HopePHL’s first community Program Fair, held on March 29, was a “resounding success,” according to the organizers, and connected Philadelphia youth, families and community members with vital programs and services. The fair showcased all the programs and teams from People’s Emergency Center and Youth Service, Inc. now available from one organization. People of all ages and backgrounds learned about the different programs available, asked questions, and enrolled in programs on the spot.

More than 100 guests attended the event. The fair featured 17 programs for different needs, like computer classes, family reunification, youth emergency shelter, and supports for families experiencing homelessness. Attendees had the chance to meet the teams behind the programs, win special prizes, and enjoy snacks and fun – including an ice sculpting demonstration from West Philly’s own Ice Sculpture Philadelphia. Continue Reading

Street sweepers will be back in West and Southwest Philly, cleaning from Monday through Thursday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., with no service performed on City-observed holidays.

Here are the areas where the Mechanical Street Cleaning will be performed:

• Parkside Ave. to Spring Garden St. from 52nd to 40th (map)
• Woodland Ave. to Kingsessing Ave. from 49th to Cemetery (map) Continue Reading

Photo courtesy of UCD

One of the most popular local summer events, the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, is set to return, according to an announcement by the event organizer, the University City District (UCD). Two Strolls are being planned this year – on Thursday, June 15, and Thursday, Sept. 7, each from 5 – 8 p.m..

Over the years, the event has become a local business and community festival. As always, neighbors and visitors will be able to enjoy dollar deals from participating vendors. In 2022, the price levels for vendor offerings were expanded from $1 deals to deals for $1, $3, or $5. More details about participating businesses and music performances will be released closer to each Stroll. Continue Reading

Grant Blvd founder and CEO, Kimberly McGlonn, outside the new store.

Grant Blvd, the West Philly based Black-owned business centered on sustainability and ethical clothing production, is set to open its new flagship store this spring at 140 S. 34th St., according to a recent announcement by Penn’s Division of Facilities & Real Estate Services.

Kimberly McGlonn, Ph.D., the founder and CEO of Grant Blvd, plans to expand upon her current success by taking designs in a new direction, and elevating the shopping experience for consumers with the opening of the new flagship store in University City.

Grant Blvd is the first Black-owned B Corp in the fashion space in North America, and a manufacturing start-up. In addition to reducing waste before and after production through sustainably focused design, the company works to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of those currently and formerly impacted by the criminal system by partnering with local non-profit and government agencies to create living wage employment opportunities. Continue Reading

City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District), the incumbent candidate in the May primary election, will officially open the District office on Friday, March 31, at 606 South 52nd St. (52nd and Cedar). The grand opening and a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday and all are invited.

The 3rd District office will be open to visitors from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Additional hours are expected to be added soon. Residents are invited to visit the district office to receive constituent services from City Council staff.

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HopePHL, the non-profit organization that was formed at the beginning of the year as the result of a merger of People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and Youth Service, Inc., is hosting its first-ever community Program Fair on Wednesday, March 29. The fair will showcase all the programs and teams from PEC and Youth Service, Inc. that have combined into one organization.

Families, children, young adults and West Philadelphia community members are invited to attend this event, which features a wide range of programs that cater to different needs. From resources to computer classes, wellness to education, parenting support to employment opportunities, there is something for everyone. Participants can ask questions and enroll in programs on the spot, making it easier than ever to get involved.

The event will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Rowan House located at 325 N. 39th St. Participants will have the chance to meet the teams behind the programs, win special prizes, and enjoy snacks and fun.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.