Happy Monday, Kensington!
Last week was a historic week due to the results from the 2023 General Election. As is often the case, quality-of-life issues were at the top of voters’ minds as they went to the polls. Meanwhile, some polling places in the Kensington area experienced some challenges.
Although this election cycle may be over, 2024’s election cycle will determine key positions such as the U.S. President. Let’s take what some young voters had to say this election season on how voting can be made more accessible and how voter outreach can be improved as lessons learned for next year.
In other news, Kensington Voice is also building a donation guide for organizations and groups serving the neighborhood. We’d like to publish the guide by Giving Tuesday (Nov. 28), and we plan to maintain it afterwards as new submissions come in. Please share it widely and submit your organization here.
Our upcoming programs
We’re hosting a few of our own programs at our newsroom at Allegheny & Amber Street:
Mural Art Mondayz (Youth Voices)
Mondays from 3:30 to 5:30 PM
Students in grades six through 12 are invited to this free workshop series, where they will develop a mural design at Kensington Voice with community artist John C. Zerbe (zerbeartz.com).
Students can drop in for one workshop, a few, or all! But youth participants who attend at least half (5) of the workshops will receive a $75 gift card at the final event in December.
Click here for more info, including registration.
Creative Writing Corner (Youth Voices)
Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 PM
Students in grades six through 12 are invited to join our Creative Writing Corner with Khysir Carter, a writing workshop dedicated to building creative writing skills with peers and writing professionals.
Students can drop in at any time. However, youth participants who work with us to publish their writing in our newspaper, website, or other media will receive a gift card ranging from $75 to $150 for their work.
Click here for more info, including registration.
Sound Off: Info Session about Philly Documenters
Wednesday, Nov. 15 from 6 to 7:30 PM
This Wednesday, Kensington Voice is partnering with Resolve Philly to host an info session about the Philly Documenters program. Get trained and paid to attend and record crucial public meetings! Registration is not required but call 215-346-6649 to get in the building.
Lastly, this newsletter and our stories are free to read because we believe it’s important to make local news accessible. If you’d like to help support this work, please consider becoming a paid member.
Now, here’s what’s happening around the neighborhood this week.
Announcements
Friends of McPherson is transitioning back to a resident-run Friends group and is seeking members for its Board of Directors. If interested, submit your nomination by Nov. 14. To learn more about what Friends groups are and do, click here.
A new budget will be proposed to City Council this spring. Before the proposal is created, tell the City what you think should be prioritized by attending a feedback session. Space is limited and attendees will be compensated $40 for their time. Find the feedback session dates here.
Activities & Events
Nov. 16
Freezpak Logistics, along with BG Capital LLC, Harrowgate Civic Association, and PROPAC, are hosting a job fair for Harrowgate and Port Richmond residents living in the 19134 zip code ONLY on Thursday. Some positions include forklift operator, shipping and receiving clerks, and customer service representatives. The fair will be at the Commonwealth Campus Athletic Center at 3254 Tulip St. at 7 p.m. Bring a resumé.
Join Fab Youth Philly to learn about program evaluation tools that anyone can use. The workshop for youth development professionals will take place on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 2400 N. Howard St. Register here.
NKCDC is hosting a Thanksgiving food giveaway on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Kensington Empowerment Hub on 2771 Ruth St., Suite 2. Grab fresh produce and learn new recipes for the upcoming holiday.
Nov. 17
All American Home Care is giving away turkeys for its clients and caregivers. Refer a new client or aide who has existing services or needs services and receive a free turkey. The giveaway will be at 3231 N. 2nd St. from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Immortal Vision Studio is celebrating the launch of The Community Curator, a social enterprise to support individuals, organizations, and businesses to establish and expand a philanthropic presence in Philadelphia. The evening will consist of a cocktail reception, networking, and product showcase. Tickets are $25 and 25% of proceeds will be donated to Down North Foundation. The event will be at 426 E. Allegheny Ave., Suite B from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
H&H Books is hosting its second event in the Riverwards Arts & Letters Salon Series on Friday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Engage with local artists and writers in what H&H Books call “a creative cross-pollination experiment”. Admission is free.
Comadre Luna is hosting a Spanish writing workshop “Historias de mi Barrio” on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Taller Puerrtorriqueño. Attendees are encouraged to bring a photo or object important to you. Free food will be provided. Contact 347-583-8239 to register.
Nov. 18
Ya Fav Trashman is hosting a cleanup at Kensington & Allegheny on Saturday at 10 a.m. Cleaning supplies will be provided but bring your own pair of gloves. RSVP by emailing Yafavtrashman@gmail.com.
NextFab and Olde Kensington Boutique’s “Miracle on American Street” Holiday Market is back. Find the perfect gift this holiday season at the market where over 100 vendors are selling handmade and local goods. The street takeover will be on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1800 N. American St.
Her Place Supper Club + Friends are hosting a children’s coat distribution at Greater Goods Grocery on 3200 Kensington Ave. at 12 p.m. Children must be present to receive a coat.
Gutta City Impact is partnering with Ride Free to host a food giveaway on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 1952 E. Allegheny Ave.
Taller Puertorriqueño is hosting a brunch with author Melissa Coss Aquino to discuss her book “Carmen and Grace” from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.. Mimosas and pastelitos will be provided. Reading the book ahead of time is encouraged but not required.
Los Bomberos de la Calle, a Puerto Rican musical group, is celebrating its 10th anniversary at Taller Puertorriqueño on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Take cultural photos with Vejigantes, listen to live music performances, and access resources at this celebration.
