BOK Newspaper Winter 2024

HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Wrapping paper inside!

A Look Inside

Issue 28 Winter 2024

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Winter 2024

Gift Guide Some great gifts from Bok to give and get! Scan the codes below to purchase or learn more.

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Amy Novinski

Franklin & Whitman Greenly Plant Co.

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Molly Egan

Lobo Mau

Rider Ceramics

Petals Blanket, $185

Star Baby Pillow, $78

Introduction to Ballet Class, $20

Telluride Candle, $39.95 Chinese Money Plant, $18

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Smith & Diction

WC Pottery

Machine Shop

Tiny Jeweler

Mend Lip Balm

Blue Worm Hat, $30

Made-to-order Large Vase, $140

Gift Card, range

Constellation Necklace, $210

Holiday Pack, $15

Speckled Stoneware Mug, $65

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Gift Guide

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Yuns Hardware

Pet Riso

Echo Metals

Minimal Chaos

Amazulu

Hilo Fiber Bar

The Supreme Kit, $180

2025 Calendar, $40

Stick Bangle, $68

Dog Mats, $52-$72

African Shirt, $125

3D Fiber Art Kit, $160

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Surry Hills Stones

Sabbatical Beauty

Room Shop

Ars Nova

Brazilian Fluorite Tower, $28

Rejuvinating Eye Gel Oil, $68

Mini Cloud Scrunchies with Grommet and Charm, $20

Nels Cline Tote Bag, $10

Looking for more gift ideas from Bok? Beautiful objects (plus gift cards!) can be found on our community members’ websites.

Visit buildingbok.com/community for the full list.

Share the joy of Bok when gift giving this season with this wrapping (news)paper // Illustration by Molly Egan

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Winter 2024

Giving Back at Bok The Holiday season is a great time to support organizations that give back to our community.

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4. The Welcoming Center 1 4

The Welcoming Center (TWC) is dedicated to fostering inclusive economic growth by empowering immigrants from all backgrounds. They work closely with immigrant communities to remove barriers and create a strong sense of belonging and purpose. Through partnerships with organizations and institutions, TWC supports learning, shapes policy, and drives economic progress. Their mission is to ensure immigrants can fully participate in and contribute to our communities. welcomingcenter.org / @welcomingcenter

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1. Garces Foundation

2. The Mendelssohn Chorus

For over a decade, the Garces Foundation has been a trusted pillar of support for immigrants in Philadelphia, providing essential healthcare and education programs. Vanessa is from Ecuador, who, with limited resources, made the brave decision to embark on a dangerous journey to the US. After finding a cousin in Philadelphia, Vanessa worked hard to start a new life. With two years of Garces Foundation English classes, she advanced in proficiency, improving her job prospects and life here. Vanessa now runs a cleaning business with her sister, made more successful thanks to her improved English. She is just one example of how Garces Foundation’s programs help immigrants navigate challenges, gain skills, and thrive. Your support and contribution to this work helps to create a welcoming home for all in Philadelphia.

The Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia is one of America’s oldest choral institutions.

Founded in 1874, this 150-voice ensemble honors tradition while embracing innovation, performing many classics,and commissioning new works. Celebrate the season with them and support their mission of joyful community at their holiday performances.

garcesfoundation.org / @garcesfoundation

mcchorus.org / @mendelssohnchorus

3. Mighty Writers Mighty Writers is celebrating 15 years of empowering kids ages 7-17 to think and write clearly. Keep an eye out for special anniversary events! With nine writing centers across PA, NJ, and even TX, Mighty Writers also supports families with free food distribution. To support Mighty Writers, consider donating or signing up to volunteer. mightywriters.org / @mightywriters

Bottle Underground is a recycling nonprofit committed to reducing waste and finding sustainable solutions for used glass. They divert over 10,000 bottles and jars from landfills each month through collection and dropoff programs, while also offering workforce development opportunities to local residents facing employment barriers.

