NKCDC

Last week, artists SAOKA () and IMSE () completed a mural outside of P.S. Supermarket. The market, located on the corner of Frankford Ave and Ann St (3003 Frankford Ave), offers Dominican breakfast and lunch specialties, hoagies and sandwiches, as well as variety of fresh produce like plantains, yuca, passion fruit, pineapple, and more.

A special thanks to John C. Zerbe () for project management and curatorial support. This mural is the third in a series that NKCDC has worked on with Zerbe to highlight the dynamic culture and heritage of small businesses in Kensington. Not only does public art like this support local entrepreneurs and artists, but it also helps to beautify and build a thriving business district in Kensington. Stay tuned for more to come!

NKCDC works to build wealth for residents throughout Kensington and the rest of Philadelphia by creating and preserving homeownership. Our First-time Homebuyer Workshop is a four-hour class that presents both pre-purchase and post-purchase information and helps qualify individuals for most down payment assistance programs.

Featuring a lender, realtor, home inspector, and NKCDC housing advisor, we offer these workshops virtually throughout the year. You can sign up at the link below for one of the upcoming January workshops!
https://buff.ly/3TIgorq

Our CHWs are getting the Empowerment Hub and Community Room ready for our annual WINTER FEST tonight 12/22 from 4PM-7PM! Join us at 2771 Ruth Street, Suite 2!

As part of an ongoing, flexible, and participatory planning process, NKCDC and Impact Services have been working together with shared resources to drive a comprehensive, community-led, and trauma-informed planning process that centers community voice and actively works to co-create solutions with those most impacted by the outcomes.

One of three forthcoming reports released today, Kensington Planning Process: History, Context, Voices, outlines our community’s history of disinvestment, the current conditions and intersecting crises that impact the community’s wellbeing, and the results of a community engagement process that saw participation from over 50 pockets of people comprising 500+ individuals from our service area.

When asked to identify priorities for Kensington, participants brought a lived understanding that most who hold power and resources do not have. Residents were able to see not only the intersection of challenges in their community, but the need for comprehensive strategies to address them, further supporting the necessity of comprehensive, community-driven, and trauma-informed approaches for transformation in Kensington.

This process yielded greater engagement, increased resources, proper strengths-based roles, and clear support for the concept that residents understand the complexities of their lived conditions and therefore should be active drivers in future processes and deployment of resources.

With an engaged community, a shared set of data and context, a set of priorities of the community, and resources identified by government as well as the private and non-profit sector beginning this winter, we will continue to align, convene, and work to co-create solutions with community members and any stakeholders committed to equity and co-creating comprehensive and trauma-informed strategies to sustainably and effectively address the greatest challenges facing Kensington.

The second report, Kensington Planning Process: Alignment, will be released later in the winter, and the third report, Kensington Planning Process: Implementation, will be released in the summer/fall of 2024.

Find the full report here: https://www.kensingtonplan.org/report-history-context-voices

Join NKCDC Community Health Workers for their 3 annual Winter Fest! On December 22nd, from 4pm-7pm, at Orinoka Civic House, 2771 Ruth Street. Philadelphia , PA .

Don't miss out on our cookie decoration contest, Cake Decoration contest, Christmas Pictures, Toy/ Clothes give away, Raffles, food and much much more!

In June of 2020, Dr. Bill McKinney (NKCDC’s executive director) and Casey O’Donnell (’s president/CEO) met outside on the 3000 block of Kensington Avenue in front of another symbol of the extraction of resources from residents of Kensington - a smoldering Rent-A-Center.

“Not only we’re we in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, but the country was engulfed in a racial reckoning that had been building for years. In Kensington, all of these monumental issues were added to a series of ongoing, intersecting crises.”

Eight months later, and the two met on the same block to discuss how to move forward with the resources both organizations had access to.

“We looked to each organization’s strengths and to what we could agree on, determining that a strategy to address the challenges in Kensington must be comprehensive, community-driven, and trauma-informed, and that solutions would require dismantling what was not working.”

