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Germantown United CDC Receives $25,000 Civic Engagement Grant from Pennsylvania Humanities Council

PHILADELPHIA, January 12, 2015 — Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) has received a one-year, $25,000 civic engagement grant from the Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) centered on pre-work for a comprehensive neighborhood plan.

Understanding the need for a resident-driven approach to community planning and development, Germantown United CDC has joined forces with the theater-based nonprofit Just Act to connect organized groups of residents operating at the micro level – from block associations to neighborhood civics with limited boundaries – and map both the formal and informal networks currently contributing to community improvement efforts in Germantown. This community network analysis will identify shared values and visions for Germantown, aid in healing historic and invisible divisions, and insure that all parties are well-represented and prepared for their role as stakeholder in the larger effort to revitalize greater Germantown and the neighborhood’s shopping district and commercial sector.

“The information gathered during this civic engagement project will shape Germantown United CDC’s priorities and plans for successful, community-responsive business corridor revitalization,” said Emaleigh Doley, Germantown United CDC’s Commercial Corridor Manager.

Participants in a Story Circle exercise led by the Just Act ensemble.

“So much of the work that Just Act undertakes is rooted in creating space for community members to engage in new ways with one another around pressing topics that impact everyone’s lives,” said Lisa Jo Epstein, Executive Director of Just Act. “Our story and theatre-based techniques will mobilize an array of residents to dialogue openly about the needs of Germantown’s business corridor, providing vital information that Germantown United – and city government – can use to insure inclusive community growth.”

PHC’s civic engagement grants support humanities-focused approaches to community development throughout the commonwealth. Germantown joins three other Pennsylvania communities that will receive civic engagement grants from PHC this year: Carlisle, Meadville, and Williamsport.

visit our project page at pahumanities.org

explore other grant communities and see the Pennsylvania Humanities Council announcement

To achieve the greatest impact and broadest reach through the civic engagement grants it awards, PHC has partnered with the Orton Family Foundation to bring its Community Heart & Soul™ method to PHC’s grant communities. Community Heart & Soul is a proven process that empowers people to shape the future of their communities by creating a shared sense of belonging that improves local decision-making and ultimately strengthens social, cultural, and economic vibrancy.

Key to the process is learning what matters most to the community through gathering stories from and engaging as many residents as possible, including those who don’t typically participate in public processes.

“We believe the humanities can inspire people to come together and make a difference in their communities,” said Laurie Zierer, PHC’s executive director. “With storytelling at the heart of planning and development, local values and voices become the foundation for building communities that are connected, innovative, competitive, and strong.”

GUCDC_Corridor_0057_Monique_Brand copy — Central Germantown Business Corridor. Photo by Monique Brand.

About Germantown United Community Development Corporation
The mission of Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of the business corridors in the Germantown neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development. Learn more at germantownunitedcdc.org.

About Just Act
Just Act ignites public dialogue and action planning using theatre-based tools with collaborating partners invested in making meaningful social and civic change. As a multi-dimensional resource across sectors, Just Act is a distinctive, innovative hybrid of artistic & community engagement. Collaboration and relationship-building are central to Just Act. Through a spectrum of aesthetic, activist and educational tools, Just Act activates creative strategies for groups to collectively imagine, rehearse and plan just actions for making change. Our process advances interpersonal and citizenship skills by bringing out participants’ innate creativity, catalyzing positive relationships among people in places, and between people and places, as well as strengthening personal and community capacity for civic engagement. In all that Just Act undertakes, we strive to enliven empathy and increase understanding and awareness about human interaction, the roles we play within larger systems, and the impact of choices on combating injustice. Learn more at justact.today.

About the Pennsylvania Humanities Council
The Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) connects Pennsylvanians to each other through stories, ideas, and experiences that can change lives and transform communities. PHC champions and redefines the role the humanities play in educating citizens and strengthening communities through programs that create pathways for learning and creativity, spark dialogue and civic engagement, and encourage diversity of expression. An independent partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, PHC is part of a network of 56 state humanities councils that spans the nation and U.S. jurisdictions. Learn more at pahumanities.org.

