EVENTS ARCHIVE

Haitian Relief Effort - January 2010

Information Session - Friday, January 22nd, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

Minutes from the meeting.

Download PowerPoint Slides here.

For those of you who want to participate in the mission:

1. Fill out the volunteer application on our Haiti Volunteer page
2. If you want to travel, also fill out the PDF application found here

The PDF application with you legal signature can be mailed to ESF at 2415 Almond St, Philadelphia, PA, Attn: Shonta Collins-HRE.

For questions on the form please email haiti@explorerssf.org The Haitian Relief Effort really appreciates your support and collaboration as partners in this effort!

Montego Bay - January 2010

The ESF medical mission team comprised of 7 local professionals and 2 students who were eager to serve and that we successfully supported nearly 500 Jamaican residents in the East Central St. James Parish. This humanitarian mission was also supported by the Minister of Health, Hon. Rudyard Spencer, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett and his spouse, Mrs. Carmen Bartlett from Jamaica National Overseas Inc., Joy Roberts, Don Daly and his team, Iberostar Hotel, Gregory, our driver, local and regional leaders like Mayor Davis, and Stainton Baker, the staff and head Nurses at the clinics, and many more.

ESF would like to continue to be a part of Jamaica’s strategic planning and continue to serve and provide quality health services that will enable the Jamaican natives to live more productive lives. It is evident that the economy has complicated and presented challenges across the world but ESF is assured that a small organization like ESF can keep things moving because our commitment to serve at the grassroots level and collaborating with the natives is our specialty!

Read Press Release

View Photo Album

Spring 2009 ESF Humanitarian trip to Senegal

This was ESF's second year performing a variety of humanitarian related support. ESF Student Leaders Esther Okeke and Priscilla Nantieh, both graduates from LaSalle University, were able to lead local Senegalese students in CPR and 1st aid training, assisting Founder and President Shonta D. Collins in teaching sexual health education and related cultural educational activities.

In addition, ESF Student Leaders assisted with patient care activities and worked directly under the guidance of an ENT surgeon as a 1st Assistant to remove the tonsils of a young child. ESF donated scrubs that were supplied by Penn Presbyterian Hospital Staff and lead by Sally Stephens, RN, supplies which were donated by Villanova students, Clothes and shoes for the children at the local school for the blind, donated by Lisa Bourne, RN and toys and supplies donated by Antonio Winston of Lippincott, LLC.

The Diouf family continue to welcome ESF into their home, to provide an abundance of love, support and good food! ESF also connected and networked with volunteers from US based humanitarian organizations. These opportunities provided a well rounded experience for ESF and for that we are grateful! Thank you to everyone who supports ESF throughout the year, those who are in Senegal and in other parts of the world.

Everyone can make a difference, its takes $1, a flip flop, or a donation of supplies.

The pictures were taken by Volunteer Photographer, Ayanna Glover.

Spring 2008 ESF Humanitarian trip to Senegal

The pictures are from our everyday life, eating, sharing laughs and exploration of Senegal. The pictures themselves express only a fraction of our first-hand experiences. This was an emotionally challenging trip for the team and we are blessed to have this opportunity to share our good fortune with you. Thanks for being a part of ESF and we welcome you to get involved and support our efforts around the world.

View Slideshow

“V-Day” Healthy Heart

February 9, 2010 - 11am to 1pm

ESF supported, “V-Day” Healthy Heart with East Parkside Residents Association (EPRA) and Penn Medicine. ESF to supported and assisted with coordinating this community outreach project.

MLK Day of Service

January 18, 2010

ESF supports our partners Vivant Art Collection and HPP in hosting, VIVANT HAITIAN RELIEF Effort. Join us at Vivant Relief Headquarters for an evening of reflection at Vivant Art Collection. We will have our partner organizations in attendance as well as psychologists, grief counselors, politicians and the Haitian Community. Fundraiser at Vivant Art Collection to benefit "The Haitian Rescue Fund" in our efforts to raise funds for shipping and purchasing medical & industrial supplies. Date: Monday, January 18th, 2009 - MLK Day of ServiceTime: 5pm - 8pm * Donations will be accepted from 12pm - 8pm. Tax deductible donations can also be made at ESF's home page.

Health Fair

December 3, 2009

ESF Volunteers provided blood pressure training and education to a group of students representing the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) at the University of Pennsylvania. The initiative was lead by ESF Student Leader, Tatiana Blue, a Public Health major at UPenn. Her and the student association will be supporting community health projects in the community. ESF will continue to support their initiatives in education and leading in their community!

Health Fair

October 17, 2009

ESF participated in Macy’s Shop for a Cause Day!. The ESF team provided medical screenings and educational support on health and wellness screenings for customers at Macy's Willow Grove Mall.

