Happy Monday, neighbors.

Another week, another batch of new events to enjoy. Happy Cinco de Mayo to those who celebrate, and May the Fourth be with you!

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 poll workers, voters blame low voter turnout on fear, lack of knowledge

During Tuesday’s primary, the 7th and 33rd Wards, which include Fairhill, Harrowgate, and Kensington, remained the two wards with the lowest voter turnout in Philadelphia.

“People don't understand that these elections are as important, if not more important, than the major ones,” said Thomas Fisher, the committee person for the 33rd Ward’s 22nd precinct. “They treat it like it's a monarchy. Like, once the guy is the president, that's it. They don't understand the part about the Senate and the Congress and how everything has to pass to the president, who just signs off on everything.”

Click here to read more.

What’s happening in the neighborhood

The Lighthouse Summer Camp ‘24

From June 25 to July 18, The Lighthouse is hosting a summer camp program on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids from ages 6 to 14 can enjoy playing sports like baseball, basketball, volleyball, and more. Registration is on a weekly basis and costs $60 per week. Click here to register and learn more.

Activities & Events 

April 29

The Philadelphia Police Department is holding a Community Listening Session at The Rock Ministries from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel will listen to community members’ thoughts and concerns as he works to achieve the Mayor’s plans for the city.

April 30

McPherson Square Library is hosting a Teen Job Fair in partnership with Impact Services, Parks & Rec, and The Free Library of Philadelphia. The job fair will take place in the library from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Teens will have the opportunity to meet employers, get working papers, city IDs, and more.

The Philadelphia Citizens Police Oversight Commission is holding a meeting at The CORE at Esperanza Health Center from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. to discuss topics related to Kensington and recent initiatives to better the neighborhood. The meeting will include free food and refreshments and will have Spanish and Mandarin interpretation. No law enforcement will be in attendance.

May 1

Hive 76 is opening its doors for a free miniature paint at 7 p.m. Meet other mini-paint enthusiasts and enjoy their high-resolution 3D printer. Painting airbrushes and supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own supplies. Click here to sign up. 

May 3

Giraldo Real Estate Group is hosting a “Spring Social & First Friday” Art Gallery, in partnership with Taller Puertorriqueno, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event’s featured artist is Adri Zalazar, Assistant Director of 3rd Street Gallery and a local artist in Philadelphia. Click here to register and learn more.

Join the Creative Becoming community for their monthly themed open mic night at the Perch Music & Arts Studio, located at 2321 Emerald Street, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sign-ups for performing are first-come first-served. Tickets are donation-based, so you pay what you can. Click here to register. 

Juniata Park Civic Association is hosting a Designer Bag Bingo Night at the Juniata Boys & Girls Club (1225 E Cayuga St) from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Admission is $35, which includes 10 rounds of Bingo. The first 100 tickets sold will receive a free gift. Contact jpcaphila@gmail.com for more information.

May 4

Taller Puertorriqueno is hosting an opening celebration for its “Estamos Aquí (We Are Here)” community project from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The project pays tribute to the Fairhill neighborhood and the generations-old Puerto Rican community. The event will include live music, refreshments, activities, and more. To register and learn more, click here.

NKCDC is having a $1 plant sale at Tusculum Farm from noon to 2 p.m. Easy-to-grow flowers, tomatoes, and herbs will be available for purchase, and NKCDC and Bennett Compost are starting a new composting program. They will provide free composting services to near neighbors of Tusculum Garden, McPherson Gateway Garden, and the former Greensgrow Farm. Click here to learn more.

Afrobeats Dance Philly is hosting another community dance class from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Creative Reaction Studios, 3437 D St. Come learn new moves or show off old ones to the sounds of Afrobeat with friends and community members. Entry for adults is $10, and $5 for children. Payment will be accepted via cash, Zelle, or Cash App at the door. Click here to sign up.

Kensington Corridor Trust is hosting its “Spring Blooms at the Garden” event at 3236 Kensington Avenue from noon to 3 p.m. There will be free food & drinks, music, chalk art, and more. KCT will also be unveiling the first community-led designs for the garden. For more information, contact Jasmin at 267-277-2254, or email jasmin@kctphilly.org. 

The Resource Exchange is hosting its “reFlea Vendor Market” from noon to 5 p.m. The market is open to local remakers, vintage and secondhand refurbishers, and anyone interested in sustainability and creative reuse. Click here to register and learn more.

May 5

Cantina La Martina is hosting an all-day Cinco de Mayo celebration at its restaurant from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The celebration will include live music and kid’s activities, plus a winner will be unveiled for its passport program, with the prize being a free trip to Mexico. The deadline to register for the passport program is May 3. Click here to learn more.

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.

