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Weekly Newsletter

Kensington news: “Bike repairs with Ed,” Kensington Engagement Center grand opening, and more

,   and  By Khysir Carter
3 min read
Dr. Stephanie Brown leads AfroLatine Storytime and activities for children at the Esperanza Arts Center on Jan. 11, 2025. (Photo by Solmaira Valerio)

Hi, neighbors.

To start a warmer week than last, here’s your round-up of upcoming events and recent news. Check it out below.

Recent News 

Kensington “wellness court” to launch in coming weeks, will offer treatment or criminal consequences

According to multiple city officials, the city will launch its weekly “neighborhood wellness court” in Kensington in the coming weeks. 

The program is for people arrested on summary offenses, including disorderly conduct, obstructing the highway, public intoxication, and failure to disperse. Those arrested will face same-day adjudication and be given a choice between entering a drug treatment program or facing criminal penalties.

Read more here.

Mayor Parker announces new addiction aftercare center, hundreds of recovery home beds for people completing treatment

A new addiction recovery housing and support center managed by the City of Philadelphia will open later this month, offering up to one year of housing to people who have completed at least 30 days of inpatient substance use treatment. 

Mayor Cherelle Parker and several city officials announced the opening of the Riverview Wellness Village during a press conference Wednesday afternoon at the future site on State Road in Northeast Philadelphia.

Read more here. 

News Tips

Do you have a story idea or free activity we should share with our readers? Email editors@kensingtonvoice.com. 

Free Activities & Events 

Jan. 14

  • Social Services Office Hours at McPherson Library from 2 to 5 p.m. A social services team will be around to connect people to active community and government agencies, resources, and more.
  • “Bike repairs with Ed” at McPherson Square Library from 3 to 6 p.m. Youth are invited to have minor bike repairs done to get their bikes back to tip-top shape.
  • Mural Arts Philadelphia will host a virtual community meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. During the meeting, Mural Arts will unveil a mural project installed on the side of the Fine Fare market at Front St. and Susquehanna Ave. The mural will celebrate the rich history of the Norris Square community and its Caribbean roots. Go here to register and learn more.

Jan. 15

  • Kensington Engagement Center Grand Opening hosted by NKCDC at 3000 Kensington Ave. at 5:30 p.m. The Kensington Engagement Center is a new community engagement and exhibition space where residents can collaborate to envision and co-create strategies for the neighborhood. Come by to celebrate its grand opening and get a look at its very first interactive exhibition.

Jan. 18

  • Homebuyer Workshop hosted by NKCDC from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Attending this first-time homebuyer class can qualify you for most down payment assistance programs. Go here to register and learn more.
  • Will workshop hosted by Affordable Housing Centers of Pennsylvania at Xiente from 12 to 2 p.m. Participants will learn how and why to write a will, what a Power of Attorney is, and more. Go here to register and learn more.
  • “Harmonizing the Waves of Awareness” self-care workshop hosted by ArtWell from 1 to 3 p.m. Self-love activist and educator Felicia Casher will guide participants through different self-care exercises and creative expression activities. Go here to learn more.

Jan. 19

  • Board game day at Hive 76 from 2 to 5 p.m. Hive 76 offers a selection of board games for community members. Go here to register and learn more. 

Monthly Community Meetings

  • Friends of McPherson meets every first Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at McPherson Square Library at 601 E. Indiana Ave. Contact chalmerst@freelibrary.org for more information.
  • Harrowgate Civic Association meets every first Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Heitzman Recreation Center at 3631 Amber St. Contact harrowgatecivicassociation@gmail.com for more information. 
  • Kensington Independent Civic Association (KICA) meets every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Harrowgate PAL Center at 851 E. Tioga St. 
  • Port Richmond Neighborhood Action (PRNA) meets every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Block Church, 2537 E. Monmouth St. For more information, email portrichmondna@gmail.com.
  • Somerset Neighbors For Better Living meets every first Monday of the month (except holidays, when it meets the following Monday) online via Zoom. Contact phillysnbl@gmail.com.
  • South Port Richmond Civic Association meets every second Wednesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Veteran Boxers Association Ring at 2733 E. Clearfield Street. Click here for more information. 

Free Trainings

  • Beyond Literacy is recruiting for its Free Pre-Apprenticeship Weatherization Program. Participants will learn trade skills such as plumbing, carpentry, and more. The program will be held at 106 W. Clearfield from February to June, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Go here to apply and learn more.

Jobs

  • The Philadelphia Fire Department is hiring a Fire Service Paramedic. The position includes a 20% hiring bonus on the starting salary and requires a current paramedic certification in any state. The deadline to apply is January 19. Go here to apply and learn more.
  • Gloria Casarez Elementary School is hiring for positions like Special Education Assistant, Safety Climate Staff, and School Crossing Guard. To learn more, contact the school’s front desk at 215-400-7160.

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