Community Events

FOR OUR CHILDREN
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Celebrations Of Giving And Light

Stories, music, mime, & more to illuminate the holiday season.

December 14, 2008 2 PM

Parkway Central Library

Montgomery Auditorium

1901 Vine Street

Philadelphia, PA

215.686.5415

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Area Girl Scouts looking for women of achievement

For more than two decades, the Girl Scouts have honored women who demonstrate the highest levels of achievement in their fields and serve as role models to the next generation of women leaders.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania is continuing this historic tradition and seeking nominations for women to recognize at its 23rd Annual Take the Lead ceremonies. The event will be held Monday, March 2, 2009 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Philadelphia.

The deadline for nominations is Monday, December 8, 2008.

Take the Lead honors women from the Philadelphia region considered role models for girls and who exemplify the highest ideals of Girl Scouting.

“The Take the Lead award recipients are women whose professional achievements and contributions to the community cannot be overlooked,” said Ann Meredith, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania. “They are the female leaders girls want to emulate.”

Last year’s awardees included Dr. Amy Gutmann, president of the University of Pennsylvania; Lisa Nutter, president of Philadelphia Academies, Inc.; and Melissa Fitzgerald, a local actress, producer and art director.

The Take the Lead awards ceremony is conducted entirely by Girl Scouts who also have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with the honorees and learn from them.

Funds raised from Take the Lead provide support to the more than 40,000 girls and 15,000 volunteers of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania.

To submit a nomination, download an application online or contact Joni Brennan by email, by mail at GSEP, P.O. Box 27540, Philadelphia, PA 19118 or by phone at 1-888-564-4657.

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Announcing a Job Skills Training and Job Development Workshop

and Support Group

Tuesday and Thursday Evenings 7:00-8:30 PM for ages 16-22.

The group sessions are at:

The Cardinal Bevilacqua Community Center
2646 Kenningston Ave. Philadelphia 19133

If you are unemployed or underemployed or are seeking to be on your own please hit the email reply to make sure to get to us to register or to get additional information. You can call the Center 215-426-9422 but the e-mail reply would work best for now.

Classes will be on-going through the end of the year each Tuesday and Thursday and you can start in at anytime.

There is no charge for these sessions just bring your enthusiasm and your ideas. Join us as we take a project from "thought to finish" and learn the skills necessary to create, build, sell and sustain a product development process.

The Learn-To-Shelter Program is a pilot job training and economic development program that is part of the services offered at the center in an affiliation with Catholic Social Services of Philadelphia.

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I want to share with you management opportunities for Census 2010 – Early Local Census Office (ELCO).

Please feel free to share this information. Each office will hire six (6) management positions. Within the Philadelphia Region twelve (12) ELCOs will open. Early Local Census Offices will open throughout the Commonwealth of PA in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Erie, Harrisbu
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HEALTH MATTERS

Straight Up! Men's HIV Prevention Initiative

A program of the Circle of Care specifically targeting heterosexual men of color. The program key components are to increase community presence and health promotion by participating in health fair's and other community events. Straight Up also provides one-time HIV presentation's to community organizations as well as a four part educational curriculum. Testing and Counseling is available through Straight Up every Tuesday at Sayre Health Center from 11 am - 5 pm located at 59th and Walnut Street. No appointment necessary. All of our services are free of charge, if you would like to know more information please contact:

Adonis Banegas, M.S.

Men's HIV Prevention Initiative Manager

Circle of Care, Family Planning Council

260 South Broad Street, Suite 1000

Philadelphia PA, 19102

215-985-6837

Adonis@familyplanning.org

Resources for Children’s Health’s SAFE program has openings for new clients. In our SAFE program, we provide parents of children aged birth through 5 years with the information, resources and support they need to raise healthy and happy children. A peer and professional staff conduct services. Spanish-speaking case managers are available.

Services include:

·        In-home visits

·        Help in obtaining medical, pediatric and well-baby care;

·        Accompaniment to medical appointments and other appointments;

·        Connecting participants to supportive community resources to

     meet identified needs;

·        Health and nutrition information, resources and written handouts;

·        Incentives- baby items, parent-child activity books, home safety items, and others;

·        Assisting participants in securing health insurance or other benefits;

·        Supporting participants in engaging in healthy lifestyle practices, such as smoking cessation, exercise and good adult and child nutrition;

·        “Hands-on” support, such as grocery shopping to show participants how to purchase good quality nutritional food at reasonable prices; and

·        Positive parenting and health education workshops, which are open to everyone in the community.

