Drexel University and the William Penn Foundation are partnering to improve the quality of West Philadelphia child care centers by working with parents, caretakers, and community organizations. The effort will be coordinated by Drexel and funded by a three-year $1.8 million grant from William Penn. The West Philadelphia Promise Zone (a place-based community development program […]

The People’s Emergency Center (PEC) has announced that CEO and President Farah Jimenez resigned as of August 12 after four years leading the social services and community development nonprofit. “Despite what we’ve accomplished together, and the potential that remains at PEC, I’ve concluded that now is the time for me to step away and make […]

[metaslider id=30430] The revitalization of Lancaster Avenue in West Philadelphia, which cuts through distressed neighborhoods like Mantua, Saunders Park and Belmont, has taken place gradually. The growth of University City has brought student activity and new construction to the southern end of the avenue. Meanwhile, tireless community development corporations such as the People’s Emergency Center have […]

Mantua, neighborhood in West Philadelphia within Promise Zone The Mayor’s Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) is hiring a manager for the West Philadelphia Promise Zone. The Promise Zone initiative is a place-based program designed to revitalize distressed areas by coordinating efforts across sectors and agencies and prioritizing the zones for federal assistance, essentially […]

The Block Party in a Box also contains a block party diorama. Photo via Knight Foundation blog. The People’s Emergency Center (PEC) assists West Philadelphia residents through a mix of community development, housing services and other health, educational and financial services. So why not help the community have a little fun? PEC’s Block Party in […]