Residents of Kintock’s Erie Avenue facility were among volunteers who helped in a three-day beautification project that recently took place at the Lewis Elkin Elementary School, in the Kensington section of Philadelphia.  

The Kintock cleanup crew, comprised of five residents from the Erie Avenue residential treatment and work release program joined a group of many other community volunteers to beautify the school premises in time for the back to school season. Residents swept and mopped floors and picked up debris in and around the school premises. They also helped paint the interior and exterior of the school building.

The ambitious volunteer endeavor was initiated by State Representative Angel Cruz and Evelyn Nunez, the Principal at Elkin Elementary School, in collaboration with Corey Davis, Site Administrator of the Kintock Group in Philadelphia and many other community members. Frank Guyon, Director of Kintock’s Erie Avenue Facility coordinated transportation of the residents to the school.  The restoration activities took place over the course of three days in August and September.

“We were impressed that the Kintock residents worked well with more than 50 community members, who also volunteered their time to assist with this wonderful project,” noted Mr. Guyon.

Among the other volunteers were community residents, local stores, Councilman Quinones, APM, Gaudenzia Philly House, Temple, and Pastors from Iglesia del Barrio, Urban Worship Center and other churches.

I am so grateful and appreciative of the commitment of the volunteers that have helped to provide a beautiful school to the children in the Kensington area,” said Ms. Nunez. “I have and always will be an advocate for the underserved, and I thank everyone for helping in this journey to make Elkin Elementary one of best elementary schools in Philadelphia,” she added.

“Community service is an important part of the Kintock program. Helping with community efforts, such as the Elkin school cleanup, is in keeping with Kintock’s mission to prevent and reduce crime by helping clients make and sustain transformative life changes,” explained Mr. Davis. “Actively engaging in community service projects like this also supports treatment goals by giving residents the opportunity to do positive things in their community and take pride in their contributions. This in turn helps with the transition back into society and their community,” he added.