About the Orton Family Foundation and Community Heart & Soul
With its Community Heart & Soul™ method, the Orton Family Foundation empowers people to shape the future of their communities by improving local decision-making, creating a shared sense of belonging and ultimately strengthening the social, cultural and economic vibrancy of communities. The Foundation assists the residents of small cities and towns in the use of the Community Heart & Soul™ method, a barn-raising approach to community planning and development that invites residents to shape the future of their communities in ways that uphold the unique character of each place. For more information visit orton.org.

Contacts

Emaleigh Doley
Commercial Corridor Manager
Germantown United CDC
215.856.4303
[email protected]

Mary Ellen Burd
Director of Communications
Pennsylvania Humanities Council
215.925.1005 ext. 121
[email protected]

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GUCDC’s Storefront Activation Program: Pairing Local Artists and Makers with Germantown Businesses

Call for proposals!

We’re looking for low-cost, high impact projects.

Download the program information below as a PDF file >>

We’re currently accepting proposals for Germantown United CDC’s (GU) Storefront Activation Program – a low-cost, high impact initiative that pairs local artists and makers with neighborhood businesses and property owners to upgrade storefront window displays, and interior spaces visible from the street. The grant program aims to enliven the street for pedestrians, attract more customers to existing businesses, market available commercial properties, and promote Germantown to prospective businesses. If you’re a business and want your storefront redone, or if you’re a maker and have an idea for a project, get in touch with Emaleigh Doley at [email protected].

Examples of Creative Storefronts

Above: Inspiration for the Storefront Activation Program. Below: Looking out from inside The Sugar Bowl at 6104 Germantown Ave. The Sugar Bowl is participating in the Storefront Activation Program! Do you have an idea for how to remake their window display? Get in touch today!

Program Description

Storefront Activation Program
Pairing Local Artists and Makers with Germantown Businesses

Download the program information below as a PDF file >>

Germantown United CDC’s (GU) Storefront Activation Program (SAP) is a low-cost, high impact initiative that pairs local artists and makers with neighborhood businesses and property owners to upgrade storefront window displays, and interior spaces visible from the street.
The SAP supports GU’s efforts to revitalize Germantown’s business corridors by strengthening current businesses, activating street-level storefronts, and improving the overall appearance of the corridor by adding a visual richness to the walkway. The grant program also aims to enliven the street for pedestrians, attract more customers to existing businesses, market available commercial properties, and promote Germantown to prospective businesses.

The Storefront Activation Program will:

Activate 5 or more storefronts (occupied or vacant) located on Germantown Avenue, Chelten Avenue, or Maplewood Mall using temporary or long-term window displays, or interior displays visible from the street, created by Germantown artists
Provide Germantown artists with an employment opportunity
Help business owners of occupied buildings better market their businesses; and help the property owners of vacant commercial buildings market vacant spaces to prospective tenants

What we are looking for:

Eye-catching, creative displays in storefront windows (temporary or permanent)
Displays that generate awareness and draw from the products/services offered by the business, helping to market the business in a unique way; displays can also be seasonal or holiday-themed; Germantown or neighborhood history-related subjects can also be explored
Collaboration with the business/property owner in the creative process; the artist/maker may also work with other artists, students, and community members
Projects that can be implemented quickly and make an immediate impact; the installation timeframe should be short and no more than 10 days

Participating artists and makers will provide:

Design renderings and/or a written summary of the project
Estimated project budget, including stipend and materials
Labor for installation and de-installation (if temporary)

Germantown United CDC will provide:

Financing for the project including full cost of supplies
Artist stipends, based on the agreed-upon budget for each individual project
Serve as an intermediary between artists and business/property owners
Promote the program and completed projects via GU’s website and social media networks, and select press outreach

Project budgets may range from $250 to $2,500.

Projects that re-use and re-purpose materials, and include in-kind donations of supplies and materials are highly encouraged; Germantown United CDC can assist with outreach to potential partners.

The duration of the displays will be determined in part by the each participating business or property owner.

Got questions?

