’

Rami Zaidan Ibrahim, founder of Rami Elite, demonstrates how to throw a proper elbow jab during a self-defense class at Norris Square Park, part of the "Hearts Out for Palestine" workshops on Sept. 6, 2024. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, neighbors.

We hope you have plans to celebrate with fellow community members. If not, we got your back with another list of events this week. Check it out below.

News (in case you missed it)

‘Bring them to Ride Free’: Kensington nonprofit says Philly leaders should look to former drug dealers to address open-air sales

A Kensington nonprofit wants Philly leaders to know that engaging people who deal drugs is key to dismantling the neighborhood’s open-air drug market.

Ride Free, located on the bottom floor of the Impact Services building at Allegheny Avenue and Emerald Street, offers job connections and other services to formerly incarcerated people, plus those currently engaged in crime.

“Instead of arresting the kid for selling drugs, bring them to Ride Free,” says Ride Free director Lou Cruz. “Give them a flyer to Ride Free.”

Click here to read more.

Woman dies “utterly, unacceptably predictable” death in jail following Kensington police sweep

Amanda Cahill, of Roxborough, died in a Philadelphia jail Saturday morning after police arrested her for drug possession in Kensington three days earlier.

Cahill, a mother of two sons, was one of 34 people arrested for narcotics violations and outstanding warrants in a coordinated police sweep under Mayor Cherelle Parker’s Kensington initiative. The Philadelphia Police Department’s East Division targeted G Street and the Kensington and Allegheny corridors on September 4. 

The medical examiner has not yet released her cause of death. 

Click here to read more.

Monthly Community Meetings

Friends of McPherson
When: Every first Tuesday from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Where: McPherson Square Library at 601 E. Indiana Ave.
Contact: chalmerst@freelibrary.org

Harrowgate Civic Association
When: Every first Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Heitzman Recreation Center at 3631 Amber St.
Contact: harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com

Kensington Independent Civic Association (KICA)
When: Every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Harrowgate PAL Center at 851 E. Tioga St. 

Port Richmond Neighborhood Action (PRNA)
When: Every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Block Church at 2537 E. Monmouth St.
Contact: portrichmondna@gmail.com

Somerset Neighbors For Better Living
When: Every first Monday of the month (unless it's a holiday in which case they meet the following Monday)
Where: Online Zoom meeting
Contact: phillysnbl@gmail.com

*There is no SNBL meeting in December.  

South Port Richmond Civic Association
When: Every second Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Where: Veteran Boxers Association Ring 12733 E. Clearfield Street
Contact: Find more on the meeting here

Activities & Events 

September 16

NKCDC is hosting a plant fabric dye workshop at Tusculum Gateway Garden from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. There will be flower harvesting and flag-making with plant dye fabric.

The Office of Homeless Services is hosting a conversation about improving Philadelphia’s response to homelessness at Lilian Marrero Library from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This session is an opportunity for community members to share their solutions, which will help inform the next strategic plan for the Philadelphia Continuum of Care.

September 17

Citizens Police Oversight Commission(CPOC) is hosting a celebration for Spanish Heritage Month at The Core Building (3222 H St.) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be food, special performances, and more. Click here to register and learn more.

September 18

The Philadelphia Folklore Project and Kensington Library are hosting the “Corazón, Corazón: Hand-Embroidered Heart Pillows as Mindfulness Practice” workshop at 10 a.m. at Kensington Library. Participants will learn how to embroider a fabric heart, all the while learning how to use embroidery as a form of self-care. This program is part of a month-long series of free arts programs in libraries presented by the Philadelphia Folklore Project. To learn more, visit www.folkloreproject.org.

September 19

Kensington Independent Civic Association(KICA) and Somerset Neighbors For Better Living(SNBL) are hosting a joint meeting at the Harrowgate PAL Center at 7 p.m. to discuss mobile treatment vans and mobile showers in the area. There will be city officials, and representatives from Temple Health, Police, and Prevention Point staff in attendance. 

September 20

Galei and Norris Square Neighborhood Project are hosting a “Poetry Slam!” open mic event at Las Parcelas (2248 N. Palethorp St.) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join in a night of poetry and lyrical art, and share some of your own creative talent. Click here to register or learn more.