Sign up to donate your glass, or volunteer to help clean and prepare bottles—removing labels is surprisingly relaxing! bottleunderground.org / @bottleunderground

6. Girls Inc. Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey empowers girls to be strong, smart, and bold, helping them overcome gender, economic, and social barriers. Through research-based programs, Girls Inc. fosters healthy decisionmaking, academic enrichment, life skills, and college readiness for girls ages 5-18, continuing mentorship through college and early careers. To learn more or inquire about volunteering, contact njohnson@girlsincpa-nj.org. girlsincpa-nj.org / @girlsincphilly

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Caring for Community with SoPhiE The wellness center in Bok services immigrants, refugees, South Philly neighbors, and beyond.

What is SoPhiE all about?

South Philly East (SoPhiE) Health and Wellness is a nonprofit that operates the Wyss Wellness Center, a primary health center whose mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care to refugees, immigrants, and the larger South Philadelphia community.

What communities do you serve?

While our primary focus is on ensuring that immigrants and refugees have access to culturally competent health care, our services are open to everybody regardless of where you live, your insurance status, and your immigration status. Uninsured patients are eligible for a sliding fee scale based on the patient’s income and family size. We do not turn away patients due to their inability to pay.

We offer primary care for children and adults, family planning, sexual + reproductive health services, labs, screenings, and assistance with health insurance and public benefits enrolment.

we are able to address the social determinants that impact health such as housing, food insecurity, and language access barriers.

Why is this type of organization important?

While there are other primary care providers in South Philly, there is a growing need for accessible and equitable healthcare for refugee and immigrant communities in Philadelphia.

SoPhiE is better equipped than many primary care providers to address the needs of these communities.

Accessing the US health care system can be extremely daunting for refugees and immigrants. Factors impacting access include affordability, limited English proficiency, barriers to finding culturally and linguistically appropriate health resources and care, fear of deportation, lack of social and community support systems, and eligibility for and the cost of health insurance.

How can people support your mission?

Become a patient here and spread the word about us! wysswellnesscenter.org

What is your partnership with SEAMAAC all about?

By partnering with SEAMAAC we can provide comprehensive support to our patients through the extensive experience they have in serving immigrant communities. Together

Learn more about the nonprofit supporting South Philly’s Southeast Asian communities.

What is SEAMAAC? The Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition (SEAMAAC) aims to support and serve immigrants, refugees, and other marginalized communities as they seek to advance the condition of their lives in the US. What types of services do you offer?

Our staff can help anyone needing assistance to access medical care, public benefits, insurance, and community resources for their family.

We also offer English and computer skill classes in our digital literacy lab. For immigrant survivors of abusive relationships, we have safety planning, case management, and financial counseling. For clients seeking employment, we can help with job applications and workers’ rights questions. For our 60+ community, SEAMAAC offers art classes, special events, and weekly gatherings for Asian elders (held in Bok’s West Gym!). Plus, we can help with naturalization applications, interview test prep, and voter registration for new citizens.

What is your partnership with the Wellness Center all about?

Photos by Ed Newton

Upper right: The Pellini Family Art Gallery in SoPhiE displays artwork by community members.

Below: Members of the SoPhiE care team.

Strengthening Community with SEAMAAC

We can better serve our community in partnership with a health clinic like Wyss, and nothing beats being in the same space for efficiency in working together to meet a client’s needs, to better serve “the whole person.”

Why is this type of organization important?

There are only a few organizations serving the thousands of immigrants and refugees living in Philadelphia. We have staff who come from the community, including our CEO. Many clients have said that people move to South Philly specifically because SEAMAAC is here.

How can people support your mission?

This winter we have art classes and Lunar & Solar New Year Celebrations for the elders. We are always in need of donations and volunteers!

Contact us online. seamaac.org / @seamaac

Issue 28 // Winter 2024 A Look Inside

buildingbok.com @buildingbok

Bok turns 10!

2025 marks 10 years of creating in community together at Bok. Save these dates for special anniversary celebrations of our annual events, plus more to be announced in the new year.

Bok Bar Season 10 Opening Party Thursday, April 10 Spring Open Studios Friday, May 2 B[L]OK Party Sunday, June 29 Fall Open Studios Friday, October 10

Produced by

scout

Cover photo Room Shop

by Joana Moono Illustrations + Content Kelley Garrard + Joana Moono

For more events, visit buildingbok.com/calendar

Photos Provided by each feature + social media Design Smith & Diction