Health Fair

October 10, 2009

ESF supported the Health Fair Holy Cross Baptist Church serving an estimated 300 participants. ESF provided free health and wellness screenings, free giveaways, light food and more.

Haitian & Haitian American Health Fair

October 3, 2009

ESF supports the 4th Annual Haitian and Haitian American Health Fair on Saturday, October 3, 2009 from 1 pm to 6 pm  at the Cardinal Dougherty High School, 6301 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19120. If you have any questions, please contact Tracey Lassiter at 267-997-4962 or elisejosephfoundation@hotmail.com

Health Fair

September 19, 2009

ESF hosted Health Fair at Blues Fest on September 19, 2009 from 12-4 pm in W. Philadelphia on 40th and Market Street in partnership with The Partnership CDC, with an estimated 1300 participants.  ESF provided free health and wellness screenings, free giveaways, light food and much more.

Health Fair

September 6, 2009

ESF participated in the September 6, 2009, Health Fair with Seventh Day Adventist Church. 
This fair took place in North East Philadelphia and was open to all Philadelphia neighborhoods serviced by our 23 churches but particularly to multicultural residents and senior citizens who live in the immediate vicinity of the Boulevard church.  This area provides the student base for the local high school in which there are 51 different languages/dialects spoken and the entering 9th grade class is over 900 students. The 2008 Community Fair, with limited advertisement, serviced 1,200 people.

"Better Health, Better Life" Health Fair

August 1, 2009

ESF in partnership with the East Parkside Residents Association (EPRA) hosted "Better Health, Better Life" Community Day and Youth Expo.

The Health Fair was August 1, 2009 from 12-4 pm on the 1100 block of 41st Street, between Poplar and Girard Ave. in E. Parkside, W. Philadelphia. ESF provided free health and wellness screenings, free giveaways, light food and much more with an estimated 400 participants.

9th Annual African & Caribbean Health Fair

August 9, 2009

ESF supported the 9th Annual African & Caribbean Health Fair, on August 9 from 12PM – 8PM at the Kingsessing Recreation Center, 4901 Kingsessing Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19143 – WEST PHILADELPHIA.

Organized by Coalition of African & Caribbean Communities - Philadelphia (AFRICOM). For more information, please contact AFRICOM directly at 215-662-1612, ext. 14.

School of the Blind

July 19, 2009

ESF Student Leaders and Members volunteered at the Overbrook School of the Blind. ESF worked closely with the visually impaired and other children with disabilities. The day was filled with activities in celebration of their annual music festival.

ESF HEALTH FAIR in mill creek

June 20, 2009

ESF participated in the Health Fair from 12-6 pm. Mill Creek is a historical neighborhood, West of University of Pennsylvania and North of Drexel University.  This event was sponsored by the West Philadelphia Seventh Day Adventist Church.

ESF HEALTH FAIR in west philadelphia

May 30, 2009

ESF hosted Health Fair on May 30, 2009 from 12-4 pm in W. Philadelphia on 47th and Spruce Street with an estimated 500 participants. ESF provided free health and wellness screenings, free giveaways, light food and much more.

"Spring into Health” Community Day a success!

April 25, 2009

We collectively responded to the needs of over 265 participants which included children, adolescent, adults, seniors and those with special needs! On April 25, 2009 at Saunder's Park, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, W. Philadelphia, ESF hosted the event in partnership with the Penn Medicine, SCI-West Grant, 3 Rivers Adoption Council, The Eastern Parkside Residents Association (EPRA), The Partnership CDC, ElderWatch Plus, SEAMAAC, People’s Emergency Center, The Spa Terme Di Aroma, Wazobia Cafe, Bacai Store, and Kindred Healthcare.

Additional community organizations supported the festive event. A variety of medical health and wellness services were provided including, HIV Testing, Blood Pressure and Diabetes screenings, nutritional counseling, pharmaceutical medication review, physical exercise, free massage, cultural performances and much more.

ESF Community Day

January 17, 2009

ESF sponsored the 1st Annual Community Day in conjunction with United Concordia Dental, Trader Joe's, LA Fitness and AfriPRO. The event was hosted by  Francis de Sales Parish20on 4625 Springfield Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143 in Southwest Philadelphia. ESF served a divere community of residents, including the children, adults and seniors. The festive event included cultural performances, nutritious foods, medical, dental and social services. This was higly supported event with over 40 volunteer staff. The supporting organizations that donated prizes included Lippincott, LLC, Lucky Stikes Lanes, Academy of Natural Sciences, ESF and LA Fitness.

ESF Health Fair at 3rd Annual Haitian/Haitian-American Health Fair

October 25, 2008

ESF Health Fair Hosted with the Elise Joseph Foundation at the 3rd Annual Haitian/Haitian-American Health Fair located at the Lonnie Young Recreational Center, 1100 Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19138.

