Introducing you to many of the 501(c)3 organizations supporting the Manayunk/Roxborough Community!
By Leo Dillinger
Photos Provided from Participating Nonprofits
North Light Community Center
(Answers Provided by Rhiannon Smith, Director of Development)
Year Founded: 1936
Mission Statement: Our Mission is to empower people of all ages and abilities in our communities, especially those most in need, to reach their fullest potential as productive and responsible citizens through initiatives that support and enrich children, teens, and families.
What types of services do you provide for the Manayunk/Roxborough Community? North Light provides a comprehensive range of core services aimed at improving the lives of individuals in our community. Our core services include:
Children Services: We offer a state-licensed childcare facility with year-round school-age programs including a Summer Camp and KidZone after school program. By providing a safe and nurturing environment for children, we support families and ensure that children have access to quality learning opportunities, recreational activities and safe, affordable care.
Teen Services: Our programs provide leadership training, college and career exposure, arts and recreation activities, and access to technology. These initiatives empower our youth to excel academically, develop essential life skills, and build a foundation for future success.
Emergency Services: This program provides comprehensive support to families in the community who are most vulnerable. Services include a bi-weekly food pantry (with delivery services for seniors, disabled) which distributes vital food and household items as well as housing and utility assistance, particularly for those facing eviction or utility shutoffs. We also provide general referrals and social support. At the holidays, an emotional and difficult time for many families, we provide Thanksgiving Baskets, gifts for children through our Adopt a Family program and meals at the end of December to seniors and economically disadvantaged, to ensure that families can enjoy a festive holiday season.
How do direct donations support your nonprofit? Direct donations provide general operating support for all of our major programs. They ensure our programs childcare, teens services and emergency services are accessible and affordable for all, despite household income.
What types of volunteer opportunities are available through your organization or are there other ways people and businesses give back to your nonprofit? We happily offer a variety of volunteer opportunities to individuals and businesses looking to give back to our community. We have ongoing volunteer opportunities every Monday and Friday mornings to assist with our bi-weekly food pantry. Volunteers help organize and distribute food to community members in need, ensuring that they have access to essential resources. We also have volunteer drivers who deliver food to seniors, disabled or those sick and shut in.
We enthusiastically welcome groups for volunteer days as well. These are a great way for businesses to engage with their communities and make a positive impact. Teams can work on projects such as painting, cleaning, or landscaping to help maintain and improve our facilities.
During the holiday season, we also have several volunteer needs for our “Manayunk Meals and More” and the “Adopt A Family” programs. Volunteers can participate in a variety of ways- including wrapping and distributing gifts and helping to prepare and deliver holiday meals to individuals and families, spreading warmth and cheer during the holiday season.
We also have a need for volunteers for our fundraising events: Pints for North Light in November and the Gala in the spring.
Are there any regular/annual events/fundraisers that you host? If so, what are they? Absolutely! North Light Community Center hosts several fundraisers throughout the year.
Just around the corner is Pints for North Light. It’s an excellent way to support our organization while having a great time enjoying local beers and food from various Manayunk breweries and restaurants. This beer tasting fundraiser takes place right on Main Street at Manayunk Brewing on Thursday, November 16th, 2023.
North Light holds an annual Gala where we recognize and honor individuals who have shown dedication to serving our community. This event is a celebration of their efforts and contributions. The upcoming Gala is set for April 20th, 2024, at Levering Mill Tribute House.
Winnie’s on Main Street generously hosts “Heart’s o’ Clover” annually close to St. Patrick’s Day. During this special event, all proceeds from the restaurant are donated directly to North Light. It’s a heartwarming way to celebrate and contribute to our mission.
And of course- The Manayunk Development Corporation plays a crucial role in supporting North Light by donating ALL of the Manayunk Arts Fest shuttle proceeds directly to our organization. This collaboration helps us continue our work in the community.
These events are not only great opportunities for community engagement but also essential for raising funds to support North Light’s programs and services. We encourage you to mark your calendars for these events and join us in making a positive impact on the Manayunk community!
What do you love the most about the Manayunk community? Living and working in this neighborhood allows me to experience the best of both worlds. I’m fortunate to be able to patronize numerous fantastic businesses!
However, what truly stands out is the incredible generosity and selflessness displayed by countless individuals and businesses in our community. Working at North Light Community Center, I have the privilege of witnessing this spirit of giving on a daily basis. It’s truly inspiring to be among people who consistently dedicate their resources, time and effort to make our community a stronger, better place.
Is there anything else you’d like the public to know about your organization? Overall, North Light Community Center is more than just a nonprofit organization- we are a cornerstone of the Manayunk community, dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of our neighbors. We invite you to explore our programs, get involved as a volunteer or supporter, and join us in building a stronger, more vibrant community together. Your support and involvement can help us continue to empower and uplift those we serve!
