Although summer is in full swing, West Philadelphia community-based non-profit, ACHIEVEability, is preparing for the upcoming school year and gearing up to give away school supplies to 650 students. From now through August 4th, donated backpacks and school supplies will be accepted at the organization’s office at 5901 Market St.

The list of suggested donation items is below.

ACHIEVEability is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The organization was founded in 1981 by the Sisters of Mercy and known as Philadelphians Concerned About Housing (PCAH). The non-profit has grown exponentially since its launch and now serves West Philadelphia neighborhoods that are beyond the resurgence of University City and experience a 34.5 percent poverty rate.

Over the last three years, ACHIEVEability, under the leadership of its Executive Director, lifelong West
Philadelphian Jamila Harris-Morrison, has provided 300 families, with over 650 children, with safe, affordable housing, connected 146 residents to sustainable jobs, and helped 20 families become first-time homeowners. In addition, since 2020, the organization has distributed 42,000 diapers to families, over 10,000 meals to children, and 70 computers and hotspots to increase accessibility to digital resources. They have also helped to beautify their community by planting trees, hosting block clean-ups, and adding lighting to increase pedestrian safety.

The organization also helps small businesses located along the 60th Street commercial corridor. Overall, ACHIEVEability offers services to more than 3,000 residents annually thanks to public and private funders, generous donors, volunteers, and expanded programs.

For more information about ACHIEVEability and its programs, visit: https://achieveability.org.