Contact GU’s SAP Project Lead:
Emaleigh Doley, Commercial Corridor Manager

Germantown United CDC
5219 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Email: [email protected]
Office: 215-856-4303
www.germantownunitedcdc.org

This grant is supported by PNC Charitable Trusts, which manages the Rowell Family Foundation.

Objectives for 2015

A few of Germantown United CDC’s objectives for 2015:

Launch Storefront Activation Program, that matches Germantown artists to create window displays in vacant storefronts on the corridors
Host the fourth Maplewood Mall Street Festival in May 2015
Continue Street tree planting effort beyond the Unit and 100 blocks of Cheltne Avenue, and the 5600 block of Germantown Avenue
Implement the online business directory for Germantown businesses
Promote Historic Germantown’s Second Saturday program with additional marketing materials, events and cross-promotion of historic sites with restaurants and shops
Expand the Business Info Sessions from quarterly to bi-monthly; increase awareness, attendance and participation of Germantown businesses in the meetings
Implement at least 5 facade improvements through the City Commerce Department’s Storefront Improvement Program
Continue partnership with Germantown organizations and the City Planning Commission to seek resources for a comprehensive neighborhood plan for Germantown
Start creating an independent and steady revenue stream to assure organizational sustainability
Create radio programming for the Low Power FM (LPFM) radio station in partnership with G-town Radio and the Germantown Life Enrichment Center
Become a Kiva Zip loan sponsor to a Germantown Business

Germantown United CDC is a finalist in the Knight Cities Challenge!

Germantown United CDC is 1 of 158 finalists in The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Knight Cities Challenge!

Civic innovators from across the country submitted more than 4,500 ideas to this year’s challenge. Submissions came from many nonprofit and government organizations, as well as design experts, urban planning organizations and individuals focused on making their cities more successful.

Here’s our one sentence pitch:

Beyond the Census: Building a Positive Data Story of a Community’s Human Resources
Increasing economic opportunity by discovering new data about underserved neighborhoods that attract new businesses and investment.

Germantown neighborhood is well-represented, with three projects proposed by Germantown residents making the final round – congratulations also to Amanda Staples and Vashti DuBois! Winners will be announced in Spring 2016. Stay tuned.

Philly Has More Knight Cities Challenge Finalists Than Anyone Else

Germantown Business Info Session: Minding Your Business for Maximum Success, Wednesday, March 9

A panel of experts will discuss the importance of establishing a strong team, solid inventory, well managed operations, and a marketing strategy to achieve success at Germantown United CDC’s next Business Info Session, co-organized by The Business Center for Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise. The event will be held on Wednesday, March 9th from 9:00 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Germantown Historical Society, 5501 Germantown Ave (near School House Lane). After the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, talk one-on-one with our presenters and network with other local businesses an entrepreneurs in attendance.

Panelists:

Renee Brandon, Principal, Virtual Chief Marketing Officer, Open Door Expressions

Bill Dorsey, Consultant, The Business Center For EntrepreneurshipStephen Robertson, MBA, Executive Change Management Consultant, The Paradigm Group

Victoria Tyson, Owner, Victoria’s Kitchen

Moderators:

Colette deChalus Lee, Lender Relations Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration

Steve Oakman, Board President, The Business Center For Entrepreneurship

Pamela Rich-Wheeler,MBA, Executive Director, The Business Center For Entrepreneurship

Who can attend?

Anyone who owns a local business, or is interested in opening a business in Germantown is welcome to attend. Programs are FREE to attend.

About the series

Business Info Sessions are held bi-monthly and feature invited speakers who give brief presentations about resources that can benefit local businesses, and updates on GUCDC’s work as it relates to the local business community. All sessions include time for attendees to network, ask questions, and offer feedback.

Event logistics

WHEN

Wednesday, March 9 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

WHERE

5501 Germantown Ave Germantown Historical Society (near School House Lane)
Philadelphia, PA 19144

QUESTIONS?

GUCDC Office: 215-856-4303
Emaleigh Doley, Commercial Corridor Manager: [email protected]

GU’s Germantown Business Info Session series is made possible with support from First Niagara Foundation.