Starfinder Foundation
(Answers Provided by Andrea Rodgers, Executive Director)
Year Founded: 2002
Mission Statement: Starfinder is a sports-based youth development organization that uses soccer to inspire social change and transform the lives of youth from underserved neighborhoods in the Philadelphia region. Our vision is a Philadelphia region where the playing field is level, and all kids are thriving. Through soccer, mentoring, and an environment that challenges and supports, Starfinder helps youth who live in Philadelphia’s underserved neighborhoods cultivate their athletic, creative, and academic talents and chart a pathway to a bright future.
What types of services do you provide for the Manayunk/Roxborough Community? Through soccer, mentoring, and an environment that challenges and supports, Starfinder helps youth who live in Philadelphia’s underserved neighborhoods cultivate their athletic, creative, and academic talents and chart a pathway to a bright future. Starfinder combines soccer with positive youth development to create a powerful, holistic support system for youth that both challenges and supports them to reach their fullest potential—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Starfinder offers after school, weekend, and summer programs for students in Pre-K to 12th grade.
Additionally, Starfinder’s 28,000 square foot turf field is available to rent to the public and helps to fund our programming.
Starfinder hosts adult pick up soccer games on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Friday nights.
How do direct donations support your nonprofit? Direct donations fund our programming for youth. Through our programs, our youth become healthy, engaged, and productive citizens.
What types of volunteer opportunities are available through your organization or are there other ways people and businesses give back to your nonprofit? Starfinder is always looking for talented individuals, especially skills-based volunteers, with a passion for sports and youth development.
Additionally, Starfinder is happy to accept in-kind donations such as new or gently used soccer equipment and school supplies.
Are there any regular/annual events/fundraisers that you host? If so, what are they? Starfinder hosts three signature event fundraisers throughout the year. Starfinder Cup and Cornhole Championship, a tournament for corporate and community supporters, occurs in October.
Starfinder’s Cocktails with a Kick gala occurs in March and the Starfinder Golf Championship in May.
Throughout the school year, Starfinder also hosts soccer tournaments for youth teams from around the city.
What do you love the most about the Manayunk community? The location allows people from all over the city to take advantage of what Manayunk has to offer. The business community is also very supportive of the nonprofit community.
Is there anything else you’d like the public to know about your organization? We’re not just soccer, but we open our doors to youth from all over the Philadelphia region. We use the community-building power of soccer to offer a deep experience through which participants learn skills, gain confidence, and develop resilience to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Manayunk Roxborough Art Center
(Answers Provided By Heather Diacont Rinehart, Curriculum Director)
Year Founded: 1953
Mission Statement: Artists bringing people together – Our mission is to develop, for members and the public, an appreciation of fine arts, literary expression, and creative and cultural endeavors. We are committed to being a forum for artists, writers and the general public.
What types of services do you provide for the Manayunk/Roxborough Community? MRAC offers a diverse community of visual artists, writers, and poets who are invested in their work and the community at large. We gather, make art, and enjoy discussion in the spirit of creatiive thinking that is so enriching to the human experience. Our historic space is nestled in a secluded nook off of Green Lane, and boasts an inviting gallery space, studio/classroom area, and an outdoor courtyard. Members have an opportunity to show and sell their work regularly at our monthly gallery openings, as well as the potential to be featured as a solo artist. For our writer/poet members, we host an ongoing series of virtual and in person poetry readings and have established a working relationship with the Schuylkill Valley Journal, a literature and arts publication highlighting the works of local talent. MRAC also offers art classes to the public, covering a range of topics from drawing and painting, to meditative art making. Additionally, we host a number of free artist-led events throughout the year.
How do direct donations support your nonprofit? Donations are greatly appreciated and necessary to continuing our work. We use funding to maintain and improve our historic space, assist our artists with visibility and marketing their work, and make sure that our supply closet stays full of fresh materials for artists in the classroom.
What types of volunteer opportunities are available through your organization or are there other ways people and businesses give back to your nonprofit? Becoming an active member is the best way to support our nonprofit. MRAC is a volunteer run organization and we have a long list of needs from facilities management to social media expertise. We are in constant need of folks to sit the gallery, for example, to greet guests and facilitate sales to support our artists. We are also looking for teaching artists to run workshops and classes for the community. Occasionally, we offer opportunities for young people to earn community service hours, either working at the center or offsite in artistic and collaborative ways. A recent partnership with the Leon H. Sullivan Trust is a shining example of this type of work. Get in touch if you’d like to know more or lend a hand!