Three years later, and our organizations know this is possible because over the past year, we have worked closely with anyone willing to collaborate to develop a strategy to bring more voices to the table - we have seen the city invest resources and we have seen hundreds of people participate in an ongoing and flexible community planning process that is yielding both priorities and solutions - the first results of which will be released in a new report this week titled “Kensington Planning Process: History, Context, Voices”

Read more on how a change in Kensington requires a change in mindset in McKinney & O’Donnell’s co-written op-ed for the : https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/kensington-community-engagement-trauma-collaboration-20231215.html

Support a small Kensington business this holiday season!

We partnered with to highlight some new and familiar businesses in Kensington for last minute gifts this holiday season, including dining experiences at some of Kensington’s restaurants, exercise and craft classes, and more!

Read more here: https://www.kensingtonvoice.com/en/our-last-minute-kensington-holiday-gift-gift-card-guide/

Join FLIP OUT for a festive day at the Flippin' Garden! Meet Santa, make s'mores by the fire, and capture special moments with Santa. Your $15 donation supports our team's journey to states & regionals. This Saturday, 12/16, from 9 am to 2 pm.

During the month of November, NKCDC's Corridor Stewards collected 967 bags of trash to keep the streets around the business corridors safe and clean!

Our team of Corridor Stewards are outside five days a week, year-round, to sweep, pick up trash, repair street furniture, clean graffiti, and report violations along the business corridors in Kensington. As essential ambassadors with businesses and property owners, our Corridor Stewards support the improvement and revitalization of the Kensington and Port Richmond business districts.

Thank you to Department of Social
Work! In November, Professor David Koppish
welcomed our Director of Community Engagement,
Katsí, to speak to their Building Community Capacity
class. Katsi spoke with the class about building
community capacity in Kensington with a
trauma-informed approach.

At NKCDC, our Community Engagement team supports
residents of all ages in becoming leaders in the
community, focusing on the assets of the community to
build upon the strengths and resilience of the
neighborhood.

Learn more about trauma-informed community at
https://www.traumainformedcommunity.org/

NKCDC IS HIRING! A number of interesting new positions are open in our Housing Services department and Health and Wellness Programs:

- Director of Housing Services
- Housing Advisor
- Intake Processor
- Diabetic Lifestyle Coach

Go to https://nkcdc.org/get-involved/job-board/ to learn more.

Attention all active HCV holders who are looking for a home! Philadelphia Housing Authority is holding an additional housing fair this TUESDAY 12/12 from 10AM to 1PM at 2013 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia 19121!

NKCDC's Community Engagement team is committed to co-creating better futures through youth and community leadership development, outreach and resourceful events, and collaboration with community partners.

As part of our work to grow capacity in Kensington, Community Engagement focuses on building relationships and empowering residents of all ages to become leaders so that they can actively shape their neighborhoods of choice.

Darnell, our NAC Program Associate , works with The Neighborhood Advisory Subcommittee (NAS), which serves as a platform for residents to voice concerns so that NKCDC can shape our initiatives to align with the community's needs. Rodney, our Outreach and Engagement Specialist, actively works out in the community to build connections, increase community participation and collaboration, and improve and transform living conditions.

Our wrap around approach to community development focuses on the assets of the community to build upon the strengths and resilience of the neighborhood. Learn more about how community engagement works contact Darnell NAC Program Associate at [email protected] and Rodney our Outreach and Engagement Specialist at [email protected].

Tomorrow 12/5 the CORE at Esperanza Health is having a Christmas Family Craft night. Register to join them from 4PM-6PM at 3222 H Street for snacks and seasonal crafts!

Calling all friends and neighbors of Greensgrow! NKCDC and volunteers have been transforming Greensgrow Farms back into a thriving community green space! Our Community Farmer and Urban Agriculture Manager, Catherine, is asking for interested volunteers to fill out a volunteer form (linked in our bio) so that we can reach out and keep you updated as opportunities for cleaning and beautification arise.