For more information, to sign up, or to make a referral to the SAFE Program, please contact Brenda Rochester, SAFE Supervisor, at 215.985.6252.

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AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

In Philadelphia there are many latchkey children, children without role models, sedentary children, and Generation I (internet) children spending hours in front of a screen (TV and/or computer). ALL of these children have hidden or untapped talents and potential.

The After School Program handout www.cap4kids.org/philadelphia on Cap4Kids http://www.cap4kids.org/philadelphia/parent_handouts/after_school_programs_camps.html lists hundreds of activities to help children and teens realize their potentials and at the same time decrease their risk taking behaviors. From Squash to Tennis, Horse Back Riding to Training for Marathons, Mural Art making to Music recording.

The programs are many and the need is many. PLEASE help families in need find specific activities that interest our children and use the Cap4Kids After School handout to help bridge the gap between families in need and the social service agencies that serve them.

Thanks.

Daniel R. Taylor, D.O., FAAP

Assistant Professor Drexel University College of Medicine

Director Community Pediatrics and Child Advocacy

City Administrator Cap4Kids www.cap4kids.org/philadelphia

St. Christopher's Hospital for Children

Front and Erie

Philadelphia, PA 19134

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Familynet

This program provides parents with access to Familet, a computer service that allows parents to track their children’s grades and test scores and to access educational resources.

The program offers parents training on how to access and use these services.

The School District of Philadelphia has arrangements with several computer dealers to offer parents who need a computer or internet access hardware and software at a discounted price.

For more information call: 215.701.6507

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For My Daughter Library

is a new after-school, Saturday and summer time community based Library and resource center, which provides programs and services for Daughters ages 8-14, and their families.

For My Daughter Library wants children in the community to understand the importance of recycling and resource conservation. In an effort to lead by example For My Daughter Library was created with recycled furnishings, energy efficient lighting and up to date, previously owned, gently loved books and materials. Even the interior paint is Eco-friendly!

For My Daughter Library offers opportunities to learn languages, access higher education and strengthen environmental, family, community and self-respect and more in a safe, girl-friendly and relaxed atmosphere for Daughters. And library membership is FREE to youth ages 8 - 14!

For My Daughter Library also offers physical programs such as

Skiing and Dragon boat Racing and promote health and family activities.

For more information contact Yvonne Haughton director@formydaughter.org Or call 267-795-7811.

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Greetings from the Center for Urban Youth Development (CUYD) at Eastern University and the Greater Philadelphia Federation of Settlements!

The Youth Development Certificate offered through CUYD http://www.eastern.edu/cuyd and the Greater Philadelphia Federation of Settlements <http://www.greatsettlements.org/> will start on September 16th. Youth workers will gain the necessary foundation and skills to help youth transition into successful adulthood. Don't worry, there is still time to register for the Certificate Program and sharpen your own knowledge and skills in the field of youth work!

For more information go to:

http://groups.google.com/group/coalition-the

The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation is committed to enhancing the quality of life for children who have health care needs not covered by their commercial health insurance. The Foundation provides financial assistance toward the family's share of the cost of medical services. Learn more about us and how to apply. http://www.uhccf.org/

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Check out "Urban Tree Connection"

The mission of the Urban Tree Connection is to assist urban, low-income communities to revitalize their neighborhoods by transforming abandoned open spaces into safe and functional places that inspire and promote positive human interaction.

"We build community one vacant lot at a time"

Urban vacant land is typically concentrated in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods and is often linked to drug-related crime and violence. The City of Philadelphia is currently estimated to have over 30,000 vacant lots, many of which are overgrown, filled with trash and contribute to an appearance of decay and blight.

We believe that community-based urban greening is a great way for residents of all ages to bring about positive change in their neighborhood. In addition to beautifying the neighborhood, urban greening projects also provide a variety of economic, environmental, health-related and social benefits.

