This is our last newsletter of the year. Thank you for your continued support!
If you have the means, please consider donating to our fundraiser to help us start 2026 strong. With $20,000 by December 31, we can continue operations at full speed — no delays, no interruptions — thanks to on-the-ground reporting powered by you.
We hope you have a great holiday and a Happy New Year. We’ll see you in January.
Recent News
Opioid settlement spending faces growing scrutiny as Pennsylvania awaits millions more
As Pennsylvania officials continue spending millions of dollars in settlement money to fight the opioid epidemic, opportunities for the public to follow the funds and publicly weigh in increased over the past year. That’s partially due to the work of journalists and researchers.
But significant limits exist on both transparency and public participation — to the frustration of some families and others directly affected by the crisis.
Read more here. And check out the original story at Spotlight PA.
Some Kensington residents may qualify for up to $1,000 in tax, rent rebates
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity is urging eligible residents to apply for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program before the Dec. 31 deadline.
The program provides rebates to Pennsylvanians who meet income requirements, including seniors 65 and older, widows and widowers age 50 and older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older.
Do you have a story idea or free activity we should share with our readers? Email editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
Want to write an op-ed? Hit up that same email with your ideas!
Free Activities & Events
Dec. 22
Yoga at Richmond Library (2987 Almond St.) at 5:30 p.m. This activity is open to practitioners of all levels.
Dec. 23
Preschool story time at Kensington Library (104 W. Dauphin St.) at 11 a.m. There will be stories, songs and more.
Dec. 28
Pop-up art event at Jasper Studios (2930 Jasper St.) from 2 to 6 p.m. There will be art for sale, post-Christmas gift ideas and more.
Weekly Events
Mondays and Fridays
Mothers Helping Mothers Women of Power Group supported by Mural Arts and NKCDCmeets at the CORE at Esperanza Health Center (3222 H Street)) from 12:30-2:30 p.m. to heal from trauma related to gun violence and overdose. Email Brenda Mosley at byfaithenternal@gmail.com to learn more.
Tuesdays
Free yoga class hosted by Yoga 4 Philly at The CORE Fitness Center (3222 H. St.) from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. No registration is required.
Monthly Community Meetings
East Kensington Neighbors Association meets every third Monday in person at the Philadelphia Brewing Co. (2440 Frankford Ave.) at 7 p.m. Contact info@ekna.org for more information.
Harrowgate Civic Association meets every first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Heitzman Recreation Center at 3631 Amber St. Contact harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com for more information.
Kensington Independent Civic Association (KICA) meets every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Harrowgate PAL Center at 851 E. Tioga St.
Port Richmond Neighborhood Action (PRNA) meets every third Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Block Church, 2537 E. Monmouth St. For more information, email portrichmondna@gmail.com. *There are no monthly PRNA meetings in January, November or December
Somerset Neighbors For Better Living meets every first Monday of the month (except holidays, when it meets the following Monday) online via Zoom. Contact phillysnbl@gmail.com.
South Port Richmond Civic Association meets every second Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Veteran Boxers Association Ring at 2733 E. Clearfield Street. Click here for more information.
Free Trainings
Applications are open for Esperanza Health Center’s Nurse Practitioner Residency Program. The program offers a full-time, 15-month, salaried position, training in primary care and specialty health care (HIV care and OB-GYN), weekly sessions and mentorship. The application deadline is January 31. Visit this link to apply and learn more.
Jobs
Educators for Education is hiring Safe Path Monitors for schools across the city. The job offers paid training, holidays and weekends off, and requires applicants to be 21 years or older. Visit this link to apply and learn more.
Every Good Gift, a faith-based organization, has part-time jobs available for single mothers. Single moms with a child under age 2 may bring their baby to work with them. Paid positions involve sewing and assembling gift products, and training is provided on the job along with computer skills and a job preparedness curriculum. For more information call 215-429-3750
Services
City of Philadelphia has a list of free food sites across the city. The list includes sites that provide free food for households, students and older adults. No ID or proof of income is needed at the food sites. Visit this link to find a food site near you and learn more.
Khysir Carter is a multimedia journalist, writer, and editor from Kensington who covers community stories, builds local partnerships, and engages youth in finding their creative voice through writing and multimedia.
