Back to School, Back to Community Block Party with GPCA Cares
Free Block Party for Early Learners! Games, food, DJ, haircuts, school supplies & more—come celebrate with GPCA in South Philly!
Date and time
Location
Diversified Community Services-Dixon House
1920 South 20th Street Philadelphia, PA 19145Agenda
11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Grand Opening & Welcome
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Carnival Games, Activity Booths, Carnival Food
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Parent Breakout Room: Importance of Financial Literacy
Richard Concepcion
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Parent Break Out Room: Mindfulness “Cultivating the Calm”
Tynnetta Beyah
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Building with Minecraft (Ages 3 and up) - 11:30am, 12pm, 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm
James Davis (Mr Jim)
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Self Defense (all ages) - 12pm, 1pm, 2pm
Coach Gene, The Sky is the Limit Fitness
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM
Spotlight Showcase & Mini Talent Show
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Parent Breakout Room: Identifying Parental Roles In Your Family
Richard Concepcion and Adley Robles
1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Parent Breakout Room: Self Care
Jasmine Alston
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Storytime Tent – Language & Literacy in Spanish
Alexandre Lesi
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Cooking with Ms. Lisa
Ms. Lisa
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Final Hour Fun & Prize Giveaways
About this event
- Event lasts 4 hours
GPCA Cares Block Party | Back to School, Back to Community
Why We're Celebrating
The best way to build strong communities? Start early and build together. GPCA invites you to a one-of-a-kind celebration of Early Childhood Education, where families can explore free Pre-K programs, connect with real resources, and enjoy an unforgettable day of fun, learning, and love—South Philly style.
What’s Happening (everything is free!):
For Kids:
🎯 Carnival-Style Games — Play your heart out & win fun prizes!
🎨 Arts & Crafts Stations — Spark creativity with hands-on activities
📚 Literacy Corner — Grab free books & enjoy live read-alouds
🎁 Raffles & School Supply Giveaways — Score school supplies, bookbags and surprise goodies all day long
🥋 Self-Defense Demos — Learn powerful moves in a kid-friendly way
✂️ Snag Your Free Hair Cut — Step into school in style
🎮 Building with Minecraft — Dive into pixelated fun and build your own world!
For Parents & Caregivers:
- Powerful breakout sessions: mindfulness, self-care, financial literacy & more(see schedule below)
- Real Talk parent-led discussions on what families really need
- Meet the teachers behind our award-winning Pre-K
- Explore free GPCA programs for afterschool, parenting, housing & more
For Everyone:
- Free BBQ, hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, and ice-cold drinks
- DJ, dancing, community vibes, and connection
- Info tables from all GPCA departments—come see what’s possible
RSVP Now
Let us know you’re coming! RSVPs help us prepare enough food, supplies, and materials—and help you stay in the loop for more resources and giveaways. Walk-ins are always welcome.
This isn’t just a party—it’s a movement for strong families, safe communities, and a future where every child has the chance to thrive.
🧡 Hosted by Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance (GPCA) www.gpcacares.org
Frequently asked questions
Families with young children (ages 0–12), but older siblings, teens, grandparents, and all community members are welcome!
Yes, everything at our event is free including: games, food, raffles, parent break out rooms, self defense classes, Minecraft room, and more! Come enjoy the day on us. <3
Not required, but encouraged! It helps us prep enough supplies and keep you posted on GPCA programs and future events.
Of course! While the focus is on early learning, we’ve got activities, snacks, and space for everyone in the family.
Come anytime from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For the full experience, we recommend arriving before 1:00 PM.
We’ve got tents and indoor space—it’s on, rain or shine.
Just bring yourselves—and maybe a neighbor or two. We’ve got everything else covered.
Yes, our space is ADA accessible and we have an elevator to reach our upper floors.