Ayuda Community Center

Aucton 09

2009-02-23T19:48:00.000-05:00

New Blog Address

2008-12-30T02:04:00.001-05:00

We've moved!

http://www.ayudacc.org/about/blog/

Feed URL

Put us in your feeds and stay tuned!

Community Arts Program Beautifies Hunting Park with New Mural

2008-08-07T20:59:00.002-05:00

Click the photo above to see our images on Flickr. Read the descriptions to learn more about the collaborative process of painting and installing this mural together as a community. There are also photos of our Mural Celebration held on July 19th, 2008. Visit Ayuda to see the mural in person!

T-Shirt Design by Youth Artist: Nathalie Nunez

2008-06-25T11:30:00.002-05:00

Summer Camp Theme
Celebrating Unity in Diversity: A Tour of 7 Continents

Ayuda Community Center 15th Anniversary Celebration

2008-04-15T15:08:00.001-05:00

A good time was had by all...

Daquan for President

2008-04-03T17:33:00.000-05:00

Justice For All - latest email newsletter

2008-03-13T12:59:00.004-05:00

Dear Friends,

Margarita and her children would be homeless today if not for the Free Legal Clinic at Ayuda. Recently divorced, she found herself a single mom with two kids, a mortgage, and a growing debt problem. Unable to maintain the household on only one income, she hired an inexpensive bankruptcy attorney who made a major mistake in her debt payment plan. As a result, she fell behind on mortgage payments and the wheels of foreclosure began to spin. A month away from losing her home to a foreclosure auction, she came to our office with the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Volunteer attorneys and Ayuda staff sorted through piles of legal documents and made over 20 hours of phone calls on Margarita's behalf. The voices on the other end of the phone were not eager to listen or provide assistance. Her anxiety, and ours, grew as the deadline approached. Two days before the foreclosure auction, the phone calls paid off. The bankruptcy attorney fixed his error, the mortgage company agreed to give Margarita a second chance, and the judge stopped the foreclosure of her home. It was nothing short of a miracle for Margarita and her kids.

Margarita's case is not uncommon. Nearly 50% of families in our community live under the federal poverty line and on average they will experience one civil legal need each year. In civil cases, there are no free public defenders. Justice costs money and therefore many are forced to do without. Even federally funded legal aid programs have strict guidelines to qualify clients for services. This means that 50% of those seeking help are turned away, resulting in 1 million rejected cases annually. Margarita was one such case. Because the Free Legal Clinc at Ayuda is funded privately, we never reject a client. Appointments are taken on a first come, first serve basis.

You can make a difference for someone like Margarita. In addition to providing our wonderful volunteer attorneys, the Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia have awarded a matching grant of $7,200 to Ayuda's Free Legal Clinic for 2008. We will provide one hour consultations for approximately 300 clients this year at a cost of $17,500 or $52 per client. Raising the full match amount gets us most of the way there. Please consider joining with Ayuda in this important work through a one-time gift or a monthly commitment. Your generous gift will be doubled and will touch lives directly. Simply send a check to the address below or visit www.ayudacc.org/donate and designate to Legal Clinic.

I called Margarita this afternoon to catch up and let her know I was writing this email. It's been nearly a year since she first came through our doors. She is doing well and up to date on all her payments. Her voice was full of joy and she insisted that I use her real name.

Please take a moment to consider how you can support the Free Legal Clinic at Ayuda.

Many thanks,

Ryan Kellermeyer
Director of Devleopment
Ayuda Community Center
4400 N. Marshall St.
Philadelphia, PA 19140

p.s. - Check out our online auction! Bidding is open!

For more information on the "justice gap" in the United States, click here.

For more information on Christian Legal Clincs of Philadelphia, click here.

Youth Art Show a Success

2007-12-18T13:47:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, December 16th, we celebrated the completion of our fall youth art courses. For the past 10 weeks, 9 students have been taking visual art courses here at Ayuda: Intermediate Drawing, Introduction to Oil Painting, and Introduction to Graphic Arts. At the show, each student spoke about skills they learned in the discipline they studied as well as what they learned about themselves throughout the process of taking these courses.

