NKCDC

In June, NKCDC Housing Counselors are holding both virtual and in-person homebuyer workshops for first-time home buyers in Philadelphia:

- Tuesday, June 9th from 4PM-8PM (Virtual)
- Wednesday, June 17th from 9:30AM-1:30PM at Coral Street Arts House (2515 Frankford Avenue)
- Saturday, June 27th from 9:30AM-1:30PM in the Orinoka Community Room (2771 Ruth Street, Suite 1)

Whether you're thinking about buying your first home or trying to remember all the steps from the last time, this is the class for you! The first-time homebuyer class is also approved to qualify you for most down payment assistance programs.

Sign up for one of the June Workshops here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-time-homebuyer-workshop-english-tickets-1078168333509?msockid=1c47504f9e7f612e0cb145349f786063

Make sure to note location when you sign up!

NKCDC’s Housing team also offers a variety of services such as housing counseling, rental assistance within a targeted area of Kensington, energy efficiency and weatherization services, mortgage default advice, income and tax rebates, and financial coaching. Find more information and request an appointment here: https://nkcdc.org/housing-services/

Join us on June 11th from 3PM-7PM for a community event to kick-off our focus on Justice Reform as part of A People’s Exposition at the Kensington Engagement Center (3000 Kensington Avenue).

On June 11th in honor of June being Gun Violence and Re-entry Awareness Month, we’re coming together to explore the root causes of violence, the impact of incarceration on communities, and alternative models of care. The event will span the Kensington Engagement Center, the McPherson Gateway Garden, and the brand-new McPherson Discovery Path!

This is part of a series of workshops and events called A People’s Exposition. As the nation and city celebrate America’s semi-quincentennial (250th), we invite everyone to join us from May to October for a citywide exhibit and engagement series to take a critical and honest look at key issues shaping Philadelphia today, to envision a more just and equitable future for our city, and to act on co-created solutions that address our greatest challenges.

Learn more at nkcdc.org/a-peoples-exposition, or sign up for our newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/988822e8de98/a-peoples-exposition

The last several weeks have been incredibly difficult for Lee’s Dumplings.

The restaurant experienced a waste pipe blockage and backflow issue that forced the business to close on March 31, 2026. What started a nuisance slow drain became a major sanitation and infrastructure emergency for this small family-run business.

Gally and his wife officially opened Lee’s Dumplings in May 2024 after building their dream through their prepared meal service, Meals Direct. They reinvested everything into opening the restaurant, making this truly a labor of love.

When this emergency happened, NKCDC sprang into action and helped Gally secure a $5,000 mini grant through the Kensington Business Assistance Program to cover plumbing repairs. The needed repairs turned out to be much more extensive than anticipated, including replacing plumbing that had become clogged with concrete due to new construction next door.

NKCDC's economic development team worked closely with Gally to complete an emergency grant application with the Merchant's Fund, organize financials, and advocate directly with Natalie, the Program Director, who was incredibly supportive!

We’re incredibly grateful to share that Lee’s Dumplings was awarded an additional $20,000 through the Merchant's Fund to support recovery and reopening efforts! This funding enabled repairs by Plumbing Pals, who quickly completed all needed repairs.

On Monday, May 11th, Lee’s Dumplings reopened and is operating at full capacity! Special shoutout to everyone who stepped in and worked together to make this possible, including The Merchants Fund and Plumbing Pals!

You can support Lee's Dumplings by visiting their website: https://www.leesdumplingsandstuff.com/

The District Attorney’s Office, the We Speak Youth Advisory Board, and the DATA CoLab are hosting a hands-on data visualization and art workshop. Explore the scale and impact of the justice system, then think creatively about how to transform data into art. This interactive workshop combines learning, discussion, and artistic expression.

This event is part of a series of workshops and events called A People’s Exposition. As the nation and city celebrate America’s semi-quincentennial, we invite everyone to join us from May to October for a citywide exhibit and engagement series to take a critical and honest look at key issues shaping Philadelphia today, to envision a more just and equitable future for our city, and to act on co-created solutions that address our greatest challenges.

To support meaningful participation, we're offering stipends to a limited number of participants committed to engaging deeply in the series! To be eligible for a stipend/certificate, participants must attend at least 3 workshops in a chosen month and 1 additional workshop outside it to encourage cross-topic learning. Learn more and sign up at the link in our bio!

