Hey there, neighbors.
Still looking for Christmas giveaway events? Here are a few more, and other interesting events and activities happening this week. Check it out below.
News You Might Have Missed
Kensington’s 2024 holiday gift guide: Toy giveaways, gourmet gifts, and last-minute local finds
Our annual holiday gift guide is back! This year’s edition features a mix of new and returning businesses, plus local toy drives and organizations you can support this season.
Whether you’re looking for vinyl records for the music lovers in your life or pet essentials for your fur babies, we’ve curated a list of free giveaway events, opportunities to donate, and ways to shop local while giving back to the community.
Read more here.
Prevention Point can't have multiple medical practitioners, zoning board decides
Following multiple public discussions about the future of Prevention Point’s medical services, the Philadelphia Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) rejected the health services nonprofit’s appeal to function as a group medical clinic at its Kensington Avenue location on Dec. 11.
Since October, local medical professionals, recovery specialists, neighbors, and people with lived experience of addiction have testified and filed letters in support of Prevention Point’s medical services. Others, including residents and city council members Quetcy Lozada (7th District), Mike Driscoll (6th District), Mark Squilla (1st District), and Jim Harrity (at-large), have expressed opposition.
Read more here.
Opponents tell Mayor Parker 76ers arena will destabilize Chinatown like Kensington: “I've seen it in my community”
Mayor Cherelle Parker defended the proposed 76ers arena at a Kensington town hall on Dec. 4, where she faced concerns over displacement, the project’s proximity to Chinatown, and the developer’s controversial history of gentrification, which critics say feeds into the history of racism against Chinatown.
The $1.3 billion proposal, which would move the team from South Philadelphia’s Stadium District to Center City, is scheduled for a third City Council committee vote on Wednesday afternoon.
Read more here.
News Tips
Have a story we should know about or a free activity or event that should be in our Monday newsletter? Email editors@kensingtonvoice.com.
Monthly Community Meetings
Friends of McPherson
When: Every first Tuesday from 6-7 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
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 (except holidays, when it meets the following Monday)
Where: Online Zoom meeting
Contact: phillysnbl@gmail.com
*There is no SNBL meeting in December.
South Port Richmond Civic Association
When: Every second Wednesday from 7-8:30 pm
Where: Veteran Boxers Association Ring 12733 E. Clearfield Street
Contact: Learn more here
Upcoming Activities & Events
Dec. 17
Billy Penn Studios is hosting its “Justice Sandbox Hackathon” at its location (1516 North 5th St.) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This in-person event will allow like-minded individuals to converse and develop solutions for justice-related challenges. Register and learn more here.
Dec. 19
Esperanza Arts Center is hosting “Mambo Legends: The Music Never Dies” as part of the WHYY/EAC Latin Rhythms miniseries at the Esperanza Gran Salon & Plaza (4261 N 5th St.) from 6 to 9 p.m. The Mambo Legends Orchestra will perform a tribute to 1940s Latin Jazz legends Machito, Tito Puente, and Tito Rodriguez. Register and learn more here.
Dec. 20
Wanda Community Event Inc. is hosting a Christmas toy giveaway at Heitzman Recreation Center(3631 Amber St.) from 5 to 7 p.m. They are currently accepting new toys and fresh diapers ahead of the event. Contact Wanda Johnson to learn more.
Dec. 21
The Thrifty Irishman is hosting its annual free toy and coat giveaway at 2226 E. Butler St. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The thrift store is currently accepting donations of new or gently used toys and coats to be given away at the event. You can drop off donations at the same location.
By Faith Health And Healing and Community Center at Visitation is hosting a toy giveaway event at 2646 E Kensington Ave. from 12 to 3 p.m. Children must be present to receive a free toy or gift.
McPherson Square Library is hosting its annual winter festival at 601 E Indiana Ave. from 12 to 3 p.m. Free toys, food, photos with Santa, and more will be available.
