The United States Census is critically significant to any noncommercial organization that provides social services — in the Free Library’s case, information-related services — to citizens. The Census, which is a population…
Voices
Esperanza Health Center: Why the 2020 Census matters to us
When you think of human service organizations like Esperanza Health Center, numbers and data are probably not the first words that come to mind. Instead, you likely imagine the services we provide,…
Providence Center: Why the 2020 Census matters to us
The 2020 Census matters, and you count. North Philadelphia is well known as the Census “red zone” for the lack of community participation in past Censuses. But this year, nonprofit organizations like…
New Kensington CDC: Why the 2020 Census matters to us
For us, it comes down to two things: Money and political power. The Census is used to direct more than $1.5 trillion in federal funding each year from more than 300 government…
Congreso de Latinos Unidos: Why the 2020 Census matters to us
The 2020 Census matters to our community, families, and staff — the entire Congreso de Latinos Unidos familia. It informs how critical resources are allocated, which has an immense impact on our…
Without the military, we wouldn’t have our rights: How artist John Zerbe is paying tribute to veterans
On Jan. 22, John Zerbe, an artist who lives in Kensington, talked to Kensington Voice’s Zari Tarazona about the mural he’s producing with artist Kien Nguyen at Impact Services’ 124 veterans housing…
Here’s how 5 veterans in Kensington would improve veterans’ services
Kensington Voice Editors Erin Blewett, Henry Savage, and Zari Tarazona talked with veterans living in Impact Services’ Hancock Manor, a veterans housing facility also known as 174, about what kinds of improvements…
I want my students to love and honor who they are and where they come from
On my very first day as an English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Spanish teacher in Kensington, I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. I don’t think some…
As a Spanish-speaking parent, it’s difficult to advocate for my children’s education
It’s difficult living in an English-speaking community when you do not speak English — especially as a parent. As the mother of 14- and nine-year-old daughters, I have struggled when I’ve gone…
How I pushed through Philly’s education system and learned to embrace my roots
*Editor’s note: The author works as a multimedia reporter for Kensington Voice. I was born and raised in Kensington, but my first language isn’t English. As someone who is half Puerto Rican…