Cheri Honkala
COMMUNITY
CENTER
OUR MISSION is to provide a safe space for people to build community and engage ideas in the pursuit of peace and justice.
ABOUT the CENTERThe Center is named in honor of Cheri Honkala, a lifelong community leader in Philadelphia who has spent her life helping people who are going through hard times. Drawing on decades of her work, Cheri and a group of longtime collaborators founded the Center as a way to carry forward her commitment to make sure everyone—no matter where they come from—has a chance to live with dignity and hope. For many people in Philadelphia, Cheri Honkala is a symbol of kindness, courage, and the belief that everyone deserves a place to call home. The Center will use her tradition to bring feelings of home to all who participate in its activities. The Center will serve as a hub for healing, learning, and connection.
Cheri Honkala being interviewed in 2024
Cheri speaking at a community gathering.
A Fair Housing Award from the City of Philadelphia.
The Community Center will offer a wide variety of community programming that will serve the economically disadvantaged residents and at-risk youth so that they can succeed academically and professionally. Programs will include educational, cultural, recreational, and therapeutic activities designed to meet the emotional, creative, and social needs of individuals and families in the Kensington and surrounding communities. Planned activities include:
FREE OFFERINGSArts and Creativity: Open art-making space with free supplies, art classes, and a permanent “art corner” accessible during operating hours.
Senior Citizens Activities: Spaces and events catered to older community members, including talent shows and oral histories/storytelling.
Youth Development: Activities for children and teens that encourage emotional resilience, including workshops on managing anger, sadness, and conflict in healthy ways.
Literacy and Learning: A community library with regular book readings, author talks, and children’s story times led by volunteer librarians.
Recovery Support: Peer-led support spaces for individuals in recovery, focused on storytelling, connection, and healing through shared experience.
Recreational & Community Activities: Intergenerational chess clubs, movie nights, writing and filmmaking classes, community plays, and yoga/movement workshops.
Comprehensive Programming: Specialized events for neurodivergent children (e.g., sensory-friendly programs for kids with autism), as well as spaces for parents to take part in adult programming while their children engage in parallel activities in a safe environment.
Recreational & Community Activities: Intergenerational chess clubs, movie nights, writing and filmmaking classes, community plays, and yoga/movement workshops.
Community Meals: Regular free community dinners and potlucks to foster connection and reduce food insecurity.
Health & Wellness: Cooking classes, nutrition workshops, and partnerships with local sports clubs for outdoor activities.
“We are excited to create a welcoming space where individuals, families, and children can come together to build community, foster creativity, and promote personal and collective well-being.”
Cheri Honkala • Founder