Dec 22
The Philadelphia Socialist Rifle Association will distribute hoagies and clothing to the unhoused community at McPherson Square Park. The organization is inviting anyone interested to help with the distribution. Preparation will take place at Lancaster Avenue Autonomous Space (LAVA), located in West Philly, at 8 a.m. The distribution will happen at 11 a.m. at McPherson. Register and learn more here.
Weekly Events
Mondays
Heitzman Recreation Center hosts a free chess club on Mondays from 6 to 7 p.m. for ages eight and up. No registration or prior experience is required. For more information, contact heitzmanreccenter@phila.gov.
Mondays & Wednesdays
Esperanza Health Center and Philadelphia Youth Basketball are hosting a free basketball afterschool program on Mondays and Wednesdays at The Core Gym (3222 H St.) from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The program is for kids in grades 5 to 8 and offers basketball-related activities, skill learning, and mentorship. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can register online here.
Mondays through Fridays
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.
Tuesdays
Heitzman Recreation Center hosts free art classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays will consist of bracelet making, and on Thursdays, participants will make arts and crafts. For more information, contact heitzmanreccenter@phila.gov or call 215-537-3244.
The Food Trust is hosting a Farmer's Market at 4th St. and Lehigh Ave. every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Every week, The Food Trust’s nutrition educators visit this farmers market to show you how to make a delicious, nutritious seasonal recipe — plus hand out free taste tests and prizes.
Tuesdays and Thursdays
From now until March 15, Impact Services will be hosting free winter programming at McPherson Square Library every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. There will be arts & crafts activities and more.
Wednesdays
Every Wednesday from 5:30 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, the stigmas they uphold surrounding race and gender identity, and the harm they cause people.
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 to 3 p.m. This year-long lifestyle change program focuses on developing a healthy lifestyle and learning to manage diabetes, stress, exercise, and meal prep. If you are 18 or older and at risk for or have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, you qualify for the program. Enjoy light refreshments, taste tests, raffles, and more.
West Kensington Ministries is hosting Zumba classes every Saturday at 10 a.m. All are welcome, and the entry fee is pay-what-you-can.
Free Trainings
Esperanza Health Center’s Heights Health Equity Class
Esperanza Health Center is currently accepting applications for its Heights Health Equity Class program, which is available for all 11th and 12th-grade students. The class will meet once a week on Wednesday evenings at Esperanza Health Center’s CORE building from January 22nd to April 25th from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. Students will learn about career options in the health field and practical skills necessary for patient care. They will also receive career development through workshops and more. Register and learn more here.
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. Register and learn more 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.
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. To learn more, apply here.
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). Learn more here.
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.
Pennsylvania Department of Revenue
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue offers the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to older adults and people with disabilities ages 18 and up. The Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania by providing rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000. Learn more and apply here.
Philadelphia Water Department State Grants
The Philadelphia Water Department offers grants through its Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $10,000 for unpaid water bills. Apply and learn more here.
Jobs
Are you hiring locally? You can send all job listings and links to khy@kensingtonvoice.com
City of Philadelphia
The City of Philadelphia is hiring for multiple positions. View listings and apply here.
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.
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. Apply here.
Philadelphia Parks & Rec
Philadelphia Parks & Rec is currently hiring for multiple positions, including RSI Programming Specialist-Pops Playground and Seasonal Maintenance Attendant. Learn more and apply 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.
Septa
Septa is hiring for multiple skilled trade positions, such as Plumber and Millwright. Apply here.
Waste Management
Waste Management is hiring for multiple positions with an average pay of $26 per hour. Apply here.
Services
Esperanza Health Center
Esperanza Health Center is offering free pregnancy tests at its Kensington and Hunting Park locations, as well as assistance with finding insurance for those who need prenatal care. Call 215-302-3600 or visit esperanzahealth.com to learn more.
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
NKCDC’s Kensington Empowerment Hub's Record Clearing Clinic is open every Tuesday from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Clients can meet with lawyers from the Lawyers for Social Equity organization to have their cases reviewed and 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 in its 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. Go here to fill out their interest form.
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