About Us

​In October of  1995, Kenneth D. Winston, George Smith, Darryl Vinson, George Gadsden, and ​Rev. Greg Thornton established Phoenixville Area Positive Alternatives in the spirit of The Million Man March. They wanted to provide opportunities for  at risk youth to stay off the streets after school and instead dedicate their time to activities that would help their growth. Their first initiative was the rehabilitation of the C'Jon Saunders Park.

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Each year, Phoenixville Area Positive Alternatives serves the children and youth from surrounding neighborhoods, providing quality programs through academic enrichment, social development, and athletic programming. Many of our programs are offered free or at minimal cost to families.

These include our after-school programs New Direction and Fast Forward to help elementary and middle school students with schoolwork and provide a safe place for them once school has let out, S.A.F.E. (Summer Activities For Enrichment) Camp to keep children's minds working during the off months paired with excursions, and the summer basketball league to provide fun and community for the youth in Phoenixville.

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Primarily a volunteer, grass-roots organization, PAPA works closely with the Phoenixville Area School District, the Borough of Phoenixville, Phoenixville Community Health Foundation and other local organizations to create a positive, effective, and motivating force in the Phoenixville community.​

Staff

Executive Director - Alexis Boswell

Program Coordinator - Keri Brooks

Board of Directors

Kenneth D. Winston

Jon Kandrick

Rich Gephart 

Amber Gentile

Dr. CeCelia Saunders-Baldwin

Lisa Katarynick

Blake Emmanuel

Jonathan Duncan

Director Emeritus

​Darryl Vinson

John Alexander

Michael Howell

Dolores Winston

Gregory Thornton

Honorary Members

Charles Rice, Ph.D.

Teddy Travis-Bey

In 2020 PAPA celebrated its 25th Anniversary. From the Million Man March to Quarantine, we have pushed on through thick and thin, and hope for another 25 years of serving the Phoenixville community!