Dr. Kendra Harris
Dr. Kendra Harris was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with 22nd & Tioga (North Philadelphia) as her home base. Identified as exceptional at the age of 8 in the Philadelphia School system, her educational journey was accelerated to meet her advanced needs. By the age of 16, she had completed her high school requirements, taken dual college credit classes, and even taught her first college course in a pilot program at Drexel University. Dr. Harris further pursued numerous degrees in Business and Education from institutions like Community College of Philadelphia, Pierce College of Philadelphia, University of Phoenix, Liberty District Campus, and Holy Family University Philadelphia.
Before becoming a part of The Allegheny West Foundation in 2016, Dr. Harris gained experience by collaborating with various local and state agencies such as The School District of Philadelphia, Communities in Schools of Philadelphia, KAM - Kensington Area Ministries, and The Pennsylvania Department of Education, among others.
Dr. Harris, a skilled educational management leader, brings a wealth of teaching and mentoring experience. She has engaged with students, staff, faculty, and administration from various backgrounds in private, public, religious, and community settings. Her expertise includes program management, project development, implementing grant scopes of work, curriculum development, board/volunteer development, consulting, and event/workshop facilitation. Dr. Harris is a dedicated humanitarian striving for educational empowerment for all.
Join Allegheny West Foundation in Making a Difference
Our Mission
The Allegheny West Foundation is committed to enhancing the well-being of individuals in need. Our mission is to offer assistance and resources to empower both communities and individuals.
Ways to Give
There are many ways to support Allegheny West Foundation's mission. You can make a donation or volunteer your time. Every contribution makes a difference!
Our Programs
At the Allegheny West Foundation, we are committed to various initiatives to benefit our community:
- Providing free food through our program
- Establishing affordable housing options in the area
- Offering summer job opportunities for youth
- Organizing health fairs, job fairs, and political education forums
Join us in staying updated on current issues by subscribing to our email blasts and newsletters to learn more about our impactful work.
Volunteer Opportunities
Join our team of volunteers and make a difference in the lives of others. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available. Sign up today!
- We always welcome volunteers for our free food giveaways.
- When we host community meetings, we need greeters at the front door and at the sign-in table. We need someone to hand out refreshments and bottled water.
- We need volunteers to conduct surveys outside in front of 2850 N. 22nd St on good weather days under a tent with a table and chairs.
- We need a computer savvy volunteer who can teach a computer 101 workshop series.
- We need volunteers who will commit to go door to door on 4 blocks, right in the neighborhood where you live, handling out a flyer around our Mayor's Clean and Green Initiative. (This would be a one time circulation of the flyer and a major help for our city).
Our Impact
During the 2020 Pandemic, the Allegheny West Foundation, alongside Philadelphia City Councilwoman Cindy Bass, PA State Senator Sharif Street, New Courtland, Blessings of Hope, the Share Food Program, and Philabundance, successfully distributed free food to over 300 families per day, five days a week, during the initial months of the Pandemic when everyone except essential workers had to stay at home. As the situation improved and life returned to normalcy, AWF continued its food assistance program. In 2024, AWF and its partners now offer food to 300 families weekly at a central location and also provide food to three local churches every Wednesday.
AWF provides low-income and affordable housing in the 19140 and 19132 zip codes, accommodating over 200 families and providing them with a place they can call home.
During the summer of 2023, the Allegheny West Foundation witnessed one of President Ron Hinton's visions come to life – the unveiling of the Allegheny West Plaza. This four-story, 45-unit low-income apartment complex for senior citizens became a reality. Another senior apartment building is planned for construction at 3030 N. 20th Street in the near future, all under the umbrella of the Allegheny West Foundation.
The Allegheny West Foundation, as a representative of the community, plays a key role in the planning of the upcoming Panati Recreation Center, set to begin construction in the Fall of 2024.
Contact Us
Have a question or want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
About Allegheny West Foundation
Allegheny West Foundation Mission Statement
The mission of the Allegheny West Foundation is to foster economic growth and development in North Central Philadelphia. We aim to provide educational programs for residents within our service area and beyond, act as a link between residents and elected officials, and continuously strive to enhance our community, creating a stronger, safer, and more sustainable environment.