New 2016 Community Grant Program Application Deadlines, Germantown United CDC Announces 2015 “Fund for Germantown” Micro-grants

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Germantown, Philadelphia, PA (March 31, 2016): In an effort to align grant funding for community improvement efforts with the warmer weather months for outdoor projects, Germantown United CDC (GUCDC) is changing the grant application dates for the Fund for Germantown, the organization’s micro-grant program supporting community-driven beautification projects in Northwest Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood. In 2016, the deadlines will be Friday, April 15, and Friday, September 30. Funding guidelines may be found on Germantown United’s website at www.germantownunitedcdc.org. To request an application, email [email protected] or call 215-856-4303.

Germantown United CDC distributes small grants ranging from $100 to $1000 to local organizations, civic associations, businesses, and individuals seeking to beautify the Germantown neighborhood. The grant program is part of GUCDC’s ongoing efforts to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown’s business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development.

The focus of the Fund for Germantown is to support projects that will have an immediate physical impact on the neighborhood. The fund provides grants for physical improvements across Germantown including, but not limited to, landscaping, signage, painting, reclaiming empty lots, and waste removal.

Germantown United CDC is proud to announce all 2015 grantees

Since the Fund for Germantown launched, 19 micro-grants have been awarded, with funds supporting a wide range of projects from greening to murals, neighborhood bulletin boards, cleanups and other community-building activities.

In 2015, seven projects were funded in the July 2015 round, and two were funded for the December 31 round.

Winning project ideas from 2015 include:

Business owner Lynn Washington will install a ‘Little Free Library’ to the front of Books & Stuff, her bookstore located at 23 W Maplewood Mall.
Residents Clint Steib and Villia Lateef will lead their neighbors in a planting and beautification project on the 4500 and 4600 blocks of Greene Street aimed at traffic calming.
Artist and photographer Tieshka Smith will launch the Peaceful Places public signage project in Germantown’s storied Penn-Knox neighborhood, next to the Central Germantown business corridor
Fitler Academics Plus, a public elementary school in Germantown serving students in grades one through eight located at 140 W Seymour St (at Knox St) will paint ground murals and organized games in the school’s playground
West Central Germantown Neighbors civic association will enhance their community orchard and garden project at the Tulpehocken Train Station, a SEPTA Regional Rail station at 333 W Tulpehocken St (off Walnut Ln and Wayne Ave)
Support to sustain the ongoing streetscape beautification efforts of Men Who Care of Germantown around their headquarters at 180 East Tulpehocken St (at Morton St)
The Imperfect Gallery will install an interactive sidewalk mural outside of the gallery and community space at 5601 Greene St, adjacent to the Maplewood Mall pedestrian plaza and shopping corridor
Freedom Gardens, a project by Germantown resident Susan Guggenheim, will connect local gardeners who would like to share their crop free of charge with Germantown residents looking to improve their diets with home-grown produce; Freedom Gardens will be identified by lawn signs and online via Google Maps
Support to sustain Chew-Belfield Neighbors Club’s ongoing cleaning and beautification projects in East Germantown

The Fund for Germantown us supported through generous seed funding by local real estate developers Howard Treatman and Ken Weinstein. “We are excited to support these small projects that have a big impact”, says funder Ken Weinstein. “These kinds of initiatives are exactly what we had in mind when we envisioned the Fund for Germantown”, said Howard Treatman. “It’s been great to see how Germantown United has been able to empower the community and leverage grassroots efforts.”

About Germantown United CDC

Germantown United Community Development Corporation is a 501(c)3 organization that was created to promote and facilitate the revitalization of Germantown’s business corridors through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development. Founded in 2011, Germantown United CDC’s focus is to work with residents, businesses and community organizations to create an inspirational vision of Germantown’s business corridors and surrounding neighborhoods, create innovative case studies and sustainable business models to attract green-oriented developers, and recruit forward-thinking investors committed to fostering sustainable economic growth and development for all Germantown residents. Learn more at http://germantownunitedcdc.org.

