Philadelphia Arab-American Development Corps at Al-Aqsa Islamic Society
1501
Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Neighborhood: North Philadelphia
Learners: Older Arab-Americans
Type of Instruction: Tutoring
Site Supervision: Site staff and AmeriCorps member
Schedule: Tuesdays, 4:00-6:00 p.m. and Fridays, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Description: The Philadelphia Arab-American Community Development Corporation (PAACDC) was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1997. The organization’s mission is to preserve the Arabic culture and language, to empower the Arab-American community and promote its economic development, and to combat racial, ethnic, and religious discrimination. The PAACDC works to serve the complex needs of the estimated 25,000 to 30,000 Arab-Americans living in the five-county area. The PAACDC works closely with the different organizations to help Arab-Americans with immigration, health care, English as a second language, citizenship and more.
PAACDC’s office is located at
the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society, a colorful mosque and primary school not far from
Temple’s main campus. The mosque serves a diverse population, including many
immigrants from Syria, Jordan, Morocco, and other
Arabic-speaking countries. The SHINE tutors should head to the conference room
near the playground. There is a sign with the organization’s name.
Other Services and Activities Offered at Site: Social services
Learn more at: arabamericancdc.org
Public
Transportation from Temple University:
Catch the 3 bus heading east on Broad and Cecil B.
Moore. Get off the bus at 7th and Cecil B. (7th is as far as you should go
because the bus turns north shortly thereafter.) Walk south on 7th until you get
to Jefferson, then walk east about four blocks. After crossing 4th street, you
will come to the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society on the corner of Germantown and
Jefferson. It’s a large building with mosaic and teal lettering, and you should
take the entrance on the side adjacent the large parking lot and playground.
You can also get to the mosque via the 15 trolley on Girard Ave, which is about
three blocks south of the mosque. It is
also within walking distance of the El stop at Front and Girard.
Driving: Head east on Cecil B. Moore and turn right on Germantown Ave. Make a slight right on North 4th St. Turn left on W.Jefferson St, and make another left on Germantown Ave.
For more travel options, visit www.septa.org, and click on “Plan My Trip,” or visit maps.google.com and click on “Get directions.”