“I learned that when I like something I stay dedicated to finish it.”

“I’ve learned that I have a very wacky creative style that most people don’t understand.”

“I can draw with a feeling that never ends.”

“I’ve learned to incorporate my thoughts into my art work.”

“I learned that I’m not very patient.”

“I learned that I like abstract art.”

“I’ve learned that art up-close and personal really helps with my anger issues… you must be very calm to paint because you don’t always get what you expect in art.”

“Art making is important to me because it keeps me off the streets. It keeps me calm. I learned to express my own voice through visual art by making everything pop out and seem like it’s really real. I learned that I’m a beautiful person inside and out. The colors in my face are unique. I never knew that until I drew myself. I brag all the time. I look at myself as a whole other person now. I’ve learned that I’m really an artistic person. Also, I learned that I can be positive and to be on point. I’m looking forward to more art classes at Ayuda.”

Read more from the kids in the ART SHOW PROGRAM.

Christmas in Hunting Park - video

2007-12-08T00:56:00.001-05:00

Hunting Park Community Garden: Christmas 2007 Recap

2007-12-03T12:39:00.000-05:00

Over 70 people got together on Saturday to decorate the Hunting Park Community Garden, make ornaments and Christmas cards, and enjoy warm beverages and friendship. Here are a few photos.

Up next: Easter Egg Hunt Spring 2008!

New Life Thrift

2007-11-29T13:15:00.000-05:00

Thanks to New Life Thrift Shop for donating $100 in merchandise to the Hunting Park Community Garden for our Christmas decorating event this weekend!

Linvilla Orchard

2007-11-06T13:13:00.001-05:00

The Support Our Students (S.O.S.) afterschool program is enjoying a day at Linvilla Orchard. Schools are closed for election day.

An Afternoon at the "ROCKY STEPS"

2007-10-01T23:21:00.000-05:00

View fullscreen: www.ayudacc.org/Rocky

Hunting Park Community Garden: First Harvest

2007-09-21T15:40:00.000-05:00

Jeff Manson, the block captain by the community garden, came in today to show me a batch of photos he took of the initial harvest. What began as seeds is now coming to full bloom. He also found a bullet in the street and took a photo. "We won't let that seed grow," he said.

The Next Great Fashion Designer

2007-09-20T15:48:00.000-05:00

Natalie graduated from Hunting Park Christian Academy's eight grade class last year and is now a freshman who hopes to become a fashion designer. She wakes up early every morning to take the bus downtown to school and stops by Ayuda every afternoon where she is taking drawing class through our Community Arts Program. She is working hard and has a great attitude. It might not be too long before you see her designs on the runways of Paris, Milan, and Hunting Park!

Ayuda will make you live longer.

2007-09-14T15:04:00.000-05:00

Yes, it's true! We wouldn't make this up! The Corporation for National and Community Service released a report which notes the following:

* A study of adults age 65 and older found that the positive effect of volunteering on physical and mental health is due to the personal sense of accomplishment an individual gains from his or her volunteer activities.
* Another study found that volunteering led to lower rates of depression in individuals 65 and older.
* A Duke study found that individuals who volunteered after experiencing heart attacks reported reductions in despair and depression – two factors that that have been linked to mortality in post-coronary artery disease patients.
* An analysis of longitudinal data found that individuals over 70 who volunteered approximately 100 hours had less of a decline in self-reported health and functioning levels, experienced lower levels of depression, and had more longevity.
* Two studies found that volunteering threshold is about 100 hours per year, or about two hours a week. Individuals who reached the threshold enjoyed significant health benefits, although there were not additional benefits beyond the 100-hour mark.

So come on, be selfish and volunteer!

These handsome gentlemen are on the road to a long life as volunteer attorneys for our legal clinic. Don't they look healthy!!?

G.E.D. success

2007-08-31T15:51:00.000-05:00

I just got back from the local Post Office where I was mailing off a grant proposal. The guy behind the counter saw the address and said:

"Oh, Ayuda. My wife studied for her G.E.D. there. She's a counselor now, so she owes you one."

As any good Director of Development would do, I promptly handed him my card, but it was just good to hear about her success and Ayuda's hand in it. Praise God!