Contact
Germantown United CDC
Andy Trackman, [email protected]
Emaleigh Doley, [email protected]
Office: 215.856.4303

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RES to complete Chelten Avenue Commercial Corridor Market Study and Revitalization Strategy

Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) has retained Real Estate Strategies, Inc. (RES) to conduct a market study and develop a revitalization strategy for the Chelten Avenue commercial corridor in Germantown. GUCDC is actively working to bolster and reinforce the vibrancy of Chelten Avenue to meet the needs of the surrounding community, attract visitors from outside the immediate neighborhood, and provide employment opportunities for neighborhood residents. Building on these efforts, the purpose and objectives of this study are to explore opportunities to strengthen and diversify the mix of commercial uses in the corridor, the potential to reuse vacant or underutilized properties, business and job attraction strategies, and available sources of funding to support recommended revitalization strategies.

RES provides advisory services in real estate and economic development and has extensive experience in preparing market analyses and developing revitalization strategies for commercial corridors and neighborhoods in Philadelphia and throughout the greater mid-Atlantic region. Additionally, RES principals have over 25 years of experience working on development plans and initiatives in the Germantown neighborhood. Careful market research underpins all RES engagements, with the understanding that the best business attraction and economic development strategies begin with a realistic understanding of market dynamics.

The mission of Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of the business corridors in the Germantown neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development. Learn more at www.germantownunitedcdc.org.

CD Release Party with Germantown United & Philadelphia Jazz Project, Sunday, October 30, 2016

Germantown United CDC and Philly Jazz Project are proud to announce the release of a brand new musical album featuring a lineup of superb local acts generously displaying their talents, “For the Love of Germantown!” On Sunday, October 30, 2016 from 4 PM – 6 PM join us at Rittenhouse Soundworks (219 W Rittenhouse St) to hear the artists perform a live show, enjoy an open bar and good cheer, and take home your own copy of this never-before-heard compilation of music inspired by Germantown. The product of two years of planning and effort by the Philadelphia Jazz Project and producer, Homer Jackson, “For the Love of Germantown!” is another great way for you to support Germantown’s burgeoning arts scene, and Germantown United’s creative and community driven approach to economic development.

Featured artists on the album include: Bethlehem & Sad Patrick, DM Hotep (David Middleton), Jim Dragoni, John Blake & Steve Giordano Duo, Karen Smith, Kunu Bi, Melange Jazz Collective, Rob Henderson, Tony Williams & Dave Posmontier, and many others.

And there’s more: attendees will witness the unveiling of Germantown’s new online business directory, and have the honor of being the first contributors as we kick off our 2016 grassroots growth campaign aiming to raise $40,000 to ensure our ongoing work in 2017! All proceeds raised from this event will be added to our fund.

Tickets: $15 Admission Only; $30 Admission + Copy of the CD; $20 CD Only

The Philadelphia Jazz Project is a sponsored project of the Culture Trust | Greater Philadelphia, with funding provided by The Wyncote Foundation.

Download the press release as a PDF >>

“This is Germantown Heart & Soul” Winter Community Gatherings

Ask Residents to Guide Neighborhood Development in Northwest Philadelphia
Through Creative Participatory Planning Process, beginning November 19th

Germantown, Philadelphia, PA – This is Germantown Heart & Soul, a project of Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) and Just Act, will host a series of community gatherings throughout Northwest Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood this winter beginning on November 19, 2016. The Germantown community is invited to participate in a unique interactive group storytelling experience. Unlike traditional civic meetings and town halls, the events – called Story Circles – use theater as a planning tool and center on capturing the wishes, needs, and ideas of residents as they share personal stories of meaningful experiences in Germantown and what they view as essential for growth of the neighborhood’s vibrant but struggling shopping district. A calendar of events is included below, with additional dates to be announced.

Story Circles will be facilitated by a multigenerational “Storytelling Engagement Team” comprised of Germantown residents, with support from the Just Act Ensemble. The collected stories will guide Germantown United CDC’s future work and plans for successful, community-responsive business corridor revitalization and contribute to efforts underway to make the central business district a people-centered main street destination for the Germantown community and visitors from outside the immediate neighborhood.

