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ABOUT US
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.
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
Blake Emmanuel
Lisa Katarynick
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
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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!
"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