Maplewood Mall filled with resources and a Juneteenth BBQ giveaway, too.
As pandemic restrictions eased in May and June, Germantown’s Local Community Resource Center switched gears from vaccination promotion to finding ways underprivileged neighbors could come together to celebrate the end of the lockdown and begin returning to “normal.”
Director Sheena Thompson and Carolyn Hayes came up with two events – the Community Resource Fair and a Juneteenth BBQ Giveaway.
FAIR FOR ALL (May 15)
One of the biggest hurdles facing underprivileged neighbors is access. Many people still aren’t online or suffer learning disabilities that make it hard to register for many programs. “By gathering so many resource providers – physically — together in one place, we can serve whole families,” Sheena said. “And we’re having fun,” she added, “We’re celebrating solutions!”
Sheena and her team filled the newly renovated (and quite spiffy) Maplewood Mall with potentially life-changing services and assistance for all sorts of folks, including seniors, victims, ex-offenders, and teens in need of vocational training. While people browsed the vendor offerings, the LCRC served up hot dogs, pretzels and candy provided by Dedicated Senior Medical Center.
Most organizations handed out swag: pens, tablets, magnets, hand sanitizer — the city’s largest diaper bank, CDLA, was on hand providing baby essentials from wipes and food to shoes and clothing. The Mazzoni Center provided access to free testing and support for LGBTQ neighbors. There were free phones for the hearing impaired and free barbershop school (among other training programs) for youth 16 – 24 in Philadelphia.
Oh yeah, there was also entertainment…
Because Art is a Resource Too
Praise and Hip Hop dancers from On Point Dance Company in Germantown performed a variety of dynamic and even powerful pieces — we wish we could’ve captured every one. In addition, an original drama project by local, independent producer Juniper asked attendees to imagine what they’d put in a time capsule for the year 2020.
The Local paper’s own N.I.C.E. correspondent, Lenora Gaillard, was also on hand, snooping stories from organizations and individuals alike.
BBQ GIVEAWAY (Juneteenth)
The Juneteenth holiday (now “official” according to the federal govt) was a little bit brighter for dozens of lucky families who received BBQ grocery bags. No better way to celebrate the holiday (and catch up with old friends and neighbors) than with hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on cob, condiments, buns, chips, and pasta.
Pop by the LCRC on Facebook to see video of Sheena and Carolyn on their BJ’s Wholesale Club shopping spree!
About the Local Community Resource Center:
We’re a food-delivery team. We’re a newspaper. We’re an office with staff and computers to hook you up with programs already in place that can help you, whatever you need, including:
City services, resources and assistance such as rent rebates, SEPTA rail passes, utility assistance/signup, COVID masks/information, job training, food and nutrition, unemployment info and support for ex-offenders.
245 W. Chelten Ave 19144/267-428-3520 Hours by appointment: 9:30am – 2pm Monday, Wednesday & Thursday
We have a good time doing what we do! Volunteers welcome. We’re a non-profit corporation in the State of Pennsylvania; your donations allow us to serve, highlight and inform. Thank you for supporting grassroots mutual aid efforts in our communities.
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