Issue 51, August 2019
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE
In a time when it
seems every day brings news of some fresh example of injustice, violence, and
inequality, I’m glad to be a part of the Friends Center community. Of course,
it’s true that the people who work, attend events, or worship here are by no
means perfect nor better than anyone else. Still, a lot of good things are
happening here to advance justice, peace, and equality. This newsletter gives just
a few examples.
Speaking of the
newsletter, Jennifer Williams has been doing a great job collecting your
stories for it. I thank her for her good work. I am also pleased to announce
that she was recently promoted to the position of Guest Reception and Marketing
Coordinator. She has taken on new duties, such as producing our new podcast
(see next item), and I know you’ll want to join me in congratulating her.
– Chris Mohr, Executive Director
AROUND FRIENDS CENTER
As you all know by now (or at least that‘s what we’re hoping) Friends Center has launched its Podcast “Friends On 15th” and it’s a hit!!! Friends On 15th was birthed out of the appreciation we have for the good works being done by our tenants. Friends Center houses roughly 40 non-profit organizations, both Quaker and non-Quaker, whose mission statements we support. By this we were compelled to find a new way to help get their good doings on the front line.
We will be interviewing the organizations in our building, providing them with an opportunity to showcase their accomplishments.
We hope that you will give Friends On 15th a listen and look forward to hearing your feedback.
EQUITY PARTNER NEWS
AMERICAN FRIENDS SERVICE COMMITTEE (AFSC)
The American Friends Service Committee was one of several groups protesting the conditions and treatment of children at the Homestead facility and organizer Mariana Martinez declared victory Saturday. Read more on this amazing story!
PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING (PYM)
The Annual Sessions has ended and the atmosphere has shifted! As light hearts and smiling faces pass me by I couldn’t help but to wonder (as a non-Quaker) why are these individuals so filled up? Soon after, the opportunity to sit and briefly chat with attendees of Sessions was upon me.
I was able to gain a better understanding of the annual sessions and as a result, I am no longer in the dark about the Light. Below is a lovely and enlightening quote from one the the delegates who attended.
“It is no coincidence Sessions comes at a time of full bloom. A sense of expansiveness & freedom pervades the day and we are reminded of our commitment to come together. We gather with full whole hearts seeking spiritual renewal while enjoying sweet fellowship in an environment full of integrity & love.”
-Kimani Keaton, Gifts processing and data entry associate, PYM
CENTRAL PHILADELPHIA MONTHLY MEETING (CPMM)
- Central Philadelphia Monthly Meeting is a Quaker congregation.
- We don’t typically refer to ourselves as a church; instead we call our congregation a “Monthly Meeting” (because we hold a business meeting once a month) or “Meeting” for short.
- You’re welcome to join us for waiting worship in the manner of Friends any Sunday at 11 am.
- CPMM is a diverse and affirming environment; we welcome people of all ages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations and faith backgrounds.
TENANT NEWS
- ARSP says goodbye to its U.S. programs director, Mark McGuigan.
- Girls Inc.: In the spring of 2019, a class of senior FOX Sports University students in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State were challenged to create a strategic campaign for Girls Inc. that encourages FOX Sports fans and viewers to learn more about the organization’s mission: inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold. Watch here on YouTube.
EVENTS OUTSIDE FRIENDS CENTER
Pardon Workshop with
X-Offenders for Community Empowerment
When: August 12, 2019 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: 2227 N. Broad Street Philadelphia PA 19132
Need assistance with a pardon? Wayne Jacobs, Co-Founder and Executive Director of X-Offenders for Community Empowerment is hosting a workshop to get you started with the pardon application. Mr. Jacobs hosts his clinic at 2227 N. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19123 every 2nd Monday from 6-7pm. For more details, please call 215-668-8477 or email jacobs19132@yahoo.com.
Hidden Lives Illuminated
Mark your calendars for the debut of Hidden Lives Illuminated! Short films created by currently-incarcerated artists will be projected onto the walls of Eastern State nightly August 15 through September 12. Learn more at HiddenLives.org. #HiddenLives