Are there any regular/annual events/fundraisers that you host? If so, what are they? MRAC hosts a gallery opening on the second Sunday of each month, featuring the latest work of our current members. These are stunning, one of a kind works of art made by devoted local artists. A portion of the proceeds from each sale will go toward MRAC. This October, we will diverge from our schedule a bit, and have our opening on Saturday, October 14 to coincide with our Open House event. There will be live music, demonstrations, opportunities for artmaking, and of course, plenty of beautiful work on view.
What do you love the most about the Manayunk community? Manayunk has so much to offer, it’s difficult to pin it down to one favorite aspect. For me, it is a place where people of all walks of life, so many wonderfully different foods, old and new architecture, and green and gray spaces all roll together. Maybe it’s the hills.
Is there anything else you’d like the public to know about your organization? MRAC is open to all – creative folks, makers, observers, and appreciators of the arts. Our members are our strength. We offer memberships to individuals as well as families – and we love our young artists! So whether you are a professional, or just starting your creative journey , we’d love to have you join us!
Northern Children’s Services
(Answers Provided by Renata Cobbs-Fletcher, President and CEO)
Year Founded: 1853
Mission Statement: Northern Children’s Services (Northern) mission is to support the healthy development of children and youth while stabilizing their families to build strong communities.
Everything we do is designed to create a better future for our families. We believe that every child and youth has the potential to transform themselves – no matter their background or life situations. If we invest in that potential through services that focus on care, safety, health, permanency, independence, and positive relationships, then children, youth, and their families will lead happier and healthy lives.
We strive every day to live out our six values: Excellence, Respect, Resilience, Cultural Humility & Justice, Healing, and Wellness.
What types of services do you provide for the Manayunk/Roxborough Community? Northern provides a continuum of behavioral health, child welfare, and residential programs and services that meet the needs of families and children at every stage of life, from parents with infants and babies, to school-aged children experiencing myriad behavioral and familial challenges, to teen and young adult parents working towards greater independence, and beyond. Northern’s programs do not just seek to address the challenges that children and families face, focusing on the problems that clients are struggling with – they aim to proactively provide the positive skills, resources, supports, and treatments they need to create a brighter future and live the lives they deserve.
How do direct donations support your nonprofit? By donating money, in-kind services, and goods, you can help us provide high-quality, evidence-based programs and services that improve the lives of children, youth, and families from disadvantaged backgrounds.
With your financial support, we can continue to make an impact:
•$50 provides school supplies for 5 children in the school-based Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) Program.
•$100 serves field trip meals to 10 kids in the Wellness and Resiliency Program (after-school and summer program) during outings.
•$200 provides special therapeutic toys and games for our Outpatient Program.
To make a donation, or to learn more, go to www.northernchildren.org.
What types of volunteer opportunities are available through your organization or are there other ways people and businesses give back to your nonprofit? There are numerous volunteer opportunities at Northern. Our volunteers tutor, paint, plant, play, and shine! The children and youth we serve are gaining the tools and skills needed to manage their emotions, socialize with peers, and succeed in school. By volunteering with us, you can positively impact a child’s life and wellness through academic support provided by volunteer tutors, giving our walls a fresh makeover with new paint, maintaining the community garden, engaging with our kids through interactive games, sports, arts and crafts, and more! For more information about volunteering, email us at info@northernchildren.org.
Are there any regular/annual events/fundraisers that you host? If so, what are they? This year we hosted 2 community fairs which opened our campus to the community, where we provide a day filled with vital resources and family-friendly activities for all, including DJ, face painting, food and drinks, games, and more! We plan on hosting our next Community Fair in March 2024.
Please stay tuned for our Holiday Bash on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at 11am-2pm at Starfinder Foundation. This event is in collaboration with Intercommunity Actions, Starfinder Foundation, The Block Church, and Tabor. We are joining hands to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of children and families in need within our community. Together, we will be providing a day filled with Holiday fun, music, food, pictures with Santa, winter coats, groceries, toys, gift cards, and more!
What do you love the most about the Manayunk community? We love the support of our fellow Manayunk businesses and nonprofits and of course, the people in the community. We appreciate the genuine connections we’ve made and the shared commitment to making Manayunk a welcoming place for all!
Philadelphia Guild of Handweavers
(Answers Provided by Myra Wood, President)
Year Founded: 1952
Mission Statement: We are a creative community center for all Fiber Arts including weaving, knitting, spinning, crochet, dyeing and sewing.
What types of services do you provide for the Manayunk/Roxborough Community? We teach and encourage the practice of all fiber arts and participate in community events demonstrating different crafts.
How do direct donations support your nonprofit? Maintaining our guild house, teaching fiber arts to our members, reaching out to build the fiber arts community in and around our city, helps buy and maintain equipment for ongoing education.