We involve neighborhood children in all our projects as we believe it is crucial to educate the next generation of urban residents about the immense value of urban green space.

For more information:

215-877-7203/ fax: 215-877-7204/ Click here for website

the web address is www.urbantreeconnection.org

To be Listed, Please leave info on the contact page.

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SAVE THIS DATE!

Will You Join A Faith-Based Effort to Fight Violence?

We invite Philadelphia area faith communities -- city and suburb, rich and poor, young and old— to come together on

January 17, 2009

and witness the power of faith in action!

Our belief: As people of faith…

We embrace Dr. Martin Luther King's hope for

peace and safety in our communities.

We resist apathy to this epidemic of violence, because fear, closed doors, and separation will not end it.

We unite to bring God's vision of a peaceable kingdom, without the violent loss of 400 lives in Philadelphia alone last year.

Join with other Philadelphia area faith communities as we gather in houses of worship for prayer, education and discussion,

raise our hearts and voices in worship and song,

hear from inspirational preachers and teachers and take action.

We'll walk together to a rally in front of a local gun store notorious for selling guns used to threaten, wound and kill.

Together we'll call for retailers of firearms to adopt a sensible Code of Conduct to dramatically reduce the illegal trafficking of handguns. This is the same code that has been adopted by Wal-Mart, America's top gun seller.

Won't you join us?

A joint effort of the Church of the Brethren,

Mennonite Church USA, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends and others who want to worship and witness

For more information or to register email or call: saturday@peacegathering

HEALTH MATTERS

OLDER ADULT and SENIORS HEALTHY STRETCH

Personal Trainer Stephanie G.

Will host classes for older adults and seniors

EVERY WEDNESDAY ~ 10am - 11am.

FREE screening and educational information

No matter how old you are, exercise can improve your quality of life

and you don't have to spend a lot of time doing it to see and feel

improvements. Older adults and seniors need to engage in cardio,

strength training and flexibility exercises to stay healthy and

maintain as much strength and functionality as possible.

Location:

Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church

5620 Wyalusing Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19131

Time: 10am - 11am

EVERY WEDNESDAY

FREE screening and educational information.

Questions please call the church at: 215-747-2600

Cost: $3.00

HEALTH MATTERS

OLDER ADULT and SENIORS HEALTHY STRETCH

Personal Trainer Stephanie G.

Will host classes for older adults and seniors

EVERY WEDNESDAY ~ 10am - 11am.

FREE screening and educational information

No matter how old you are, exercise can improve your quality of life

and you don't have to spend a lot of time doing it to see and feel

improvements. Older adults and seniors need to engage in cardio,

strength training and flexibility exercises to stay healthy and

maintain as much strength and functionality as possible.

Location:

Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church

5620 Wyalusing Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19131

Time: 10am - 11am

EVERY WEDNESDAY

FREE screening and educational information.

Questions please call the church at: 215-747-2600

Cost: $3.00

267-519-5302

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SAVE THIS DATE!

Will You Join A Faith-Based Effort to Fight Violence?

We invite Philadelphia area faith communities -- city and suburb, rich and poor, young and old— to come together on

January 17, 2009

and witness the power of faith in action!

Our belief: As people of faith…

We embrace Dr. Martin Luther King's hope for

peace and safety in our communities.

We resist apathy to this epidemic of violence, because fear, closed doors, and separation will not end it.

We unite to bring God's vision of a peaceable kingdom, without the violent loss of 400 lives in Philadelphia alone last year.

Join with other Philadelphia area faith communities as we gather in houses of worship for prayer, education and discussion,

raise our hearts and voices in worship and song,

hear from inspirational preachers and teachers and take action.

We'll walk together to a rally in front of a local gun store notorious for selling guns used to threaten, wound and kill.

Won't you join us?

A joint effort of the Church of the Brethren,

Mennonite Church USA, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends and others who want to worship and witness

For more information or to register email or call: saturday@peacegathering

HEALTH MATTERS

OLDER ADULT and SENIORS HEALTHY STRETCH

Personal Trainer Stephanie G.

Will host classes for older adults and seniors

EVERY WEDNESDAY ~ 10am - 11am.