Nov. 19
Philly Tree People will be hosting a fall tree planting throughout the 19125 and 19134 zip codes on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning at 2464 Tulip St. If you’d like to volunteer, register here.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with song! A Friendsgiving Music Party for Families will be taking place at The Perch Music & Arts Studio at 2321 Emerald St. from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Nov. 20
Ride Free is hosting a turkey drive on Monday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 1952 E. Allegheny Ave. The organization is accepting donations of non-perishable food in jars, cans, rice and pasta.
Weekdays
The Norris Square Senior Center offers free daily activities for adults 60 years old and older on Mondays through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include art, exercise, games, and socializing. Meals are also provided – $1.25 for breakfast, $1 for lunch.
Recurring
Galaei has several programs coming up for Philly’s Black and Brown LGBTQ+ community including a book club, transgender support group, sexual health discussions, and more. Keep up on Galaei’s Instagram.
To browse upcoming programs at Kensington, McPherson Square, and Lillian Marrero libraries, visit freelibrary.org/calendar.
Funding Opportunities
Does your business need extra security? Click here to apply for the City’s Business Security Camera Program. If your business is looking for 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.
Jobs
Documenters
Resolve Philly, in partnership with City Bureau, is looking to train and hire community members to attend public meetings and take notes to share with the wider community. Pay is $17 per hour per assignment. Learn more here.
Kensington Corridor Trust
The Kensington Corridor Trust is hiring an Investment and Fundraising Lead. This person would secure funding, manage investments, and build sustainable financial resources. Salary ranges from $95,000 to $105,000 a year. Application deadline is Nov. 17. Apply here.
Kensington Food Company
Kensington Food Company is hiring a warehouse team member. Tasks would include receiving shipments, packing orders, and delivery. Pay is $18 per hour for 30 hours per week. Apply here.
Providence Center
The Providence Center is hiring 2-4 high school students for a teen leadership internship. Interns would work 5 days for 11.5 hours per week. Pay is $12 per hour. Apply here.
Safe-Hub Philadelphia
Safe-Hub is hiring soccer coaches for the fall and spring seasons. Head coaches are paid $22 per hour while assistant and flex coaches are volunteer positions. Apply here.
Division of Substance Use and Harm Reduction
The Division of Substance Use and Harm Reduction has several job openings available, including communications specialist and graphic designer. View listings and apply 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.
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.
Meetings
HACE CDC is hosting a community meeting on Nov. 15 at 5:30 p.m. Email Stasia Montiero at smontiero@hacecdc.org to participate.
Philadelphia City Council’s next stated meeting is Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. in Room 400 at City Hall. Community members can attend in-person or watch online. To give public testimony, you must call the phone number or send an email to the address listed in the agenda for that hearing by 3 p.m. the day before.
Services
Department of Health and Human Services
Every U.S. household can now order four COVID-19 rapid tests for free through the U.S. government. Click here to order tests.
Ceiba
Ceiba still has open slots for its Educational and First Time Home Buyers Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Program. The organization also has Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) applications available for immigrants. For more information, contact Ceiba here.
Homebound Services
If you’re homebound or a caregiver of a homebound individual, you may be eligible for the Free Library’s Homebound Services. Books and other materials can be delivered to your home and returned for free. To apply for a Homebound Services Library Card, click here.
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.
Philadelphia Department of Public Health
The health department is providing free air purifiers for early childhood centers and K-12 schools. If you’re an educator with an eligible classroom, click here to request a purifier.
Trainings
Mental Health First Aid
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.
Volunteer Opportunities
Avenues of Change
Avenues of Change is looking for volunteers to assist with its afterschool programming for Kensington students. Volunteers must have a background check, fingerprinting, and child abuse clearances to participate. If interested, contact executive director Matt Nocho by calling 267-826-6740 or emailing AvenuesOfChange215@gmail.com
Joan of Arc Food Pantry
The Saint Joan of Arc Food Pantry is in need of donations. The food bank operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon. The site is located at the church on 2025 E. Atlantic St. Call 215-535-4641 to schedule a drop off.
Kensington Soccer Club
Kensington Soccer Club is hosting a food drive from now until Nov. 21. Donors can drop off canned and non-perishable food items between Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3400 J St., G4. Contact Brianna Banks at 267-972-9077 for more information.
Philly Community Wireless
Philly Community Wireless needs tech and outreach volunteers. Learn more here.
Small Things
Small Things, a local food bank, opened a “free grocery store” style food pantry at 3510 A St. in Fairhill. Operating hours are Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to noon, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market is looking for volunteers.
Sunday Love Project
Sunday Love Project is looking for volunteers at their Greater Goods grocery in Kensington. If you’re interested in acting as a personal shopper, helping pack bulk items, or stocking shelves, email Ryan@sundayloveproject.com.
St. Francis Inn
St. Francis Inn is accepting volunteers to work with them for a year. If interested, apply here.
The soup kitchen’s free community wardrobe, Marie’s Closet, is in need of donations of blankets (twin size or larger) and men’s pants, hoodies, and long-sleeved shirts of any size. Drop-offs can be made Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2441 Kensington Ave.
Taller Puertorriqueño
Taller Puertorriqueño is looking for donations and volunteers for its annual Sansgiving Community Lunch on Nov. 22 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The organization is accepting donations of (preferably) winter clothes and shoes, canned goods, and non-perishable food items. If interested in preparing food, serving meals, and managing the food drive, contact Jose Santiago at JSantiago@tallerpr.org or Erikka Goslin at EGoslin@tallerpr.org.
Have something you’d like us to share in our Monday newsletter? Please send any news or press releases to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
Newsletter edited by Jillian Bauer-Reese