“This is Germantown Heart & Soul aims to create a shared sense of belonging that ultimately improves local decision-making and strengthens social, cultural, and economic vibrancy,” said Emaleigh Doley, Commercial Corridor Manager at Germantown United CDC. “Germantown is one of the city’s largest neighborhoods, with a population of 44,000. It’s important to recognize that the immediate needs of residents living in the Chew and Belfield area of East Germantown might differ from those in West Germantown’s Penn-Knox section, for example. That doesn’t mean the Eastside and the Westside have nothing in common. We also all share the business district.”

A core goal of the project is to connect both the formal and informal networks contributing to community improvement efforts and operating at the micro level – from block captains to Registered Community Organizations (RCOs) and neighborhood civics with limited boundaries.

Scenes from the This is Heart & Soul pop-up story booth at the Friends of Vernon Park Spring Bazaar, October 8, 2016; Park(ing) Day Philadelphia installation, September 16, 2016; and Maple Village Story Gathering, October 18, 2016.

“These story sharing events build upon an interest and commitment in helping communities adapt and implement positive changes based upon the vision and experiences of all community members and create new opportunities for residents and community stakeholders to meet in-person,” said Lisa Jo Epstein, Executive Director of Just Act.

This is Germantown Heart & Soul made its public debut in the spring of 2016 through a series of successful pop-up story booths held along the business district at a variety of spaces, from the bustling intersection of Germantown and Chelten Avenues to the annual Juneteenth Celebration, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, organized by the Johnson House Historic Site. The Story Engagement Team was formed in the summer and fall of 2016 and has been meeting regularly to train for and plan the upcoming Story Circles events. The Germantown Life Enrichment Center, a community-oriented recreational and educational facility in the heart of Germantown at 5722 Greene Street, generously donated meeting space for the team and is one of several This is Germantown Heart & Soul sponsoring organizations.

Story Engagement Team training sessions.

With the addition of the more intimate Story Circles series, This is Germantown Heart & Soul will:

Build, diversify, and strengthen resident engagement with and collective participation in civic process to increase impact and positively affect neighborhood-wide planning decisions;
Strengthen resident readiness for, and engagement in the Philadelphia City Planning Commission’s “Philadelphia2035” District Planning process for the Upper Northwest, slated for 2017-2018;
Expand who participates in public processes related to real estate development and neighborhood revitalization by engaging isolated and diverse resident groups;
Cultivate and/or improve relationships, social community cohesion and stewardship of place.

The collected data will also become the highlight of “Community Cataloguing Data Jams” – events in January 2017 where participants will listen to transcripts of stories from their neighbors to collectively identify and catalogue shared visions for what the community values.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The current calendar of events is included below. Additional dates will be added. All Germantown residents and community stakeholders are invited. Events are open to the public. Food and refreshments will be provided, along with live music and good cheer. Attend one or attend them all. For an up-to-date program calendar visit facebook.com/thisisgermantownheartandsoul. Contact Germantown United CDC at 215-856-4303 or [email protected].

Saturday, November 19 from 4 – 6 p.m.
Location: Providence Baptist Church, 87 E. Haines Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Sponsoring Community Organization: Providence Baptist Church

Monday, December 5 from 7 – 9 p.m.
Location: Awbury Arboreteum, 1 Awbury Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19138
Sponsoring Community Organization: Awbury Arboretum Neighbors, Chew and Belfield Neighbors Club, and Awbury Arboreteum

Tuesday, December 13 from 7 – 9 p.m.
Location: Germantown Mennonite Church, 21 W Washington Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19144
Sponsoring Community Organization: Pastorius Community Garden, Men Who Care of Germantown, Germantown Mennonite Church, and Germantown Mennonite Historic Trust