ESF Health Fair at St. Francis de Sales Parish

October 19, 2008

Francis de Sales Parish
4625 Springfield Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19143

ESF at the Macy’s Shop for a Cause Day

September 20, 2008

On September 20, 2008 the ESF team screened, educated and supported health and wellness screenings for 100's of customers at Macy's Willow Grove Mall. The event provided outreach to both adult and children of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

ESF Health Fair sponsored by AFRICOM

August 3, 2008

8th Annual African and Caribbean Health Fair, F. Myers Recreation Center, 58th St. (Between Kingsessing & Chester Aves) in West Philadelphia.

ESF Health Fair sponsored by the Albert Einstein Healthcare Network

June 28, 2008

1st Annual Family Health and Safety Festival, Spencer Park, Philadelphia

ESF Health Fair hosted with the Elise Joseph Foundation

May 25, 2008

Missionary Church of Jesus Christ of the Good Samaritan, 501-509 North 66 Street in West Philadelphia

ESF to host the Health fair sponsored by Elise Joseph Foundation

April 13, 2008

Ebenezer Haitian Baptist Church, 258 E. Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19141

ESF to host the Health fair sponsored by Elise Joseph Foundation

March 16, 2008

Southwest Baptist Church, 6536 Upland Street, Philadelphia, PA 19141

Haiti fundraiser at XIX Nineteen

February 19, 2010

ESF hosted a fundraiser at XIX Nineteen at the Bellevue Park Hyatt Hotel on February 19, 2010 from 5:30-10:30pm. This fundraiser was for our ESF Team Haiti Relief Efforts and 100% of your support is exclusively used to support ESF Haiti.

ESF Holiday Party

December 5, 2009

ESF volunteers gathered to celebrate the accomplishments for the past 2 years and celebrate the holiday season as a family. ESF created projects to assist with those requiring assistance purchasing food and supplies for children in North Philadelphia and also established projects and gained support for, "Operation Socks and Hot Chocolate," an initiative focused on the homeless men and women in Philadelphia. Congratulations for ESF volunteers and we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

Social Fundraiser

November 14, 2009

ESF Social fundraiser at XIX Nineteen at the Bellevue, Park Hyatt was a success! ESF hosted community supporters and volunteers at XIX while displaying the fine photographs by Ayanna Glover. This auspicious occasion provide great food, conversation and celebration of the work supported by ESF in the local and global communities. Congratulations ESF, job well done!

Bank of America

October 27, 2009

On October 27, 2009, Bank of America recognized and celebrated leadership and excellence. The Neighborhood Excellence Initiative® recognized, rewarded and supported outstanding charitable organizations, local heroes and student leaders working to improve our communities. The Explorers Sans Frontières (ESF) team were recognized at the African American Museum along with other wonderful noteworthy causes and outstanding individuals.

Check out the Philadelphia Inquirer for November 6th, Page A8, and you will see the ad congratulating all our 2009 honorees!

Social Fundraiser

October 15, 2009

ESF’s “Relax and Unwind” Social Fundraiser was hosted at Bistro Romano, located in Society Hill.

Jamaican Jerk Hut Fundraiser

October 2, 2009

ESF to host ESF fundraiser on October 2, 2009 at Jamaican Jerk Hut, 1436 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19146 from 6-9 pm. ESF's Team Jamaica supported humanitarian outreach activities to local residents that are in desperate need of health care education and support.

This collaborative team of local Philadelphia health professionals will be traveling in January 2010. Please donate much needed medical supplies and financial support. The tax deductible donation amount of $10 will provide discounted food and 2 drink tickets for rum or wine.

Kwanzaa Celebration

African celebrations will take place at locations throughout Philadelphia with traditional performances, storytelling and other activities.

ESF Social Fundraiser at XIX

November 15, 2008

$15 donation with proceeds to support ESF’s humanitarian trips. *Raffle includes dinner for (2) at XIX, an American Brasserie, café, bar, and restaurant, featuring sweeping views of the city’s skyline on the 19th floor of the Park Hyatt Philadelphia.

ESF "Relax and Unwind" Social Fundraiser at Bistro Romano, co-sponsored with Terme Di Aroma in Old City

October 9, 2008

Social Fundraiser at Bacai Boutique in Manayunk

September 27, 2008

ESF and Bacai, a boutique where, "Fashion meets Artistry," in Manayunk provided a portion of their sales to ESF on September 27, 2008 from 11-8 pm. Bacai has a unique blend of men and women apparel along with one of a kind accessory items. Bacai is located at 4228 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127.