Daquan is a nice guy.

2007-08-31T15:45:00.001-05:00

Ayuda's neighbor Daquan assembled and painted this lovely airplane today.

He was also amazed that something can be typed on a laptop and printed out from a copy machine several feet away.
("Daquan is a nice guy.")

Baptist Backpacks

2007-08-30T16:22:00.000-05:00

Rev. Newberry from Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church stopped by today to deliver 50 backpacks that we will give out to the first 50 students registered in the after school program. Each backpack has folders, writing notebooks, and a bunch of pens and pencils. These will definitely be a blessing to families trying to get ready for the school year. Thanks Enon!

Here Rev. Newberry stands with Tonia and Michaelanne who are doing their best impression of a back-to-school advertisement.

Representative Payton stopped by today

2007-08-28T18:57:00.001-05:00

Our State Rep., Tony Payton Jr. stopped by unannounced today while we were busy registering kids for the after school program. It's great when our elected officials make themselves accessible!

Gearing Up for After School

2007-08-23T12:30:00.001-05:00

The Support Our Students after school program begins September 10.

Having Fun in the Office

2007-08-23T11:49:00.001-05:00

Helpful Hands

2007-08-16T15:07:00.000-05:00

Ryhiem is helping with the donor thank-you mailing.

"This is fun. I could do this all day!" That's a direct quote from our hard working neighbor.

Ross and Little Ryan

2007-08-14T15:31:00.001-05:00

Camp staff and shy kids. Good times.

Numbers

2007-07-30T16:55:00.001-05:00

As of today, we need $10,203 to balance our income and expenses for the '06-'07 fiscal year which ends on August 31.

It's great to have a definite target. Please join us in prayer for God's provision. We will all be encouraged if we can finish the fiscal year with the books balanced.

Reveal

2007-07-17T19:58:00.000-05:00

"The mission of Ayuda Community Center is to reveal Jesus' mercy, restoration, and justice in Hunting Park."

Family Pancake Breakfast

2007-07-11T17:25:00.000-05:00

Saturday, July 21
8am to 11am
Spirit and Truth Fellowship
4400 N. 6th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19140
Adults $7
Kids under 4 free

215 329 5777 for info

God's Faithfulness, cont'd

2007-07-02T11:15:00.001-05:00

It's great to come into the office and find a generous gift from a friend. If you're looking for a great graphic design firm who cares about Ayuda, check out Innate Design at www.innate-design.com

Celebrating God's Faithfulness

2007-06-29T19:22:00.000-05:00

We're in a big financial crunch right now at Ayuda, but several people have responded generously this week. We're nowhere near to being in the clear, but our spirits and a portion of our debts have been lifted this week by our friends. We are plugging away at grants and making still more personal appeals all the while asking God to provide for the work of Ayuda.

In other news, Summer Camp begins Monday. Please join us in praying for a safe and enriching experience for our kids and their families. Pray also for the safety of our neighborhood. Our city is in a crime wave and we live in the most active police district in terms of murders and aggressive assaults.

Stories from the College Access Program

2007-06-25T15:06:00.000-05:00

from Tonia Voss, College Access Program Director

A Tale of Transformation
During spring break CAP staff took students to Eastern University’s Explore Day. The day started roughly, but ended beautifully. One seventh grade student who had never participated in a CAP college tour accompanied us to Eastern. By lunch time she decided that she loved Eastern and she professed her desire to spend her college years in good old St. Davids PA.
Now she has a long term goal set and prayerfully CAP will help her to meet it. Since the visit to Eastern I have noticed positive change the student. Please pray that the Lord will continue to bless her and her family. Ayuda Community Center is still “Restoring lives, rebuilding families, and redeeming communities.”

Higher Education Goes to the Next Level
Two weeks ago I received a phone call from a parent whose son was in Project BRIDGE (Ayuda Community Center’s high school program currently known as CAP). Last June he graduated from Edison and went on Thompson Institute. He graduated from Thompson a few days ago and desires to study electrical engineering at Drexel University. He came to Ayuda for a CAP appointment and our meeting was very productive. I was happy about seeing the student and even more pleased that he desires to continue his education. What an encouragement it is to see the lasting effects of Project BRIDGE on a student’s desire to reach higher. Three cheers for Project BRIDGE and CAP!

