Good morning, neighbors.
A few neighborhood events were postponed last weekend due to rain, but here’s a new week of events and activities for you to enjoy.
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 civic group votes against Prevention Point zoning exception to offer medical services
A Kensington civic group has voted against a zoning exception that would give harm reduction nonprofit Prevention Point permission to use its Kensington Avenue property as a medical clinic.
The medical services that the zoning exception would impact include HIV and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing and treatment, HIV prevention medication, substance use treatment, and wound care, according to Silvana Mazzella, interim lead executive officer of Prevention Point.
Click here to read more.
Police close Kensington's Somerset section for city’s unannounced “quality of life” effort, causing distress for some residents
Swarms of police officers patrolled Kensington Avenue and Emerald Street from Orleans to Somerset streets Wednesday in what police leaders described as a broader effort to improve the quality of life in the neighborhood but that caused distress for some residents.
Early Wednesday afternoon, police tape surrounded the perimeter to close the area to foot and vehicle traffic. Officers allowed some residents and others working within the area through, sometimes requiring them to show identification to verify their addresses.
“[We’re] just trying to give it some attention, that’s all,” said Deputy Police Commissioner Pedro Rosario, who was on the scene Wednesday at Kensington Avenue and Somerset Street. “It’s been met with a lot of positive reaction from the community.”
Click here to read more.
What’s happening in the neighborhood
Harrowgate Park Soccer Impact Summer
From now until August 22, Impact Services is sponsoring summer soccer workshops at Harrowgate Park every Monday and Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Impact is partnering with Kensington Soccer Club and Street Soccer Philly to offer kids ages 6 through fourteen this free program. Walk-ups are welcome.
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
July 15
Wanda Community Event Inc. is hosting a clothing drive at 1800 Clarence St. at 11:30 a.m. There will be free clothes, hotdogs, and pizza. For more information, contact Wanda at 267-579-7345.
July 16
NKCDC is hosting a First-Time Homebuyer Workshop from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join the virtual workshop to learn how you can get support and more information about owning a home. Click here to register for Saturday's workshop and future ones.
July 18
The 25th Police District is hosting its 8th annual block party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 100 W. Somerset St. There will be free food, kid’s activities, resource tables, and more. In case of weather conflicts, the rain date will be July 25.
Philadelphia City Council is hosting a Barriers to Beds public hearing to discuss barriers to substance use treatment beds. The event will be held at Rock Ministries at 2755 Kensington Ave. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Click here to sign up to give public comment.
July 20
Drexel SSDP and The Everywhere Project are hosting a community cleanup at 1810 E. Clearfield St. from 12 to 3 p.m. Cleaning supplies are limited, so bring your own if possible.
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 Citywide Events
Baker Industries Hiring Event
Pennsylvania CareerLink is hosting a hiring event for Baker Industries, a nonprofit workforce development program that serves hard-to-employ adults. The hiring event will take place on July 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 4261 N 5th St. Click here to register.
Music Videos Showcase
Kensington resident Don Vincent Ortega and Raymo Ventura are hosting a free Music Video Showcase event at The Bok Auditorium located at 800 Mifflin Street in South Philadelphia. They will be screening 24 music videos across various genres and styles aimed at highlighting local creative teams, directors, and musicians. For more information, contact donvincentortega@gmail.com.
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.
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.
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.
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 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. 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. 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.
Taller Puertorriqueño
Taller Puertorriqueño is hiring Camp Counselors and a Recreation Teacher for its summer camp. Click here to apply.
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.
Free Youth Lunches at the Library
McPherson Square Library is one of the city's libraries that provides free lunches to youth ages 18 and under. To get the meal times, call 215-685-9995.
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.
Kensington Voice programs
Mondays - Thursdays, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
3237 Amber Street, 3rd Floor
Our Youth Voices Summer Program rthrough 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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