Happy Monday, folks.
We hope you all had a great weekend. Here’s a new batch of events to check out.
As always, if you know of an event or resource you’d like us to include in future newsletters, email us at editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
News (in case you missed it)
Kensington residents wonder if sweep, increased police presence will lead to lasting change in the neighborhood
On the morning of the May 8 encampment clearing, police officers and sanitation workers dispersed people before they could receive services, contrary to what the city said would happen just two days earlier.
Now, barricades line each of the cleared blocks, and the number of police officers in their cars, on bikes, and on foot in the vicinity has increased. Some residents feel safer, while others say the spillover from the sweep and increased police presence has caused problems on side streets.
Click here to read more.
Youth Voices
Kensington teen shares poem 'Forgotten Nature' about the Earth and the environment
Last week, we published a poem by Kensington resident Jazielys Serrano, 16, who we met through a collaboration last month with Philly Bridge & Jawn (PB&J).
“I've always been big on saving the Earth and the environment. I noticed that a lot of people aren't as mindful of it,” Serrano writes. “Even though I also find it harder to notice the small things sometimes, they still matter.”
Click here to read Jay's work.
What’s happening in the neighborhood
NKCDC’s Neighborhood Advisory Subcommittee
NKCDC is holding elections on May 30 for its Neighborhood Advisory Subcommittee (NAS). Members of the NAS will meet to discuss community needs, brainstorm solutions, and share resources. NAS members serve two-year terms and attend 10 monthly meetings per year. To apply for candidacy, contact Katsi Lozada at miranda-lozada@nkcdc.org for an application.
Activities & Events
May 20
Fishtown Neighbors Association is hosting a Garden Workshop at Other Half Brewing (1002 Canal St) from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The workshop will teach participants how to grow their own vegetable and herb gardens. There will also be time for a Q&A and a plant swap. Click here to register.
May 21
Philly Goat Project is coming to McPherson Square Library from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy a friendly goat walk and storytime with the Philly Goats. The rain date for the event is May 28.
The Blue Stoop is sponsoring its twelfth installment of The Bricks Reading Series at H&H Books, located at 2230 Frankford Avenue, at 7 p.m. This installment will feature work from writers Saretta Morgan, Hilary Plum, and Tyriek White. To learn more and to register, click here.
May 22
WHYY is hosting its civil dialogue series, “Bridging Blocks”, at Kensington Library from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This gathering will be dedicated to “Community Champions,” giving residents a chance to honor their favorite local heroes and the people who are making a difference in their communities. To register and learn more, click here.
Vision Zero is hosting a public workshop at Community Center at Visitation from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to get community feedback on different design ideas to improve traffic safety on Lehigh Avenue between Kensington Avenue and American Street. If you can’t join in person, click here to fill out the survey to share your ideas.
May 23
H&H Books is hosting an author’s conversation event between writers Kimberly King Parsons and Caoilinn Hughes from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in celebration of their new releases, “The Alternatives” and “We Were The Universe.” Click here to register and learn more.
The Monkey Club is hosting their monthly open mic for comedians at 7 p.m. Sign-ups for the open mic start at 6:30 p.m., and each set will have 5 minutes. Click here to sign up.
May 26
The Philadelphia Socialist Rifle Association will be distributing hoagies and clothing to the unhoused community at McPherson Square. 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
The “Harrowgate Run Club” is hosting walking and running groups at Harrowgate Park on Tuesdays from 6:15 a.m. to 7 a.m.
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.
For each Tuesday between April 30 and May 21, The Clay Studio is hosting “Clay, Play & Read,” a four-week program from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at The CORE at Esperanza Health Center. Parents and children are welcome to come make art and read together. Click here to register and learn more.
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.
Thursdays
Every Thursday at 7 p.m., PhillySouls hosts weekly Bible studies at 1222 N Palethorp St. All creatives, Bible readers, and young professionals are welcome. To register for this week’s or future studies, click here.
Free Trainings
Energy Coordinating Agency
The Energy Coordinating Agency is offering a training program for people interested in a career in environmental remediation. This 10-week training gives you 4 industry certifications and the skills to turn abandoned or unused lots into greenspaces in your neighborhood. The training will be from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To apply, contact Tess Willams at 267-306-9551 or by email at artessaw@ecasys.org.
Fab Youth Philly Free Workshops for Summer Jobs
Fab Youth Philly is hosting free workshops to prepare teens for summer jobs this year at their Kensington location from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The workshops will run from April to June. During April, participants will learn about making resumes and filling out job applications. In May, they will learn what they need to know during job interviews. And in June, teens will work on time management and effective communication. Click here to register.
