Recent News

Empathy, common concerns break through tensions over Kensington mobile services ban bill

Residents and community stakeholders gathered on February 12 for a community meeting about Councilmember Quetcy Lozada’s bill banning mobile service providers in residential areas and some public spaces in the neighborhood.

While there was some tension, there were also moments of empathy, vulnerability, and shared struggle. The conversation was not black and white, with many landing somewhere in the middle. The bill, which could impact how medical care, food and other resources get distributed in the neighborhood, awaits a final vote in City Council.

Free Activities & Events

Feb. 24

Teen dating violence webinar hosted by Women In Transition from 4 to 5 p.m. Attendees will learn how to identify warning signs and effective ways to support survivors, and discuss the uniqueness of teen dating violence. Go here to register and learn more.

Feb. 27

Job fair hosted by Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha (APM) at Juniata Community Mental Health Clinic (2637 N. 5th St.) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open positions include Administrative Assistant, Adoption Supervisor, Outreach Worker and more. For more information, call (267) 234-7427.
Black History Month celebration hosted by Impact Services at McPherson Square Library (601 E Indiana Ave) from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be giveaways, kids’ activities and more.

Feb. 28

Latinos In Tech meetup hosted by Latinos Who Tech podcaster Hugo Castellanos at Sacred Vice Brewing (120 W. Berks St.) from 7 to 10 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to network and brainstorm. Go here to register and learn more.

Mar. 1

Journaling workshop at ArtWell Philadelphia from 1 to 3 p.m. Multidisciplinary writer Nella Rohan will teach attendees how to express themselves freely through colors, shapes and images, making the journaling process more accessible and reflective. Go here to register and learn more.

Weekly Events

Tuesdays

Free guitar lessons for teens hosted by Rock to the Future at The CORE (3222 H St.) at 6:30 p.m. This 8-week will take place every Tuesday from March 4 to April 29. Go here to register and learn more.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Free Afterschool Program hosted by CADEkids at Mother of Mercy House (720 E Allegheny Ave.) from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The program is for youth ages eight to 14, and includes games, snacks and other activities. Go here to register and learn more.

Wednesdays

Free Yoga Classes hosted by Yoga 4 Philly at The CORE (3222 H St.) at 5:30 p.m. Free childcare will be provided.

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 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Block Church, 2537 E. Monmouth St. For more information, email portrichmondna@gmail.com. *There are no monthly PRNA meetings in January, November or December
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.

Funding Opportunities

Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia has started its (CSFP) 2025-2026 round of Pre-K-8th grade scholarships. These grants fund Philadelphia families up to $3,350 to help them choose the right school for their children, regardless of zip code or income. The deadline to apply for this year is March 1. Go here to apply and learn more.

Jobs

Norris Square Neighborhood Project (NSNP) is hiring for multiple positions, including Semillas Futuro Instructor and Development Manager. To learn more about the organization, visit NSNP’s website.

Services

Energy Coordinating Agency is offering to lead energy efficiency workshops for community organizations to help residents save money on utility bills this winter. The ECA will provide an instructor and free weatherization kits for every workshop attendee. To schedule a workshop, call Tracey Mathis at 215-939-0275 or email traceym@ecasys.org.
Esperanza Health Center offers free pregnancy testing at its Kensington(861 E. Allegheny Ave.) and Hunting Park(4417 N. 6 St.) clinics Monday through Friday from 9:15 a.m. to 4 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome and no insurance is needed.