Neighborhood: North Philadelphia (Kensington)
Learners: Latino
Type of Instruction: Tutoring (one-on-one or small groups) and coaching (assisting in an ESL class)
Site Supervision: ESL teacher, Friendship Club Coordinator
Schedule: Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (Friendship Club) and 6:00-7:30 p.m. (ESL class)
Description: The Cardinal Bevilacqua Community Center of Catholic Social Services is located in a diverse neighborhood in North Philadelphia. In 2003, the CBCC opened its doors to the community to offer educational, recreational, and enrichment activities and programs for all community members. Some of the youth programs offered are after-school programs, a girls group, basketball leagues, a conflict resolution group and a violin program.
The CBCC also offers adult education programming and a senior group, The Friendship Club. The programs offered for adults are GED, ESL, job skills, and computer classes. Most of the adult education classes are facilitated by volunteers.
The learners in the ESL program are mostly Spanish speakers and, although not required, it is helpful if the tutors and volunteers have some knowledge of Spanish. The ESL program is an intergenerational program and has a facilitator that teaches the group a set curriculum for about 3 hours per week. There are beginner and advanced classes offered.
The Friendship Club, the diverse senior group, meets weekly to discuss neighborhood issues and current events, as well as community resources. It also opens up different community groups to understanding neighbors of different backgrounds.
The tutor placed at the CBCC will work with the Friendship Club to assist with the current events discussions as well as provide English tutoring. The Friendship Club meets every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A coach is also needed Monday and Thursday nights to assist the ESL facilitator during classroom instruction and help the ESL students with homework and group work.
Other Services and Activities Offered at Site: Adult education programming, senior group, and youth programming
Public Transportation from Temple University: Take bus 3 from Cecil B. Moore and 13th Street in the direction of Frankford Terminal. The bus stops right in front of Cardinal Bevilacqua Community Center, at Kensington and Lehigh.
Driving from Temple University: Head north on Broad Street and turn right on W. Diamond Street. Make a right on N. Front Street and make a slight right onto Kensington Avenue. Cardinal Bevilacqua Community Center is on the corner of Kensington and Lehigh, right under the El tracks. Make a right on Lehigh and there will be a parking lot on your right.
For more travel options, visit www.septa.org, and click on “Plan My Trip,” or visit maps.google.com and click on “Get directions.”