Mission:
The mission of ‘On the Other Side of the Tracks’ is to uplift and empower the Kensington, Harrowgate, and Fairhill neighborhoods through art, community resource connection, and public safety initiatives. We aim to build resilience, foster wellness, and address community trauma while promoting equity and inclusion in all our efforts.
History:
The organization began as a grassroots initiative, Poetry in the Park,which used creative writing workshops to bring community members together to share stories, heal, and connect. Seeing the power of art to inspire and transform, we expanded our programming to include other artistic forms like photography and, more recently, aerial arts, music, and crochet.We’ve always been deeply embedded in the Kensington community. Our programs directly address the neighborhood’s challenges, from poverty and addiction to homelessness and lack of access to resources. Over the years, we’ve developed strong collaborations with local organizations such as the Sunshine House, By Faith Health and Healing, and the McPherson Friends Group.
Key accomplishments include:
* Maintaining and stocking Free Little Libraries across the area, providing access to educational and leisure reading for children and adults, both housed and unhoused.
* Distributing life-saving Narcan to combat the opioid epidemic and actively participating in weekly safety meetings.
* Facilitating clothing drives and distributing hats, gloves, and coats to underserved residents, particularly children, during the winter months.Our ongoing commitment to the Kensington, Harrowgate, and Fairhill communities is reflected in our adaptability and continued focus on meeting residents’ evolving needs. We view these neighborhoods not only as the focus of our work but as partners in our mission to create lasting, positive change.