September 22

The Philadelphia Socialist Rifle Association will be distributing hoagies and clothing to the unhoused community at McPherson Square Park. The organization is inviting anyone interested to come out to help with the distribution. Preparation will take place at Lancaster Avenue Autonomous Space (LAVA), located in West Philly, at 8 a.m. The distribution will happen at 11 a.m. at McPherson. Click here to register and to learn more.

Weekly Events

Monday-Friday 

The Norris Square Senior Center offers free daily activities for adults 60 and older on Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include art, exercise, games, and socializing. Meals are also provided – $1.25 for breakfast and $1 for lunch.

Mondays 

Heitzman Recreation Center hosts a free chess club on Mondays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for ages eight and up. No registration or prior experience is required. For more information, contact heitzmanreccenter@phila.gov

Tuesdays

Heitzman Recreation Center hosts free art classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays will consist of bracelet making, and on Thursdays, participants will be making arts & crafts. For more information, contact heitzmanreccenter@phila.gov or call 215-537-3244.

The Food Trust is hosting a Farmer's Market at 4th St. and Lehigh Ave. every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Every week, The Food Trust’s nutrition educators visit this farmers market to show you how to make a delicious, nutritious seasonal recipe — plus hand out free taste tests and prizes.

From now until October 8, Heitzman Recreation Center is hosting “Lady Wolves Intro to Sports” from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. This program will introduce girls ages 10 to 14 to different sports, build confidence, and teach them about organized sports. The program is free, but registration is required. To register, call 215-537-3233 or email heitzmanreccenter@phila.gov

Wednesdays

Every Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Galaei hosts its weekly discussion group, “Code Grindr”, in person at its location. This discussion group will unpack the negative impact that hookup apps have and, the stigmas they uphold surrounding race, gender identity, and the harm they cause people. 

Looking for more open mics in the neighborhood? Tina’s Tacos hosts an open mic and live band karaoke night every Wednesday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Come by and show off your vocal skills or enjoy some local talent.

Fridays

The Sunday Love Project is hosting “Crochet for Beginners” classes for adults and children ages 10 and up from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 3206 Kensington Ave. The classes are free and supplies will be provided.

Saturdays

NKCDC and The Health Federation of Philadelphia are partnering to host “The Diabetic Prevention Program” at Firm Hope Baptist Church on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The year-long lifestyle change program focuses on developing a healthy lifestyle and learning how to manage things like diabetes, stress, exercise, and meal prep. If you are 18 or older and are at risk or have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you qualify for the program. Enjoy light refreshments, taste tests, raffles, and more. 

West Kensington Ministries is hosting Zumba classes every Saturday at 10 a.m. All are welcome, and the entry fee is pay-what-you-can.

Sundays

Izlas Food Truck is hosting its Sulsa on American Street event every Sunday from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join fellow community members in learning the art of salsa and enjoying Latin music. Click here to register and learn more.

Free Trainings

JEVS Project WOW

JEVS Human Services is offering its free Project WOW Certified Production Training Program to young adults ages 18 to 24 who did not complete a high school diploma. This program offers hands-on training in OSHA 10, a Production Technician Certificate, a High School Diploma through Penn Foster, and more. To register and learn more, click here.

Mental Health First Aid Training

The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) offers free training for those interested in earning a Mental Health First Aid certification. The virtual training is facilitated weekly. Register here.

Sheet Metal Workers

Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 19 is currently accepting applications for their Philadelphia training center. Earn money while you learn a new trade and learn from experienced professionals in the field. Click here to apply and learn more.

Women In Nontraditional Careers (WINC)

Women In Nontraditional Careers (WINC) is currently supporting women 18 years and older in Philadelphia to apply to Fall pre-apprenticeship training at the Finishing Trades Institute - MAR from October 15 to November 21. This 6-week program focused on skills required for careers in the construction trades and help them build the math and personal skills to qualify for apprenticeship work. WINC works to increase and advance the participation of women in the trades and connect them to job opportunities. Applicants must have a high school diploma/GED, a valid driver’s license, and pass a drug test. To apply and learn more, click here

Funding Opportunities

Block beautification

As part of the Keep It Clean Philly campaign, the city is offering funding to block captains the PMBC Block Captain Beautification Grant to beautify their block. The grant amount can be as much as $500, and is only available to block captains registered through the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee (PMBC). Click here to apply.

Business Security

Does your business need extra security? Click here to apply for the city’s Business Security Camera Program. If your company wants additional upgrades, check out the Storefront Improvement Program.