As previously announced, our plan is to continue engaging with the community to determine how this space will take form. Our hope is that Greensgrow can function as an Urban Agricultural Education Hub that will bring community members together and improve access to healthy and nutritious food. Your input over the coming months will be critical in determining how we transform this space. Be sure to submit a volunteer inquiry at the link in our bio! For any questions, you can also email Catherine at [email protected].

Philadelphia Housing Authority is having a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Housing Fair tomorrow from 10AM-1PM at their headquarters at 2013 Ridge Avenue.

HCV Voucher holders will have the opportunity to meet owners and property managers in person who have available units throughout Philadelphia.

Last week we held a free Thanksgiving market that served 124 families in the neighborhood! We’re grateful for the collective effort of so many local businesses and individuals for their commitment to fighting food insecurity throughout Philadelphia and Kensington - their in-kind donations got food to over 100 families in the community we serve this Thanksgiving.

Thanks to the business who donated: Riverwards Produce, Shoprite of Aramingo Avenue, The Richmond Shops IGA, West Philly Bunny Hop, KP Fine Meats, Cousins Supermarket, Caring Pharmacy, and Norris Square Development LLC!

And thanks to the individuals who have dropped off donations at our food drives and to the members of our board of directors for hosting their own food drives and making donations!

East Kensington Neighbors Association (EKNA) is seeking support to help fund a playground mural at Hagert Playground & Mural Arts!

Help bring color and creativity to our community! Contributions will go directly towards the materials and artist fees needed to transform the playground into a vibrant masterpiece.

During the month of October, NKCDC's Corridor Stewards collected 1,106 bags of trash to keep the streets around the business corridors safe and clean!

NKCDC's Corridor Stewards are outside five days a week, year-round, to sweep, pick up trash, repair street furniture, clean graffiti, and report violations along the business corridors in Kensington. As essential ambassadors with businesses and property owners, our Corridor Stewards support the improvement and revitalization of the Kensington and Port Richmond business districts.

Join us tomorrow, November 17, 4:00 - 7:00 PM The Core at Esperance Health Center ( 3222 H Street) for a movie night at The Core!

Free snacks, Crafts, and a screening of the movie Encanto!

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¡Únase con nosotros mañana, 17 de noviembre, de 4:00 a 7:00 p. m. The Core en Esperance Health Center (3222 H Street) para una noche de cine en The Core!

¡Refrigerios gratis, manualidades y una proyección de la película Encanto!

NKCDC’s nutrition education team is getting the Community Room and Empowerment Hub ready for our free Thanksgiving food giveaway TODAY from 4PM-7PM at 2771 Ruth Street, Suite 2!

Thanks to all of our partners for making this happen with in-kind food and financial donations!

Our Thanksgiving food giveaway is TOMORROW 11/16 from 4PM-7PM! A choice pantry market with fresh produce, food tastings, and recipes in the Empowerment Hub at 2771 Ruth Street, Suite 2

Tomorrow at 10AM NKCDC is holding a virtual information meeting with details about two spaces along Frankford Avenue we’re requesting proposals for: 1825 Frankford (the Garden Center) and 2211-17 Frankford

Join the zoom meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89696505838 to learn more about the spaces and how to submit a request for approval before the deadline on 12/4 at 5PM.

We are still holding a food drive for our free Thanksgiving Choice Pantry Market next Thursday! You can drop off donations Tuesday and Thursday next week between 10am and 2pm in the Kensington Empowerment Hub

The Nourish program at NKCDC is collecting non-perishable and shelf-stable food items through Nov. 16.

NKCDC is seeking partners to activate two spaces along Frankford Avenue: 2211-17 Frankford and 1825 Frankford (the Garden Center).

