We hope you have a lot of free time this week because there are many events going on in the neighborhood, as well as a new funding opportunity for local youth organizations with a holistic approach to engagement. Check it all out below.
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)
Drexel and Prevention Point study offers women who use drugs HIV protection, health care support
Researchers are studying whether therapeutic writing exercises and cash incentives help motivate women with a history of drug use to continue taking PrEP and decrease their illicit drug use.
Click here to read more.
Kensington unveils first Roberto Lugo sculpture at KCT Community Garden party event
Under the warmth of Saturday's sun, the El train rumbled by the KCT Community Garden as community members gathered for a special event celebrating the arrival of Roberto Lugo’s first Kensington sculpture installation.
The “Garden Party” was not an ordinary event; it was a vibrant display of art, culture, and community spirit, marking the unveiling of one of the major sculptures from the “We Here” project at the Kensington Corridor Trust (KCT) property at Kensington Avenue and Madison Street.
“It feels really surreal... when you imagine something really big, and you see it come to life... it’s wonderful,” Lugo said.
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
*There is no Harrowgate Civic meeting in July.
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 we meet the following Monday)
Where: Online Zoom meeting
Contact: phillysnbl@gmail.com
*There is no SNBL meeting in August or December.
Activities & Events
August 5
The Open Kitchen Sculpture Garden is hosting its “Women’s Circle & Clothing Swap” event from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be snacks, a clothing swap, a full moon ceremony, and more. Click here to register and learn more.
August 6
Town Watch Integrated Services and the Philadelphia Police Department are hosting “A Walk for Public Safety” at 3 p.m., beginning at Emerald and Allegheny Streets. Elected officials and clergy will also attend.
August 7
Fishtown Neighbors Association is hosting its Teen Art Club at Shissler Rec Center from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. for teens living in and near Fishtown. Professional illustrator and graphic designer Corey Danks will lead the 90-minute session through prompts. Participants will be provided with sketchbooks, art supplies, food, and drinks. Click here to sign up.
Hive 76 is hosting another free miniature paint day at 7 p.m. Meet other mini-paint enthusiasts and enjoy their high-resolution 3D printer. Painting airbrushes and supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own supplies. Click here to sign up.
August 8
The 24th Police District is hosting its annual block party at 10 a.m. between Somerset and Emerald Streets. There will be free food, kid’s activities, resource tables, and more. To learn more, contact tina.willis@phila.gov.
The Community First Fund is hosting a free affinity group lending information session at 6 p.m. for small business owners to learn more about funding opportunities. Click here to register for this week’s session and future ones.
Ray Philly is hosting its “Second Thursday Open Studios” from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Ulises. Everyone is welcome to check out the studios and use its resources. Click here to register and learn more.
August 9
Xiente is hosting “Salsa on the Square” at Norris Square Park from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be salsa dancing, community networking, and live performances from Jimmy Jorge & The Latin Express and Estilo Dance Studio. For more information, contact Rodolfo Santos at 215-426-8734 or email at rsantos@xiente.org.
August 10
The Harrowgate Civic Association is hosting its “2nd Saturday Cleanup” on the 3300 block of I St. from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The group will meet on the corner of E Madison and Emerald Streets. Cleaning supplies and refreshments will be provided.
Rock Ministries is hosting its annual “Rock the Block” block party at 2755 Kensington Ave from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be kid’s activities, live music, and more. Click here to register and learn more about this event.
Cedar Point, Amy's Pastelillos, and other neighboring small businesses in Fishtown are partnering with Fishtown Music & Arts Festival to host the “Block Party at Fishtown Forks” block party happening at the Norris, Cedar, and Susquehanna intersections from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be a flea market, face painting, food, live music, and more.
August 11
Cantina La Martina is hosting its annual Cemita Festival at La Placita from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival will feature local vendors, purchasable food, drinks, and 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.
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.
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.
Pre-Apprenticeship Weatherization Program
Beyond Literacy is offering a free pre-apprenticeship program for those interested in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, insulation, and home repair. The program is from Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants can also work on obtaining a GED through the program. Click here to register and learn more.
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
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.
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.
The Community Fund Grant
The Philadelphia City Fund is accepting proposals for The Community Fund Grant from now until August 26 at 5 p.m. This year, the fund is seeking to support programming that takes a holistic approach to youth wellness and health. Grantees will receive awards of $25,000 to support their programming. Click here to apply and learn more.
Jobs
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.
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.
Safe Hub is also hiring for two part-time AmeriCorps positions: Healthy Bodies Program Specialist and Healthy Futures Program Specialist. Click the links to apply for and learn more about each position.
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 Summer Program
Mondays - Thursdays, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
3237 Amber Street, 3rd Floor
Our Youth Voices Summer Program runs through August 16. Students in grades six through 12 are invited to join us for arts and crafts, computer games, multimedia projects, and more.
Contact Khysir Carter at khy@kensingtonvoice.com with questions.
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