Cayuga Street Family Day Block Party: A Big Hit

2007-06-09T17:50:00.000-05:00

Lots of people came out. Lots of food. Good music. Good times. Soon-to-be Mayor Michael Nutter came out and gave a few encouraging words and we also recieved a visit from our likely City Councilwoman, Maria Quinones-Sanchez. State Representative Tony Payton could not make it, but people from his office were able to attend and even did the electric slide! Many great organizations came out to support the day, including Esperanza Health Center, Chosen Generation Worship Center, Spirit and Truth Fellowship, Christian Legal Aid Society, and others. Donations from local businesses, including Greco's Pizza, Roman's Corner Store, Magical Sight and Sound, and TLC's Polish Water Ice helped make it a great day.

Hunting Park Community Garden: Mosaic Project

2007-05-29T14:59:00.001-05:00

Get down on it!

View full screen.

Mosaic Mural: Memorial Day Weekend

2007-05-17T13:30:00.000-05:00

From Michaelanne Harriman; Arts Program Coordinator

Hello, all! I wanted to let you know that our first official “Community Art Project” is rapidly approaching. The Friends of the Hunting Park Community Garden are hosting us over Memorial Day Weekend to do a mosaic mural along the 6th Street edge of the garden (located on the corner of 6th and W. Courtland). The mural will be 3 feet by 64 feet. I will be executing the mosaic mural in the style of the Philadelphia mosaic artist: Isaiah Zagar (www.isaiahzagar.com). The benefit of Isaiah’s style is that it can incorporate the involvement of many people at one time. We will be working from 11AM-4PM both Saturday and Sunday (rain date: Monday, Memorial Day). If you’re around, join us! If you are not, call me to see how you can support our creative efforts here in Hunting Park (215-329-5777). Thanks!

Summer Camp is Coming

2007-05-11T09:13:00.000-05:00

Here's a great shot from last year's camp.

Hunting Park: A History and a Future

2007-05-10T08:32:00.000-05:00

Learn and Serve for One Year at Ayuda!

2007-05-01T13:26:00.000-05:00

We have an open Americorps Vista position to assist the Director of Development with fundraising through a variety of sources such as individual donors, foundations, corporations, churches, community, and special events. This position will also do research and assist in developing a sustainable income-producing business or a separate 501(c)(3) in the neighborhood. The candidate must have strong writing and public speaking skills. A business degree and/or proposal writing experience is helpful. The candidate must have an interest in the mission of this organization and serving this community.

Ayuda Community Center offers an after-school program, which serves 60-70 at-risk elementary school students. The program provides tutoring and homework assistance as well as group academic instruction and recreational activities. We also offer a College Access Program (CAP) which works primarily with high school students but also with junior high students. The program offers workshops, college visits, trips to college fairs, and individual tutoring and assistance with college applications. Ayuda also hosts a free legal clinic twice a month for low-income individuals who need legal advice. Lawyers who specialize in a variety of areas volunteer their time in the clinic.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please visit the Americorps website at www.americorps.gov and apply on-line for Ayuda Community Center’s development position. If you have questions, please call Kate Perez at 215-329-5777. Application deadline is 6/15/07!!

Thanks to Patience

2007-05-01T12:06:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Patience Still from Centro Pedro Claver for hooking up our new front page buttons!

Contagious Gardening

2007-05-01T10:32:00.000-05:00

Our Community Arts person, Michaelanne, who coordinated the community garden day below, just told me that another block captain came to the office yesterday and asked if we could help coordinate a similar day for a vacant lot on his block.

More Community Garden Photos

2007-05-01T10:22:00.000-05:00

Ayuda Coordinates Community Garden Day

2007-04-21T23:13:00.000-05:00

Great project, beautiful day!

Mission Statement

2007-04-17T10:51:00.001-05:00

Ayuda Community Center's mission is to reveal Jesus' mercy, restoration, and justice in Hunting Park so that families and neighborhoods are transformed. We seek to accomplish this mission through community development efforts, direct services and advocacy.