These two properties are owned by NKCDC and are dedicated to the use of community members, neighborhood and cultural organizations, and entrepreneurs. We are requesting proposals for a set of partners that will increase the use of both spaces, be beneficial to neighborhood residents, and align with our mission and values. Proposals can be ongoing or for one-time use.

The deadline for submission is December 4th - after we receive responses, we will ask residents to rank their preferences. Based on the community’s consensus and the proposals’ alignment with our mission and values, we will work with selected partners to schedule events and programs.

Read more here: https://nkcdc.org/nkcdc-seeking-partners-to-activate-frankford-ave-spaces/! Final proposals or questions can be sent directly to [email protected]

Register to volunteer to help plant trees in 19125 or 19134: https://forms.gle/W5wKwHZg8VFHnNvC7

Philly Tree People Fall 2023 Tree Planting
On Sunday, November 19th from 9am-1pm

Meet at 2464 Tulip Street promptly at 9am
Help us plant 85+ trees in 19125 & 19134. Coffee, breakfast, lunch & drinks provided. Bring gloves if you have them.

Please share widely !

We are planting in the areas covered by these groups and more:
NKCDC East Kensington Neighbors Association (EKNA) Fishtown Neighbors Association Somerset Neighbors For Better Living - SNBL

Join us at the Tusculum Garden this Thursday 11/9 for a WINTER SQUASH EXTRAVAGANZA!

From 3PM-5PM at Tusculum Garden, come out to explore the variety of different edible squashes and pumpkins! We'll have recipes, taste testing, and giveaways!

Tomorrow Philadelphia will vote for the city’s next mayor, along with all 17 city council seats, citywide judicial offices, and a state supreme court seat. Polls are open from 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Find your polling place here and make a plan to vote: https://www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/PollingPlaceInfo.aspx

Like all other elections, this one will also have state-wide, regional, and national implications for Kensington.

"In campaign season, a place like Kensington suddenly becomes visible and relevant because all candidates are expected to have answers for the issues that have been imposed on our community," our Executive Director, Dr. Bill Mckinney wrote in his Op-Ed for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Kensington only matters to Philly politicians until Election Day. "But afterward, scores will be settled, debts will be paid, and in many cases, as plans are made, previous efforts will be erased."

But we can shift that narrative when we continue to civically engage beyond voting. When communities are empowered to participate and co-create with one another and political leaders, transformation is possible.

Read on to find out how you can stay involved!

Civic Engagement Doesn't End at the Polls - NKCDC Your vote matters. Your voice matters more. Tomorrow Philadelphia will vote for the city’s next...

Join us in the Empowerment Hub tomorrow for a SENIOR CIDER SOCIAL!

From 10AM-3PM at 2771 Ruth Street, our CHWs are holding an event for community seniors! Join neighborhood residents and chat with some of our Community Health Workers while enjoying hot cider, coffee, tea & more. Plus resources, arts & crafts, and raffles with special guests!

Join NKCDC tomorrow 11/2 from 1PM to 4PM at Tusculum Garden for a Day of the Dead Garden Celebration!

Last week, NKCDC joined the PA Community Health Worker Collaborative at the State Capitol in Harrisburg to rally for support from state representatives and senators to secure sustainable funding for CHW programs throughout Pennsylvania.

At the rally, NKCDC’s Workforce Development Project Manager, Lizette Lewis, gave a speech emphasizing that resident stories are at the heart of the Community Health Worker program. Over five years, 58 residents have been accepted to the program at NKCDC and entered training with a lived understanding of the experiences that other community members go through. As trusted partners and community advocates, they assist residents in navigating complex social service and healthcare systems, connect them to critical resources, and empower them to advocate for themselves and their community’s overall health.

In Kensington, we rank last of 46 Philadelphia neighborhoods in health factors and health outcomes. Structural forces have created barriers for residents to achieve good health and wellness. But the Community Health Worker program is a reminder that we're a community of strengths and that solutions to complex problems happen when made in partnership with those most impacted by the outcomes.