Nonprofits can also apply for security enhancements through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.  

I Love My Librarian Award

The American Library Association is currently accepting nominations for the 2025 “I Love My Librarian” Award, which awards a librarian with $5,000 and the recognition of a lifetime. Nominations must be submitted by other people for their librarians by September 30. Click here to submit a nomination and learn more.

Pennsylvania Department of Revenue

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is offering the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to older adults and people with disabilities ages 18 and up. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania by providing a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000. To learn more and apply, click here.

Philadelphia Water Department State Grants

The Philadelphia Water Department has grants available for its Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund. Eligible homeowners can get up to $10,000 for unpaid water bills. To apply and learn more, click here.

Jobs

Boys & Girls Club

The Boys & Girls Club is hiring for multiple job openings. To apply, contact Libby Lascalleet at lescalleetl@bgcphila.org

City of Philadelphia

The City of Philadelphia is hiring for multiple positions. View listings and apply here.

The city is also hiring in multiple civil service jobs. Click here to apply and learn more. 

Division of Substance Use and Harm Reduction

The Division of Substance Use and Harm Reduction has several job openings available. View listings and apply here

Esperanza Health Center

Esperanza Health Center has several job openings available. View listings and apply here.

Kensington Soccer Club

Kensington Soccer Club is hiring OST soccer coaches for the upcoming season. To apply, send a resume to christian@kensingtonsoccer.org

New Kensington Community Development Community 

NKCDC is hiring for several full-time positions, including Housing Advisor, Part-Time Kensington Planning Connector, and more. View listings here

Pathways to Housing PA

Pathways to Housing PA is hiring for several positions, including for a truck driver/warehouse assistant at the Philadelphia Furniture Bank at 3650 I St. Find listings and apply here

PennDOT

PennDot is hiring new engineers, equipment operators, inspectors, and mechanics. View listings and apply here

Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW)

PGW is hiring for multiple positions including Call Center Representative, Field Service Technician, and more. Click here to apply.

Philadelphia Parks & Rec

Philadelphia Parks & Rec is currently hiring for multiple positions, including RSI Programming Specialist-Pops Playground and Seasonal Maintenance Attendant. To apply and learn more, click here.

Safe-Hub Philadelphia

Safe-Hub is hiring soccer coaches. Head coaches are paid $22 per hour, while assistant and flex coaches are volunteer positions. Apply here

Septa

Septa is hiring for multiple skilled trade positions, such as Plumber and Millwright. Click here to apply and learn more.

Waste Management

Waste Management is hiring for multiple positions with an average pay of $26 per hour. Click here to apply and learn more.

Services

Filter Philly

Filter Philly provides free air purifiers, masks, and tests to local events and organizations to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses. If you’d like to be supplied with a free purifier or equipment, contact filterphilly@proton.me.

Fresh Choice Food Pantry

The Community Center at Visitation’s Fresh Choice Food Pantry is open on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Additional offerings include coffee, light snacks, free vital checks, HIV testing, and Hepatitis-C testing. 

LIHEAP

Applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program are now open. Income-eligible families could receive up to $1,000 to pay for heating bills. Apply online or by mail. 

NKCDC

From 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Tuesday, NKCDC’s Kensington Empowerment Hub is open for their Record Clearing Clinic. Clients can meet with lawyers from the Lawyers for Social Equity organization to have their cases reviewed to see if they can be cleared of any records.

Youth Employment Project (YEP)

Temple University’s Youth Employment Project (YEP) is looking to enroll out-of-school young adults ages 16 to 24 years old into their program to support them with earning their GEDs and transitioning to employment or higher education. Requirements include being a Philadelphia resident, highly determined and self-motivated, and having a basic understanding of computer skills. Click here to fill out their interest form.

Kensington Voice programs 

Youth Voices Afterschool Program
Mondays - Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.

3237 Amber Street, 3rd Floor

Kensington Voice's Youth Voices after-school program is open to children and youth in grades 6 through 12 on Monday through Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Youth are invited to join us for workshops and activities based on Creative writing, Journalism, Poetry/spoken word, and Visual storytelling. All students under the age of 18 must obtain permission from a parent or guardian to participate in after-school workshops and drop-in activities.

Click here to sign up and learn more.

Contact Khysir Carter at khy@kensingtonvoice.com with questions. 

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