Skills Initiative program graduate Jacqueline Saunders spoke about her experience with the program at the check presentation ceremony.

University City District’s West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI), the nationally recognized job training program, has just received an investment that will allow them to expand their reach to employers across the region. The program, which has been connecting unemployed West Philly residents with University City employers since 2011, has received a $125,000 contribution from the Citizens Bank’s Charitable Foundation, which will go to support their expansion efforts. Since 2012, the Citizens Charitable Foundation has contributed more than $450,000 to the program.

“We are proud to support the [West Philadelphia Skills Initiative] organization as it takes its efforts to the next level, providing more opportunities for unemployed Philadelphians to get the training and support needed to succeed in the workforce,” said Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, President of Citizens Bank, Mid-Atlantic Region, during a presentation that took place this morning at WPSI’s office (see photo).  Continue Reading

Newly elected Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier will be a guest speaker at the Garden Court Community Association’s fall membership meeting on Thursday, Nov. 14, which will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Apostles and the Mediator (260 S. 51st St.).

The proposed luxury apartment development near 51st and Spruce will likely be among the topics she will address. This meeting is an opportunity for residents to hear the newly elected Councilwoman’s thoughts on the neighborhood’s future and ask questions.  Continue Reading

Photo by West Philly Local

Newly elected City Councilwoman Jamie Gauthier says one of her top priorities when she takes office in January is addressing the development “frenzy” in West Philadelphia by pressing for more affordable housing.

“I think we should look at zoning with an eye toward equitability and affordability,” she told the Spruce Hill Community Association during its annual meeting at the Penn Alexander School on Tuesday.

Gauthier, who grew up in Kingsessing, will represent a district that has some of the most expensive real estate and the deepest poverty in Philadelphia. Development and issues related to zoning have become flashpoints in recent years.  Continue Reading

The City once again is offering residents an opportunity to recycle fall leaves. The 2019 Leaf Recycling Program begins Tuesday, Nov. 12 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 21. During this time, residents have a few options to participate in the program.

Bagged leaf drop-off will be offered citywide on Saturdays (except for November 16th and 30th) at 13 designated locations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the duration of the program. The locations in West Philadelphia are:  Continue Reading

                             Li Sumpter

The Barnes Foundation continues its community programming in West Philadelphia and will host a special Barnes Presents! event this Thursday, Nov. 7 at The Bank (3750 Lancaster Ave). The event will introduce the Barnes’ current major exhibition, 30 Americans, and will include a conversation about race and equity in the arts. Li Sumpter, a scholar of art, myth, and humanities, and artist Sherman Fleming will participate in the discussion, moderated by the Barnes education team’s Jihan Thomas.  Continue Reading

Voters will go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5 to vote for Mayor (a formality), At-Large City Council seats (not a formality this year) and a controversial ballot measure focused on crime victims’ rights.

The drama for City Council District 3 ended in May with the victory of upstart Jamie Gauthier over longtime incumbent Jannie Blackwell. Gauthier has no opponent in tomorrow’s vote. But several third party candidates are keeping the At-Large races interesting.

Seven At-Large candidates will be elected during Tuesday’s general election (polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.). History shows that the five Democratic At-Large candidates – incumbents Allan Domb, Derek Green, Helen Gym, as well as Katherine Gilmore Richardson and Isaiah Thomas – will all likely win easily. Democrats outnumber Republicans seven to one in the city.  Continue Reading