NKCDC is collecting food donations for the 3rd annual choice pantry Thanksgiving Food Giveaway on November 16th!

Support Kensington neighbors by dropping off non-perishable and shelf stable donations anytime from 10AM-2PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Kensington Empowerment Hub (2771 Ruth Street, Suite 2).

Join the NKCDC Community Health Worker team & friends on Halloween for our annual FALL FEST!

All are welcome for food, games, and other spooktacular treats at Trent and Auburn Playground at 5PM on 10/31!

On Tuesday, November 7th Philadelphia will vote for the city’s next Mayor and for all 17 City Council seats, as well as a number of other elected official roles. The deadline to register to vote in the election is MONDAY 10/23!

This election will impact the future of your neighborhood and the entire city. Our next mayor will draft city budgets and set policy priorities for Philadelphia and City Council members will make important decisions regarding community development in your neighborhood, including land-use and city zoning. Be sure to register in time! You can check your status at vote.phila.gov/voting/registering-to-vote

Take a cooking class from the comfort of your home!

Nourish, NKCDC’s healthy food and nutrition education program, is hosting a 6-week virtual cooking class! Cooking kits are available for class instruction - scan the QR code or call/text 215-203-6364 to register and learn how to get your kit.

NKCDC’s new Community Farmer and Urban Agriculture Manager, Catherine Reuter, joined our team a few weeks ago to support the growth and management of green spaces throughout Kensington including two community farms along Kensington Avenue: Tusculum and 2968.

As our Community Farmer, Catherine will tend and care for these spaces to activate them into thriving and abundant urban gardens for community gathering, respite, and healing. She’ll engage community residents while working closely with our community partners, including the Rite Aid Grantee gardens, to support increased food production and community programming throughout the neighborhood.

As part of our larger vision to support the health and wellness of Kensington, NKCDC’s Urban Agriculture and Community Garden Initiative will continue to transform open lots into green spaces for community use that will contribute to violence reduction, connect residents to critical resources, and improve the community’s health outcomes.

Stop by Tusculum or 2968 Kensington Ave to say hi to Catherine and stay tuned for news as she continues to grow these spaces!

NKCDC IS NOW HIRING! Interesting new positions spanning community programing, violence prevention, nutrition education, and executive positions.
-Diabetic Lifestyle Coach
-Bilingual Community Nutrition Educator
-Community Health Educator
-Cure Violence Program Manager
-Cure Violence Outreach Worker
Go to nkcdc.org to read more.

Join us TOMORROW 10/9 from 11am-2pm to celebrate Vientiane Bistro’s new mural!

is hosting a community event with art activities, light refreshments and snacks to celebrate the newly painted mural on their storefront, painted by and .art and sponsored by NKCDC. We hope to see you there!

For years, efforts to address Kensington's challenges have failed because they have been designed and implemented without community input, have lacked the expertise and resources to be effective, and have failed to produce a wrap-around approach to persistent, complex, and interconnected issues.

A growing number of organizations, civic groups, and residents in Kensington are joining forces to develop a community-driven strategic plan for the neighborhood because we know that sustained improvements to health and wellbeing happen when communities come together to co-design and co-create their own future.

In an effort to bring more voices to the table, we've created a framework for groups (or pockets) to discuss community concerns and priorities. After months of consistent planning, outreach, and community gatherings, this framework has arrived as the Kensington Plan Pockets Toolkit. This toolkit is a resource to help small groups throughout the neighborhood have productive conversations about the future of the neighborhood, which will be combined with the input of many other pockets throughout Kensington to design a plan that reflects the entire community.

If you live, work, or play in Kensington, we encourage you to form a pocket and join this ongoing planning process for community-driven development in the neighborhood! You can find the Pockets Toolkit at the following link: www.kensingtonplan.org/pocketstoolkit. For any questions or support, please reach out to us at [email protected]

PLANNING KENSINGTON TOGETHER Join a movement for comprehensive, community-led development in Kensington, Philadelphia.