BOK Newspaper Winter 2024 by buildingbok

Guide

Some great gifts from Bok to give and get! Scan the codes below to purchase or

by Molly Egan

Giving Back at Bok

The Holiday season is a great time to support organizations that give back to our community.

1. Garces Foundation

For over a decade, the Garces Foundation has been a trusted pillar of support for immigrants in Philadelphia, providing essential healthcare and education programs. Vanessa is from Ecuador, who, with limited resources, made the brave decision to embark on a dangerous journey to the US. After finding a cousin in Philadelphia, Vanessa worked hard to start a new life. With two years of Garces Foundation English classes, she advanced in proficiency, improving her job prospects and life here. Vanessa now runs a cleaning business with her sister, made more successful thanks to her improved English. She is just one example of how Garces Foundation’s programs help immigrants navigate challenges, gain skills, and thrive. Your support and contribution to this work helps to create a welcoming home for all in Philadelphia. garcesfoundation.org / @garcesfoundation

2. The Mendelssohn Chorus

The Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia is one of America’s oldest choral institutions. Founded in 1874, this 150-voice ensemble honors tradition while embracing innovation, performing many classics,and commissioning new works. Celebrate the season with them and support their mission of joyful community at their holiday performances. mcchorus.org / @mendelssohnchorus

3. Mighty Writers

Mighty Writers is celebrating 15 years of empowering kids ages 7-17 to think and write clearly. Keep an eye out for special anniversary events! With nine writing centers across PA, NJ, and even TX, Mighty Writers also supports families with free food distribution. To support Mighty Writers, consider donating or signing up to volunteer. mightywriters.org / @mightywriters

4. The Welcoming Center

The Welcoming Center (TWC) is dedicated to fostering inclusive economic growth by empowering immigrants from all backgrounds. They work closely with immigrant communities to remove barriers and create a strong sense of belonging and purpose. Through partnerships with organizations and institutions, TWC supports learning, shapes policy, and drives economic progress. Their mission is to ensure immigrants can fully participate in and contribute to our communities.

welcomingcenter.org / @welcomingcenter

5. Bottle Underground

Bottle Underground is a recycling nonprofit committed to reducing waste and finding sustainable solutions for used glass. They divert over 10,000 bottles and jars from landfills each month through collection and dropoff programs, while also offering workforce development opportunities to local residents facing employment barriers. Sign up to donate your glass, or volunteer to help clean and prepare bottles—removing labels is surprisingly relaxing!

bottleunderground.org / @bottleunderground

6. Girls Inc.

Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey empowers girls to be strong, smart, and bold, helping them overcome gender, economic, and social barriers. Through research-based programs, Girls Inc. fosters healthy decisionmaking, academic enrichment, life skills, and college readiness for girls ages 5-18, continuing mentorship through college and early careers. To learn more or inquire about volunteering, contact njohnson@girlsincpa-nj.org. girlsincpa-nj.org / @girlsincphilly

Caring for Community with SoPhiE

The wellness

center in

Bok services immigrants, refugees, South Philly neighbors, and beyond.

What is SoPhiE all about?

South Philly East (SoPhiE) Health and Wellness is a nonprofit that operates the Wyss Wellness Center, a primary health center whose mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care to refugees, immigrants, and the larger South Philadelphia community.

What communities do you serve?

While our primary focus is on ensuring that immigrants and refugees have access to culturally competent health care, our services are open to everybody regardless of where you live, your insurance status, and your immigration status. Uninsured patients are eligible for a sliding fee scale based on the patient’s income and family size. We do not turn away patients due to their inability to pay. We offer primary care for children and adults, family planning, sexual + reproductive health services, labs, screenings, and assistance with health insurance and public benefits enrolment.

What is your partnership with SEAMAAC all about?

By partnering with SEAMAAC we can provide comprehensive support to our patients through the extensive experience they have in serving immigrant communities. Together

we are able to address the social determinants that impact health such as housing, food insecurity, and language access barriers.

Why is this type of organization important?

While there are other primary care providers in South Philly, there is a growing need for accessible and equitable healthcare for refugee and immigrant communities in Philadelphia. SoPhiE is better equipped than many primary care providers to address the needs of these communities. Accessing the US health care system can be extremely daunting for refugees and immigrants. Factors impacting access include affordability, limited English proficiency, barriers to finding culturally and linguistically appropriate health resources and care, fear of deportation, lack of social and community support systems, and eligibility for and the cost of health insurance.

How can people support your mission?

Become a patient here and spread the word about us!

wysswellnesscenter.org

Strengthening Community with SEAMAAC

Learn more about the nonprofit supporting South Philly’s Southeast Asian communities.

What is SEAMAAC?

The Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC) aims to support and serve immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized communities as they seek to advance the condition of their lives in the US.

What types of services do you offer?

Our staff can help anyone needing assistance to access medical care, public benefits, insurance, and community resources for their family. We also offer English and computer skill classes in our digital literacy lab. For immigrant survivors of abusive relationships, we have safety planning, case management, and financial counseling. For clients seeking employment, we can help with job applications and workers’ rights questions. For our 60+ community, SEAMAAC offers art classes, special events, and weekly gatherings for Asian elders (held in Bok’s West Gym!). Plus, we can help with naturalization applications, interview test prep, and voter registration for new citizens.

What is your partnership with the Wellness Center all about?

We can better serve our community in partnership with a health clinic like Wyss, and nothing beats being in the same space for efficiency in working together to meet a client’s needs, to better serve “the whole person.”

Why is this type of organization important?

There are only a few organizations serving the thousands of immigrants and refugees living in Philadelphia. We have staff who come from the community, including our CEO. Many clients have said that people move to South Philly specifically because SEAMAAC is here.

How can people support your mission?

This winter we have art classes and Lunar & Solar New Year Celebrations for the elders. We are always in need of donations and volunteers! Contact us online.

seamaac.org / @seamaac

Photos by Ed Newton

Upper right: The Pellini Family Art Gallery in SoPhiE displays artwork by community members. Below: Members of the SoPhiE care team.

Bok turns 10!

2025 marks 10 years of creating in community together at Bok. Save these dates for special anniversary celebrations of our annual events, plus more to be announced in the new year.