" ...and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8

West Philadelphia Community-Based Ministries 

Blueprint for Early Literacy Project/Children’s Literacy Initiative:
A tested curriculum to improve the early literacy education children receive at 36 Head Start Learning Tree centers in Philadelphia. It provides professional training, lesson plans, books, learning games and other resources. Program contact: Bonnie Asher. Website link: www.CLIontheweb.org

 
Chess Shop: a chess club program teaching problem solving, strategy, and confidence-building skills to students in West Philadelphia public schools. BMPC contact: Ann Vaughan, jsvaughan2@aol.com. Program contact: Sherina Poorman, Website link: http://www.builditbus.com/

 
FAST Program/Turning Points for Children: A program providing parent education and family support in order to strengthen families by building partnerships and promoting increased success in schools. It operates in 30 Philadelphia public elementary schools. Web Site: www.TurningPointsForChildren.org

First African Presbyterian Church Summer Program: Vacation Bible Camp offers neighborhood children educational enhancements and recreational fun. The program reaches out to engage residents in the surrounding community. BMPC contact: Ann Vaughan, jsvaughan2@aol.com. Web site link: www.firstafrican.us/

Habitat For Humanity: The local Habitat is nearing completion of a bold initiative to build seven new GREEN homes in West Philadelphia. Habitat for Humanity is a recognized worldwide ministry with local affiliates, Habitat provides affordable housing for families who lack adequate shelter. Volunteers work together with potential home owners to build homes. BMPC contact: Jerry Kreider, jerrys2k@comcast.com. Website link: www.habitatphiladelphia.org

Maternity Care Coalition MOMobile: Dedicated to improving the health and well being of at risk pregnant women and their infants and young children, the MOMobile scans the streets of West Philadelphia and other neighborhoods to extend assistance and resource connections. Program contact: JoAnne Fischer. Website link: www.momobile.org

Presbyterian Children’s Village: Serves abused/at risk for abuse children & their families offering residential placement and foster care, behavioral services, remedial educational services, and community prevention services. Website link: www.pcv.org

Sports & Learning Center: Before and After School programs and a Summer camp for children ages 3-12 from low-income families in the Overbrook area of West Philadelphia. It’s goals are to provide a rich recreational and academic experience. Program contact: Jeff Bowker. Website link: www.salkids.org

Summer Camp - Weed & Seed/DEFY: A one week overnight summer opportunity for urban children teaching self reliance and promoting self esteem. It continues to build on these skills through monthly meetings with mentors throughout the school year. BMPC contact Sue Gibbons: sue@wepac.org, Program contact: Donna Griffin www.phillyweedandseed.org

The Other Carpenter: Assists homeowners in the East Parkside and adjoining communities of West Philadelphia with maintenance and improvement work that enables residents to remain in their own homes. Volunteers, including many from our church, work together with homeowners and community residents. BMPC contact: Don Smith, djsbt@aol.com. Program contact: David Heaton, dtocarpenter@verizon.net.

United Community Clinics: A free community health clinic offered on Monday evenings at First African Presbyterian Church in West Philadelphia. The clinic is staffed by University of Pennsylvania medical students, nursing students, and social work students. Website link: www/med.upenn.edu/ucclinic