This week: Nearly 100 photos from 2025, our community survey extended through Jan. 12 (with a chance to win $200), and the Power January fundraiser at 33% of goal. Plus free yoga, chess club, Zumba, and more events.
Youth ambassadors Jayden Stukes (left) and Janiyah Heyward (right) of Valley Youth House speak to the crowd during a presentation at the Teen Town Hall on Nov. 15, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)
Power January update: You've gotten us to 34% of our goal—we've extended the fundraiser through the month. Your support keeps 2.5 journalists covering housing, health, safety, and the stories no one else tells. We're almost halfway through January—help us hit 50% this week.
This Week's Events
Tues., Jan. 13 — Family Fort Night at Richmond Library (2987 Almond St.) at 4 p.m. There will be reading, games and more. Blankets and other supplies provided.
Wed., Jan. 14 — PA CareerLink job search assistance at McPherson Square Library (601 E. Indiana Ave.) from 2 to 4:30 p.m. A Community Workforce Connector will provide one-on-one assistance with resume development, career counseling and more.
Fri., Jan. 16 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service hosted by Nurturing Smiles at Rivera Parent & Family Resource Center (2603 N. 5th St.) from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Free dental screenings, raffles, prizes and light refreshments. Register here.
Monthly Community Meetings
East Kensington Neighbors Association — Third Monday at 7 p.m. at Philadelphia Brewing Company (2440 Frankford Ave.). Email info@ekna.org.
Harrowgate Civic Association — First Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Heitzman Recreation Center (3631 Amber St.). Email harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com.
Kensington Independent Civic Association (KICA) — Third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Harrowgate PAL Center (851 E. Tioga St.).
Port Richmond Neighborhood Action (PRNA) — Third Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Block Church (2537 E. Monmouth St.). Email portrichmondna@gmail.com. No meetings in January, November, or December.
Somerset Neighbors For Better Living — First Monday at 6:30 p.m. (or following Monday if holiday) via Zoom. Email phillysnbl@gmail.com.
South Port Richmond Civic Association — Second Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Veteran Boxers Association Ring (2733 E. Clearfield St.). More info.
Free Trainings
Esperanza Health Center Nurse Practitioner Residency Program — Full-time, 15-month salaried position with training in primary care, HIV care, and OB-GYN. Weekly sessions and mentorship. Deadline: Jan. 31. Apply here.
JEVS Project WOW — Free certified production training for young adults ages 18 to 24 without a high school diploma. Includes OSHA 10, a Production Technician Certificate, and a diploma through Penn Foster. Register here.
Mental Health First Aid Training — Free virtual certification training from DBHIDS, offered weekly. Learn more and register here.
Every Good Gift — Part-time work for single mothers. Bring your baby (younger than 2) to work. Sewing and assembling gift products; training provided. Call 215-429-3750.
NKCDC — Housing Advisor, Part-Time Kensington Planning Connector, and more. View listings.
PGW — Call Center Representative, Field Service Technician, and more. Apply here.
SEPTA — Skilled trades including Plumber and Millwright. Apply here.
Waste Management — Multiple positions, average $26/hour. Apply here.
Weekly Events
Mondays — Heitzman Recreation Center hosts a free chess club for children 8 and older from 6 to 7 p.m. No registration or experience needed. Contact heitzmanreccenter@phila.gov.
Mondays and Fridays — Mothers Helping Mothers Women of Power Group meets at The CORE at Esperanza Health Center (3222 H St.) from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. A healing space for women affected by gun violence and overdose, supported by Mural Arts and NKCDC. Email Brenda Mosley at byfaithenternal@gmail.com.
Mondays through Fridays — Norris Square Senior Center offers free daily activities for adults 60 and older from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Art, exercise, games, socializing. Breakfast is $1.25; lunch is $1.
Funding Opportunities
Business Security Camera Program — Apply here. Additional upgrades available through the Storefront Improvement Program.
Nonprofit Security Grant Program — Security enhancements for nonprofits through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program — For older adults and people with disabilities 18 and older. Rebates from $380 to $1,000. Apply here.
Philadelphia Water Department Grants — Up to $10,000 for unpaid water bills through the PA Homeowner Assistance Fund. Apply here.
Services
City of Philadelphia Free Food Sites — Free food for households, students, and older adults. No ID or income proof needed. Find a site.
Esperanza Health Center — Free pregnancy tests at Kensington and Hunting Park locations, plus help finding insurance for prenatal care. Call 215-302-3600 or visit www.esperanzahealth.com.
Filter Philly — Free air purifiers, masks, and COVID tests for local events and organizations. Contact filterphilly@proton.me.
Fresh Choice Food Pantry — Open Mondays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Community Center at Visitation. Coffee, snacks, vital checks, HIV and hepatitis C testing.
LIHEAP — Up to $1,000 for heating bills for income-eligible families. Apply online or by mail.
Temple University Youth Employment Project (YEP) — For out-of-school young adults ages 16 to 24. GED support and transition to employment or higher education. Must be a Philly resident with basic computer skills. Fill out the interest form.
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.
This week: Nearly 100 photos from 2025, our community survey extended through Jan. 12 (with a chance to win $200), and the Power January fundraiser at 33% of goal. Plus free yoga, chess club, Zumba, and more events.
Friends of the Children offers families a commitment that the program will be there in a child’s life from kindergarten through high school graduation — “12+ no matter what,” they say.