ESF Social in Fishtown

July 18th, 2008

ESF Beef & Beer at Gallagher's on the Parkway

April 19, 2008

Tickets are $20, partial proceeds support the ESF Humanitarian Trip to Senegal

ESF "Relax and Unwind" Social Fundraiser at Cascamorto

April 3, 2008

$7 cover charge, all proceeds support the ESF Humanitarian Trip to Senegal

ESF Social Fundraiser at Bamboo Lounge

February 28, 2008

"Caribbean Carnavale 4A Cause" with ACS

Fatou and Fama's Senegalese Fundraiser

February 2, 2008

Fatou and Fama's Senegalese Fundraiser

March 1, 2008

Eastern Academy Middle School

February 4, 2010

ESF Found and President, Shonta D. Collins was invited to speak to Middle school students Eastern Academy Middle School. The presentation was to motivate, encourage, and empower youths to get involved in local and global efforts.

WOMEN IN WHITE - Candlelight Service

January 24, 2010

Int'l Student & Scholar Reception

October 9, 2009

ESF co-sponsored the International Student and Scholar Reception. We collectively served over 1,300 students and scholars from over 100 countries. The team participated in the cultural festivities of the day with the International Classroom!

"La Salle Students Exploring Int'l Service & Learning Forum"

September 17, 2009

ESF Student Leaders presented at the "La Salle Students Exploring International Service and Learning Forum," on Thursday, September 17, at 12:30 PM in the Dan Rodden Theater, the Multicultural and International Center (MIC).

ESF Health Fair at 3rd Annual Women Cultivating Women Awards

March 28, 2009

On March 28, 2009, Women Cultivating Women recognized ESF's Founder and President, Shonta D. Collins, for her work in the community. Ms.

Collins and the ESF Team received an award for the work ESF does in the community. This wonderful event has progressed into an annual gathering that celebrates the tireless accomplishments of local women whose work directly benefits other fellow women and young girls.

3rd Annual Leadership Conference

February 28, 2009

ESF and International House sponsored the 3rd Annual Leadership Conference at International House located at 3701 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19104. The conference focused on community building, volunteerism, global involvement and international world issues.

Chinese New Year

January 2009

ESF Supports Chinese New Year Lion Dance and Parade Philadelphia's well-loved Lion Dance kicks off the celebration of the Lunar New Year in the heart of Chinatown.

ESF Supports MLK Day of Service Signature Site

Monday, January 19, 2009

Temple University - Liacouras Center

A Dawn of New Leadership: The African Diaspora Conference

On January 19, 2009, Shonta D. Collins, Founder and President was a speaker at, "A Dawn of New Leadership: The African Diaspora Conference" in Washington, DC. Ms. Collins was selected by Keith D. Moore President, CEO, KDM & Associates, LLC to be a part of a panel discussion on Youth Leadership during the Presidential Inauguration.

African-American Art Expo

November 7th through 9th, at the Liacouras Center at Temple University, www.octobergallery.com

ESF Celebrates International Education Week

November 17-21, 2008. ESF's Founder and President will be a Panelist for, "Passport Required: The Road to International Careers," at LaSalle University on November 20, 2008 from 12:30-2pm. Ms. Collins will provide concrete information on the how to begin a career as an international professional, humanitarian work and global health as well as how to prepare, plan and execute a successful life abroad.

International Student and Scholar Reception

October 17, from 5 - 7pm, Over 1,300 students and scholars from over 100 countries participated in the cultural festivities sponsored by the International Classroom at UPenn. ESF Students Leaders were present to set-up and assist with the evening’s reception which included cultural exchanges from individuals of various ethnic, cultural, language and religious backgrounds.

ESF and Ishmael Beah at LaSalle University

October 9, 2008 - ESF Team participated in an interactive presentation and open forum with Ishmael Beah, Author and Human Rights Activists. Ishmael shared details and personal accounts from his top selling book, “A Long Way Gone, Memories of a Boy Soldier.”

ESF Student Leaders present at the "La Salle Students Exploring International Service and Learning Forum"

September 16, 2008 at LaSalle University, Philadelphia, PA.

Festival of India

August 16, 2008 - A celebration of East Asian culture at Penn's Landing

Caribbean Festival

August 17, 2008 - A celebration of Caribbean culture at Penn's Landing

Small Survivors: Vulnerable Children of Uganda.

April 6, 2008 from 1-4 pm, Gershman Y Galleries, Broad Street at Pine in Center City. Photographs by Stephen Shames

PA - NAME Conference at Temple University

April 4 and 5, 2008

Ishmael Beah at the Cheltenham Township Adult School

ESF Student Leaders were required to read A Long Way Gone, Memories of a Boy Soldier and complete a detailed book review, March 25, 2008

Spring Fling Cultural Enrichment Fair at Temple Northeastern School of Nursing

March 24, 2008 from 12-2 pm

Project Great Potentials Graduation Ceremony

March 19 from 6-8 pm, 4548 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

World Culture Family Day: Celebration of African Cultures at University of Pennsylvania

February 16, 2008