Forklift Certification Class
Project Home is offering a free forklift certification class this June. Participants will receive all-day hands-on training from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., learning how to operate forklifts. You must have a driver’s license to be eligible for the certification class. The deadline for applications is May 23. Click here to apply.
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.
Lifeguard Trainings
Parks & Rec has reopened its free lifeguard training for teens 16 years and older. Upon completion, you will earn free lifeguard certification, which allows you to earn a starting pay of $16 an hour. Click here to apply or learn more.
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.
Funding Opportunities
2024 Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program
Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance & Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’s Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator program provides creative entrepreneurs with small business consulting and $2000 in critical funds. 51% of the program's funding is reserved for BIPOC entrepreneurs and those in low-income communities. The application window is from May 1 to May 31. To Apply for the grant program and learn more, click here.
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.
In Color Birding Club
From now until August, In Color Birding Club is offering school bus sponsorships for teachers and institutions taking their students to field trips in nature or other green spaces like gardens or arboretums. First priorities will be given to first-time applicants and teachers or institutions with a majority presence of BIPOC students. Click here to apply and learn more.
Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Violence Prevention Grant Program
The DA’s Office Violence Prevention Grant Program has returned, and community-based addiction recovery nonprofits are encouraged to apply. To begin the application process, contact GrantmakingServices@philafound.org. You must be a registered 501(c)(3) to be eligible for this grant opportunity.
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
Career Connected Learning PHL
Career Connected Learning PHL is connecting teens and young adults ages 12 to 24 with paid opportunities for the summer. Click here to learn more.
City of Philadelphia
The City of Philadelphia is hiring for multiple positions, including Correctional Officer and Research & Information Analyst. View listings and apply here.
The city is also hiring in multiple civil service jobs. Click here to apply and learn more.
Department of Commerce
The Philadelphia Department of Commerce is hiring a new Director of Corridor Improvements. 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.
Fab Youth Philly
Fab Youth Philly is hiring teens ages 15 to 18 as Play Captains for its summer program. The program will occur from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday. The pay rate is $13 an hour. Click here to apply and learn more.
The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse Family School is hiring for several positions, including positions of Lead Teacher Head Start and Assistant Teacher Head Start. To apply, contact hr@lighthouse1893.org.
New Kensington Community Development Community
NKCDC is hiring for several full-time positions. 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.
School District of Philadelphia
The School district of Philadelphia is hiring Assistant Teachers. The starting salary is $20.61 an hour. Click here to apply.
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.
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 10 a.m. to 1 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.
Volunteer Opportunities
Free Library of Philadelphia
The Free Library of Philadelphia is looking for volunteers for their author events. Volunteers will have the duties of greeting and ticketing patrons prior to events, assisting with audio equipment, and vetting questions from audience members. To volunteer, contact volunteer@freelibrary.org.
Kensington Soccer Club
Kensington Soccer Club is looking for a Volunteer Coordinator. If you or someone you know is interested, send your resume to barbyose@kensingtonsoccer.org
Philly Community Wireless
Philly Community Wireless needs tech and outreach volunteers. Learn more here.
Savage Sisters
Savage Sisters, an organization that serves people recovering from substance use disorders, has an outreach program where they directly serve folks with resources and food. On Tuesdays, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., they hand out warm food and harm reduction kits, and they also do a clean up around the area afterward. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Liddy at liddy@savagesisters.org or 215-954-6199.
Small Things
Small Things, a local food bank, opened a “free grocery store” style food pantry at 3510 A St. in Fairhill. Operating hours are Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is looking for volunteers.
Kensington Voice programs
Youth Voices Afterschool Program
Mondays from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Every Monday through Friday, we host youth programming at our newsroom at 3237 Amber Street from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. The programs are designed for students in grades six through 12, but those in that age range are welcome to bring their younger siblings, too. We’ve got arts and crafts, computer games, multimedia equipment, and more.
We have sponsored meals from nearby restaurants for four days out of each week:
- Tuesdays: Brunchaholics
- Wednesdays: Cantina La Martina
- Thursdays: Poe’s Sandwich Joint
Youth participants who are interested in creative writing, multimedia production, and visual arts can collaborate with us to publish their work to our website and receive a gift card ranging from $75 to $150 for their contributions.
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Have something you’d like us to share in our Monday newsletter? Please send any news or press releases to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
