The Friends Neighborhood Guild is a settlement house and neighborhood center. It exists to serve and respond to the needs of the people in its community, particularly those people who are less able to help themselves. The Guild provides social services, seeks to improve the quality of life of its neighbors, and assists in the development of leadership and organization through which community residents may more effectively pursue their common objectives.
For information on progams, please visit the website, or contact:
Friends Neighborhood Guild
701 N. 8th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-923-1544
Serving the Philadelphia region. Program descriptions are listed below.
Adult Education
Adult Education provides literacy instruction, adult basic education and GED assessment. Services are targeted to participants of the Coordinating Office of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Programs. Workshops are scheduled on a 6-12 week basis, and the frequency of classes ranges from 1-3 times weekly. Programs are available year round.
The program is free to clients who are enrolled in recovery programs on a residential and outpatient basis.
After School Enrichment Program
ASEP is a free, licensed after care program that seeks to provide youth with academic and cultural enrichment. Building upon a Freedom School model, young scholars within ASEP develop a greater, more critical awareness of themselves and their roles within society, explore the boundaries of the visual and performing arts; study conflict resolution and relationship building, participate in sports and recreation, gain entrepreneurial skills, and participate in service learning activities.
Program Hours: Monday – Friday, 2PM - 6PM
Community Learning Center
The Community Learning Center is a cluster of classes, special and family events and public forums dedicated to giving Guild community members the resources to thrive emotionally, spiritually, artistically, and socially. The CLC is rooted in a deep commitment to wholeness and quality of life that has been at the root of Guild work for over a century.
CLC activities for 2005-2006 include the Creative Difference Arts Series the first Friday of every month. Come see the art work of a local artist, enjoy good food, music, and activities for families.
Food Program
The Guild’s Food Pantry offers twice-monthly free food distributions on Wednesdays from 11AM to 2PM to families or individuals who at or below 125% percent of poverty. Baby diapers and household goods are sometimes also available.
Please call 215-923-1544 ex t.100 to find out the dates for this month.
Individuals or families wishing to receive a Food Program basket should bring a 1) photo ID, 2) social security cards or birth certificates for all members of their household, 3) a pay stub or proof of unemployment.
Neighborhood Energy Center
The Neighborhood Energy Center is a one stop shop that provides energy education and counseling to consumers that have various energy related issues and needs. The Guild’s NEC provides financial assistance for utilities via several federally and privately administered funds, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Crisis Grant, and the Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF).
The NEC also offers insulation services through the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), as well as plumbing repair and support through the Conservation Assistance Program (CAP). Family budget counseling, advocacy and referrals are also available.
Philadelphia Freedom School
Philadelphia Freedom School is an innovative, free 5-week summer camp for children ages 7-14 that focuses on academic and artistic enrichment, social justice, and a love of learning.