Hey there, neighbors.

We hope everyone is staying warm this week. Here’s your weekly roundup.

News You Might Have Missed 

How this North Philly nonprofit is using collaboration to uplift youth through free music, mentorship

When 18-year-old Ronald’s grandmother told him about a free music program in East Kensington, the choice was simple.

“It was either in the streets and go to jail or music,” said Ronald, whose last name was withheld for privacy reasons. “So I chose music.”

Now, Ronald is channeling his energy into hip-hop and R&B. He’s one of many young people benefiting from Rock to the Future, a nonprofit youth development and economic empowerment organization in East Kensington.

Read more here.

As Kensington narcotics arrests increase, residents wonder, “Who the hell is engaging them?”

As city officials announced on Dec. 5 that narcotics arrests in Kensington have more than doubled since March, residents at a Harrowgate community meeting questioned whether the increased enforcement has improved the quality of life in their neighborhood.

Residents continued to express concerns about the number of people living outside and using drugs, often in front of their homes. Some called for stricter police enforcement, while others pushed for increased outreach that would connect people to services, including housing. 

Read more here.

Walking buses, a playground, a bullet-resistant fence: How Kensington schools are using opioid settlement funds

Kensington’s Willard Elementary School is getting its first playground. It’s also getting something less whimsical: a bullet-resistant fence.

Both have an unusual funding source: drug companies that fueled the opioid crisis in the school’s backyard. 

Read more here.   

Philly police, former Kensington cop sued over sex abuse, imprisonment of girls ages 9 and 11

Content warning: This story includes descriptions of sexual abuse and assault, including sexual violence against women and minors.

Two women who were sexually abused as children by former Philadelphia police officer Patrick Heron are suing the Philadelphia Police Department, alleging it knew about Heron’s misconduct for more than a decade but failed to intervene.

The civil suit, filed Wednesday, claims the city’s “blatant, conscious, and reckless disregard for the safety of the public” allowed Heron to harm the two plaintiffs, identified as Jane Doe and Jane Smith, as well as dozens of other women and girls. 

Read more here.

After hours of contentious testimony, Kensington mobile service restrictions bill advances to Philly City Council for vote

A bill proposing to ban mobile service providers in residential areas and some public spaces within Philadelphia’s 7th District was approved by the City Council’s Licenses and Inspections committee in a 3-1 vote on Monday, following two hours of contentious public testimony. 

The legislation will proceed to a full City Council reading and, if passed, will require Mayor Cherelle Parker’s approval. If signed, the bill would take effect after 90 days. The earliest council can vote on the bill is Thursday, Dec. 12. 

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. 11

Impact Services is hosting an ugly sweater Christmas ornament workshop at Heitzman Recreation Center(3631 Amber St.)  from 3 to 5 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.

Dec. 12

The Young Artist Program is hosting a winter art market at Crane Arts(1400 N. American St.) from 6 to 9 p.m. There will be purchasable art from local queer artists, as well as free food, crafts, and more.

Dec. 13

Friends of Campbell Square is hosting “Santa At Campbell Square” at Campbell Square Park (E. Allegheny Avenue & Belgrade Street) at 6:30 p.m. Community members are welcome to come by and take photos with Santa.

Impact Services is hosting another ugly sweater Christmas ornament workshop at Harrowgate Park (3455 Kensington Ave.) from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided.

Dec. 14

SAFE-HUB Philadelphia and The Block Gives Back is hosting its annual End of the Year Jawn at 1952 E. Allegheny Ave. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be free toys, resources, and more.

Harrowgate Civic Association is hosting its annual winter festival at Harrowgate Park (3455 Kensington Ave.) from 12 to 3 p.m. There will be free food trucks, treats, a Winterland egg hunt starting at 2 p.m., and more.

Dec. 15

PROPAC Port Richmond On Patrol And Civic is hosting “Lunch with Santa” at Columbia Social Club(3521 Almond St.) from 1 to 3 p.m. Space is limited, so contact Anne Paul at 215-380-9782 to register for this event.

Hive 76 is hosting its Board Game Day. Come and play some games with friends or family. 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.

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. The year-long lifestyle change program focuses on developing a healthy lifestyle and learning how to manage things like diabetes, stress, exercise, and meal prep. If you are 18 or older and are at risk 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 is offering the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to older adults and people with disabilities ages 18 and up. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program supports homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania by providing a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000. Learn more and apply here.

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. 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 is open for its Record Clearing Clinic from 1:30 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday. 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 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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