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.

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.

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.

This year, PAPA celebrates 25 years of serving the Phoenixville community. From the Million Man March to Quarantine, we have pushed on through thick and thin, and hope to for another 25 years!

"PAPA is a voice for the voiceless... they need a voice and an opportunity for their kids to thrive in the community. PAPA creates that."

~Chaya Scott

"I’m proud, I really am proud of where [PAPA] has come as an organization; of the impact they’ve had on the kids and the families as a whole in the community of Phoenixville."

~Jon Kandrick

All PAPA programs are FREE or minimal cost.

PAPA is able to do this because of great donors and the support of the community. Please help us continue to keep our mission alive by making a donation today

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kenneth D. Winston

Jon Kandrick

Rich Gephart

Amber Gentile

Dr. CeCelia Saunders-Baldwin

Karen Miscavage

Blake Emmanuel

Jonathan Duncan

DIRECTORS EMERITUS

Darryl Vinson

John Alexander

Michael Howell

Dolores Winston

Gregory Thornton

HONORARY MEMBER

Charles Rice, Ph.D.

Teddy Travis-Bey

Staff

Executive Director - Alexis Boswell

Program Coordinator - Keri Brooks

Board of Trustees

Jon Kandrick

President

Rich Gephart

Vice President

Dr. Cecilia Baldwin, LPC

Amber Gentile

Secretary

Kenneth Winston

Jonathan Duncan

Karen Miscavage

Blake Emmanuel

"A positive alternative for youth..."

FIND US: P.O. Box 955 Phoenixville, PA 19640 CALL US: 610-983-4110

As required by federal law, we are required to inform you that the full amount of your monetary gift qualifies for federal income tax charitable contribution deduction.