For each Tuesday between April 30 and May 21, The Clay Studio is hosting  “Clay, Play & Read,” a four-week program from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at The CORE at Esperanza Health Center. Parents and children are welcome to come make art and read together. Click here to register and learn more.

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.

Thursdays

Every Thursday at 7 p.m., PhillySouls hosts weekly Bible studies at 1222 N Palethorp St. All creatives, Bible readers, and young professionals are welcome. To register for this week’s or future studies, click here.

Free Trainings

Energy Coordinating Agency

The Energy Coordinating Agency is offering a training program for people interested in a career in environmental remediation. This 10-week training gives you 4 industry certifications and the skills to turn abandoned or unused lots into greenspaces in your neighborhood. The training will be from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To apply, contact Tess Willams at 267-306-9551 or by email at artessaw@ecasys.org.

Fab Youth Philly Free Workshops for Summer Jobs

Fab Youth Philly is hosting free workshops to prepare teens for summer jobs this year at their Kensington location from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The workshops will run from April to June. During April, participants will learn about making resumes and filling out job applications. In May, they will learn what they need to know during job interviews. And in June, teens will work on time management and effective communication. Click here to register.

Forklift Certification Class

Project Home is offering a free forklift certification class this June. Participants will receive all-day hands-on training from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., learning how to operate forklifts. You must have a driver’s license to be eligible for the certification class. The deadline for applications is May 23. Click here to apply.

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.

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

2024 Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program

Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance & Pennsylvania Council on the Arts’s Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator program provides creative entrepreneurs with small business consulting and $2000 in critical funds. 51% of the program's funding is reserved for BIPOC entrepreneurs and those in low-income communities. The application window is from May 1 to May 31. To Apply for the grant program and learn more, click here.

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.  

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 District Attorney’s Office Violence Prevention Grant Program

The DA’s Office Violence Prevention Grant Program has returned, and community-based addiction recovery nonprofits are encouraged to apply.  To begin the application process, contact GrantmakingServices@philafound.org. You must be a registered 501(c)(3) to be eligible for this grant opportunity.

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, including Correctional Officer and Research & Information Analyst. 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, including communications specialist and graphic designer. View listings and apply here. 

Esperanza Health Center

Esperanza Health Center has several job openings available. View listings and apply here.

Kensington Corridor Trust

Kensington Corridor Trust is hiring a Seasonal Garden Steward. The job is part-time and temporary, and you will be making up $25 an hour for 10 hours a week. To apply and learn more, click 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.

School District of Philadelphia

The School District of Philadelphia is hiring assistant teachers. The starting salary is $20.61 an hour. Click here to apply.

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. 

Vientiane Bistro

Vientiane Bistro is hiring a part-time server and part-time delivery driver for its local delivery. To apply, call (267) 703-8199 or contact vientianebistro@icloud.com.

Xiente

Xiente is hiring in multiple positions, including OST Group Leaders, Head Start Lead Teacher, and more. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to hr@xiente.org.

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.

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.

Volunteer Opportunities

Free Library of Philadelphia

The Free Library of Philadelphia is looking for volunteers for their author events. Volunteers will have the duties of greeting and ticketing patrons prior to events, assisting with audio equipment, and vetting questions from audience members. To volunteer, contact volunteer@freelibrary.org.

Kensington Soccer Club

Kensington Soccer Club is looking for a Volunteer Coordinator. If you or someone you know is interested, send your resume to barbyose@kensingtonsoccer.org

Philly Community Wireless

Philly Community Wireless needs tech and outreach volunteers. Learn more here. 

Savage Sisters

Savage Sisters, an organization that serves people recovering from substance use disorders, has an outreach program where they directly serve folks with resources and food. On Tuesdays, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., they hand out warm food and harm reduction kits, and they also do a clean up around the area afterward. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Liddy at liddy@savagesisters.org or 215-954-6199. 

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 11 a.m. to 3 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. 

Kensington Voice programs 

Youth Voices Afterschool Program

Mondays from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.

Every Monday through Friday, we host youth programming at our newsroom at 3237 Amber Street from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. The programs are designed for students in grades six through 12, but those in that age range are welcome to bring their younger siblings, too. We’ve got arts and crafts, computer games, multimedia equipment, and more. 

We have sponsored meals from nearby restaurants for four days out of each week:

• Tuesdays: Brunchaholics
• Wednesdays: Cantina La Martina
• Thursdays: Poe’s Sandwich Joint
• Fridays: Vientiane Bistro

Youth participants who are interested in creative writing, multimedia production, and visual arts can collaborate with us to publish their work to our website and receive a gift card ranging from $75 to $150 for their contributions. 

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Have something you’d like us to share in our Monday newsletter? Please send any news or press releases to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.

Have any questions, comments, or concerns about this story? Send an email to editors@kensingtonvoice.com.