Learn more at nkcdc.org/a-peoples-exposition, or sign up for our newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/988822e8de98/a-peoples-exposition (link in bio)

Join us on June 5th from 3PM-6PM for a Community Chew and Rap with Black Voters Matter on their Freedom Riders Bus Tour!

Black Voters Matter builds Black political power by expanding civic engagement, building cross-community coalitions, and advancing policies that protect and empower Black communities. On June 5th, they’ll be at the Kensington Engagement Center with the Freedom Riders Bus to raise awareness and drive action against the voter suppression movement and to talk about the importance of building power among Black communities.

This event is part of a series of workshops and events called A People’s Exposition. As the nation and city celebrate America’s semi-quincentennial (250th), we invite everyone to join us from May to October for a citywide exhibit and engagement series to take a critical and honest look at key issues shaping Philadelphia today, to envision a more just and equitable future for our city, and to act on co-created solutions that address our greatest challenges.

To support meaningful participation, we're offering stipends to a limited number of participants committed to engaging deeply in the series! To be eligible for a stipend/certificate, participants must attend at least 3 workshops in a chosen month and 1 additional workshop outside it to encourage cross-topic learning. Learn more and sign up at the link in our bio!

Learn more at nkcdc.org/a-peoples-exposition, or sign up for our newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/988822e8de98/a-peoples-exposition

Grilling in the garden is back! Join us every Wednesday this month from 4-6PM for a plant-centric BBQ at Tusculum Gateway Garden (corner of Tusculum and Kensington Ave)!

Come to spend time in the garden, connect with us over food, pick some produce and collect some flowers! Everyone is welcome, with space for kids to play and explore a neighborhood green space on Kensington Avenue!

Text NKCDCNourish to 833-901-2072 for garden and cooking event reminders!

We’ve got a bunch of workshops, events, and ways to connect with neighbors in June!

Swipe to find out what’s coming or check out nkcdc.org/events to get a full up to date list of upcoming events and programming in June!

Hopeworks and NKCDC are partnering to support young adults as they move into a professional career with classes on cooking, budgeting, and nutrition basics.

Over the last few months, participants have learned how to prepare and cook gnocchi, tofu recipes, and fish in the pan for fish tacos!

We continuously learn from participants and adapt our programming to their wants and needs! In response, this month we’re focusing on learning how to bread and bake foods as an alternative to frying, learning Indian recipes, and making soup!

Hopeworks is an organization that focuses on skill development, work experience and trauma-informed care for young adults in Kensington, allowing them learn new skills with dignity and support. To learn more, check out https://hopeworks.org/

Interested in learning about our food systems work and our nutrition and food access programming? Text NKCDCNourish to 833-901-2072 for updates and information!

Join us for our youth library cooking classes this month! On Monday, June 1st, NKCDC’s Nourish team is at Kensington Library, and on Monday, June 29th, we’re at McPherson Library for a FREE youth cooking class! Ages 5-18 welcome, one adult required for each child 5-7 years old!

Join us in June as we explore the state and future of Justice Reform in Philadelphia as part of A People’s Exposition at the Kensington Engagement Center!

As the nation and city celebrate America’s semi-quincentennial, we invite everyone to join us from May to October for a citywide exhibit and engagement series to take a critical and honest look at key issues shaping Philadelphia today, to envision a more just and equitable future for our city, and to act on co-created solutions that address our greatest challenges.

In June, we’ll look at the facets of the carceral state including prisons, jails, policing, and other practices of enforcement, and explore alternative models of justice and support for individuals.

What you can expect from June workshops on Justice Reform:
- A welcoming space to connect with neighbors, organizations, practitioners, organizers, and others who want to create real change
- Opportunities to understand the scale and impact of the justice system through art, education, and interactive events and workshops
- Conversations about challenges across the city impacting our collective safety, including the impact of school closures and the school to prison pipeline
- Opportunities to take direct action, including around Second Chance Legislation at the state, and advocating for community-led safety and healing across Philly neighborhoods

To support meaningful participation, we’re offering stipends to a limited number of participants committed to engaging deeply in the series! To be eligible for a stipend/certificate, participants must attend at least 3 workshops in a chosen month and 1 additional workshop outside it to encourage cross-topic learning. Head here: https://tr.ee/iCM1ZPIAPo

Want to stay in the loop? Keep checking our social media or learn more at nkcdc.org/a-peoples-exposition.