On October 20, 2008 - Wachovia Regional
Foundation announced that it has awarded The Allegheny West Foundation (AWF) $700,000
to launch its Panati Town Center initiative for the Allegheny West neighborhood.
AWF will undertake a five year quality of life focused initiative for the Allegheny
West neighborhood.
Wachovia Check Presentation
"We are excited to have the opportunity to partner with Allegheny West Foundation"
said Denise McGregor Armbrister, Executive Director of the Wachovia Regional Foundation.
"This project is critical to improving the quality of life for children and families
in the neighborhood."
In 2003 the Allegheny West Foundation led a planning process that engaged hundreds
of local residents, 15 community groups and several dozen service providers to collect
data on community needs.
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Through individual interviews, focus groups and community forums, respondents focused
on several major community needs including:
- Educational and recreational services for youth and seniors
- Job Training Opportunities
- Safety
- Community health issues
Wachovia Grant Attendance
The Town Center is a community hub designed to serve youth and families residing
in the project target area by providing the services most requested by community
members throughout the Allegheny West Strategic Planning Process. The site will
provide adult and youth literacy instruction, teen job training, SAT preparation
classes, college access services, programs for senior citizens, community safety
initiatives, organized recreational activities, and health education services.
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The Town Center facility is located at the former Panati Playground built by the
Philadelphia Department of Recreation. The goal of the project is to provide the
essential services needed to promote improved high school graduation rates, college
enrollment rates, living wage employment, safer streets, and improved health among
target area residents.
Panati Town Center Site Plan
The Allegheny West Foundation is one of the oldest and most successful community
development corporations (CDCs) in Philadelphia. Created by the Tasty Baking Company
in 1968, it has worked to revitalize its community and has focused tremendous energy
toward improving the quality of life for the residents of Allegheny West. For more
information, please visit the web site at www.awest.org or call 215-221-1600.
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Wachovia Regional Foundation, established in 1998, is a grant making body with the
primary mission to support the revitalization of communities located in New Jersey,
Delaware, and eastern Pennsylvania. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded
over $50 million in grants to more than 145 nonprofit organizations. For additional
information on the Foundation, please visit the website at www.wachovia.com/ regionalfoundation.
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