What types of volunteer opportunities are available through your organization or are there other ways people and businesses give back to your nonprofit? We are a volunteer organization always looking for people to help. https://pghw.org/volunteer/
Are there any regular/annual events/fundraisers that you host? If so, what are they? We have a comprehensive calendar full of events, classes and outreach programs: https://pghw.org/events/
What do you love the most about the Manayunk community? The people! We love being a place for people from all walks of life to interact, learn and grow.
Is there anything else you’d like the public to know about your organization? If you are interested in anything to do with fiber arts, we are a great local source for community and learning!
Friends in Pink
(Answers Provided by Patti Brennan, Chair)
Year Founded: 2009
Mission Statement: Friends in Pink is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit group that was formed in 2009 and is committed to raising funds for those who have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer in the Roxborough Manayunk and surrounding Community. Our mission is to assist with unexpected medical costs, copay’s, activities of daily living, transportation costs and other unexpected expenses that people have to deal with when coping with this diagnosis, recently expanding to cover other types of cancer pending availability of funds. We have also recently expanded to include the surrounding communities on a case by case basis, pending availability of funds.
What types of services do you provide for the Manayunk/Roxborough Community? We assist with unexpected medical costs, copay’s, activities of daily living, transportation costs and other unexpected expenses that people have to deal with when coping with cancer treatment.
How do direct donations support your nonprofit? Assistance for those dealing with cancer.
What types of volunteer opportunities are available through your organization or are there other ways people and businesses give back to your nonprofit? You can volunteer at any of our events, our Annual Friends On The Run/Walk and our upcoming Golf Outing. We have also initiated food drives when needed and usually sponsor one for Thanksgiving and Christmas where volunteers would help to spread the word on what is needed and to help deliver.
Are there any regular/annual events/fundraisers that you host? If so, what are they? Annual Friends On The Run/Walk which has been held on the Manayunk Towpath, Dining Outs at various Roxborough and Manayunk Restaurants, raffles during October and November, we have our first Golf Outing scheduled for Spring of 2024 and in the past have hosted several Comedy Nights. We absolutely welcome suggestions for fundraisers.
What do you love the most about the Manayunk community? The way everyone comes together when someone needs help.
Is there anything else you’d like the public to know about your organization? Friends In Pink is a 501C3, we are an all volunteer organization. You can keep up with our events on our social media @FriendsInPink on Facebook, @_FriendsInPink on Twitter, @_FriendsInPink on Instagram and at FriendsInPink.org and/or you can reach us at news@friendsinpink.org
Roxborough Manayunk Conservancy
(Answers Provided by Joanne Dahme, President)
Year Founded: 2008
Mission Statement: Preserve, protect, and grow our trails, greenspace and watershed in our community.
What types of services do you provide for the Manayunk/Roxborough Community? RMC and its dedicated volunteers work to improve the parks and green space areas that make up our community. RMC is also dedicated to finding permanent solutions to the preservation and maintenance of our greenspace, parks and watershed in our community. As volunteers, we clean and maintain a number of sites within the Roxborough Manayunk Community. In addition, we are researching appropriate methods to preserve our cliffs, hillsides and areas in proximity to our park areas as permanent green space areas to protect both the Wissahickon and Schuylkill Watershed areas.
How do direct donations support your nonprofit? Donations fund pruning and other landscaping tools; plant material; green space improvements such as fencing, signage, dog waste stations; communication platforms, e.g, website maintenance, e-newsletter and other electronic updates via email and social media; matching funds and resources for capital projects, e.g., Ivy Ridge trail extension.
What types of volunteer opportunities are available through your organizations? Volunteers are always needed to continue to do the necessary work. Cutting back and cleaning up is important and anyone with gardening skills is always appreciated. We also welcome members and engagement in events. Donations that assist with building our capacity to do more are always welcome. Donations can easily be made online on RMC’s website: roxboroughmanayunkconservancy.org – Conservation, Volunteers.
Are there any regular/annual events/fundraisers that you host? If so, what are they? RMC members and volunteers meet every Tuesday from March thru October to dedicate time and services to preserve and protect each of the parks and green spaces listed on RMC’s website.
What do you love the most about the Manayunk community? The Manayunk and Roxborough communities are blessed with an abundance of green spaces. But with this wealth is a clear responsibility to maintain these spaces so that they are an asset to our residents and the natural environment.
Is there anything else you’d like the public to know about your organization? The green spaces we manage include: Edling Park, Fairview Park, Fountain Street Steps. Gorgas Park, Germany Hill, Kelly Park, Lauriston Park, Manayunk Canal Path, Manayunk Gateway, Manayunk Bridge Garden, Roxborough Pocket Park, Roxborough Reservoir.