Federation of Neighborhood Centers | Philadelphia

The Friends Neighborhood (the Guild) was founded in 1879 and 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. Pursuant to that mission, the Guild provides social serves, 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.

Underlying the endeavor to accomplish this mission is the recognition that we must continually seek to improve our understanding of the root causes of the problems which we strive to address, and ultimately address these root causes as well as the human needs which result from them.

While the mission of the Guild may change over time, as the needs and priorities of its community may change, its underlying premise remains constant: The Guild exists to serve the needs of its entire community, and especially those less able to help themselves.

Key Services:

Adult Education

Adult Education provides literacy instruction, adult basic education and GED assessment.

After School Enrichment Program

ASEP is a free, licensed after care program that seeks to provide youth with academic and cultural enrichment.

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.

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.

Neighborhood Energy Center

The Neighborhood Energy Center is a one stop shop that provides energy education and counseling to consumers.

Philadelphia Freedom School

Philadelphia Freedom School is an innovative, free 5-week summer camp for children ages 7-14.

Truancy Prevention

Truancy Prevention Case Management Services are provided for all youth referred to an agency by the Department of Human Services (DHS), including, but not limited to those who are listed for Regional Truancy Court.

William Penn EPIC Stakeholders

William Penn EPIC Stakeholders are individuals, organizations, institutions and/or other entities that either reside or have a consistent presence or interest in the development and growth of the North Philadelphia community encompassed by the zip codes 19122, 19123, 19133, 19106, and 19107.

The Friends Neighborhood Guild:

Welcome!

Our Members