FREE screening and educational information

No matter how old you are, exercise can improve your quality of life

and you don't have to spend a lot of time doing it to see and feel

improvements. Older adults and seniors need to engage in cardio,

strength training and flexibility exercises to stay healthy and

maintain as much strength and functionality as possible.

Location:

Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church

5620 Wyalusing Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19131

Time: 10am - 11am

EVERY WEDNESDAY

FREE screening and educational information.

Questions please call the church at: 215-747-2600

Cost: $3.00

HEALTH MATTERS

OLDER ADULT and SENIORS HEALTHY STRETCH

Personal Trainer Stephanie G.

Will host classes for older adults and seniors

EVERY WEDNESDAY ~ 10am - 11am.

FREE screening and educational information

No matter how old you are, exercise can improve your quality of life

and you don't have to spend a lot of time doing it to see and feel

improvements. Older adults and seniors need to engage in cardio,

strength training and flexibility exercises to stay healthy and

maintain as much strength and functionality as possible.

Location:

Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church

5620 Wyalusing Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19131

Time: 10am - 11am

EVERY WEDNESDAY

FREE screening and educational information.

Questions please call the church at: 215-747-2600

Cost: $3.00

267-519-5302

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TUTORING/MENTORING AT EASTWICK REC. CENTER

C&C Athletic Association also has a tutoring and mentoring program at Eastwick Recreation Center at 80th and Mars Sts. for students, age 10-17. This program runs from November to April. Contact Calvin Johnson (215-738-5181) if you can help or know someone who needs to be tutored.

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HEALTH MATTERS

Philabundance recently launched the

"Fresh for All" program,

a quick and easy way to put quality,

produce into the hands of those who need it most.

The cost of fresh fruits and vegetables is rising,

so these healthy foods are the first to get cut when money is tight.

Where is Fresh for All?

Fresh for All sites are currently located in Salem and Camden Counties, NJ and Delaware County, PA.

Delaware County Housing Authority Community Center

1825 Constitution Ave., Woodlyn, PA 19094

• Distributions held every Friday from 12:30-1:30pm.

St. John's Baptist Church

Provided in partnership with Camden Area Health Education Center, Inc.

(AHEC)

400 N. 30th Street, Camden, NJ 08105

• Distributions held every Tuesday from 9:30-10:30am.

St. John's Pentecostal Outreach

22 New Market Street, Salem, NJ 08079

• Distributions held every Wednesday from 11:30-12:30pm.

Fresh for All Membership

Becoming a Fresh for All member is free and easy. Interested

individuals are asked to provide basic

household information.

Fresh for All is not connected with any government agency, so becoming a member will not affect any other benefits members are receiving.

Members are asked to bring their

own boxes or bags to distributions.

Volunteers are needed

For more information on Fresh for All or to become a Fresh for All

member or volunteer

please contact Tunisia at 215-339-0900 x238.

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Be an African American Hero to a Child with Sickle Cell Disease!

Through a one-of-a-kind program, the American Red Cross and local childrens hospitals are improving care for children with sickle cell disease -- and we need your help! Sickle cell disease is an inherited disease that affects more than 90,000 people in the United States, ninety percent of whom are of African descent.

There is no cure for sickle cell disease, but good medical care, including blood transfusions, can help manage and prevent the pain and

serious complications of the disease.

What You Can Do To Help

Blood donors are the real heroes in this story because some patients with sickle cell disease need many units of blood every month! But if the blood is not a very close match, the patient may reject the blood and a source of help and hope will be gone. This condition, called alloimmunization, can be fatal.

The best matches for these patients will come from African American donors.

African American donors who want to help can choose to give blood for a child with sickle cell disease by using a special blue tag available at all Red Cross blood drives and donor centers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

If you are African American, please share your good health with a child who has sickle cell disease by doing something simple, easy, and safe by giving blood.

Felicia Parker-Cox

Community Outreach Specialist

American Red Cross, Penn-Jersey Region

Cooperative Sickle Cell Donor Program

215-451-4945 (office)

215-687-8990 (mobile)

Parkerfel@usa.redcross.org

*************************************************************************Announcing a Job Skills Training and Job Development Workshop

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Familynet

For more information call: 215.701.6507

TUTORING/MENTORING AT EASTWICK REC. CENTER

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Announcing a Job Skills Training and Job Development Workshop