About Germantown United Community Development Corporation

Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) is a community-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote and facilitate the revitalization of the business district in the Germantown neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia through a sustainable, creative, and community-driven approach to economic development. Vibrant commercial corridors or “Main Streets” contribute to strong neighborhoods. They provide a place to work, shop, and meet your neighbors. Through our Targeted Corridor Management Program contract with the city’s Commerce Department, Germantown United CDC provides assistance to businesses, brings planning and resources to the corridor, oversees activities to make the corridor clean and safe, and works to attract new businesses to the area. We are actively working to bolster and reinforce the vibrancy of the business district to meet the needs of the surrounding community and attract visitors from outside the immediate neighborhood. Germantown United CDC is also exploring opportunities to strengthen and diversify the mix of commercial uses in the business district, the potential to reuse vacant or underutilized properties, business and job attraction strategies, and available sources of funding to support recommended revitalization strategies.

Website: http://germantownunitedcdc.org
Social: facebook.com/germantowncdc | twitter.com/germantowncdc | instagram.com/germantowncdc

About Just Act

Just Act is a distinctive hybrid of artistic and community engagement committed to social justice. Our Ensemble of artist-educators facilitate unique theatre-based programs with non-actors that activate and nurture meaningful dialogue, reflection, healing and action around complex, often divisive social issues. Just Act is committed to building and fortifying inclusive, restorative civic engagement through partnerships across sectors and differences. Informed by Theatre of the Oppressed and other art and activist strategies, our work is a creative catalyst for community activism and personal change. In all we undertake, Just Act renews and deepens the capacity of social change seekers and makers to stand up for justice on personal, inter-group and systemic levels with compassion and renewed courage. In these times of anxiety, bustle and disconnection, Just Act offers refreshing, participatory “refuel zones” to creatively pause and attend to tension and fractured relations – particularly around race, culture, and socio-economic disparities – to reweave connections and grow empathy, understanding and action plans.

Website: http://www.justact.org
Social: facebook.com/justact.today | twitter.com/JustActToday

Media Contact:
Emaleigh Doley
Commercial Corridor Manager, Germantown United CDC
Office: 215-856-4303
Mobile: 610-331-3758
[email protected]

Lisa Jo Epstein
Executive Director, Just Act
Mobile: 215-290-9784
[email protected]

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Local Music: Buy the “For the Love of Germantown” Benefit Album

Philadelphia is home to strong musical traditions like Jazz, Gospel, DooWop, R&B, Rock and Hiphop. Our greatest strength has been the unexpected and wonderful blending and swirling of these traditions into new and fascinating musical creations. One place where this magic happens is Germantown. This community in the Northwestern region of Philadelphia was and continues to be a neighborhood rich in culture, history and diverstity. Many renowned Philadelphia musicians, writers, visual artists, media makers and dancers grew up, or made their homes in Germantown.

In the Spring of 2016, Philadelphia Jazz Project began a collaboration with Germantown United Community Development Corporation (GUCDC) and a group of talented Germantown musicians. The task: To record and produce a compelling CD, as a fundraiser for GUCDC. The goal: To celebrate the historical cultural strength and diversity of Northwest Philadelphia’s Germantown community. The culminating album – entitled “For the Love of Germantown” – is a compilation of nine great Jazz, Blues and Soul performances of new and classic songs. Featured album artists include: Jim Dragoni, Bethlehem & Sad Patrick, Karen Smith, DM Hotep (David Middleton), Kunu Bi with Papa Ed Stokes & Tom Lowery, Mélange Jazz Collective with Bert Harris, Tony Williams & Dave Posmontier, Rob Henderson, and John Blake & Steve Giordano Duo.

‘Tis the season to shop small and buy local! Make a donation of $15 to Germantown United CDC to receive your very own copy. “For the Love of Germantown!” is another great way for you to support Germantown’s burgeoning arts scene, and Germantown United CDC’s creative and community driven approach to economic development.

BUY THE CD ONLINE

The album, produced by Philadelphia Jazz Project’s Homer Jackson, was released on October 30, 2016 and celebrated with a live jam session and album release party at Germantown’s Rittenhouse Soundworks.

Philadelphia Jazz Project is a sponsored project of the Culture Trust | Greater Philadelphia, with funding provided by The Wyncote Foundation.

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