Parkside Business & Community In Partnership, Inc.

PBCIP’s declared mission is to reverse the decline of Parkside and increase the quality of neighborhood life. The organization seeks to promote its mission through a variety of strategies, including acquisition and rehab of homes with resale to low and moderate-income families. Other goals include increasing public safety; the revitalization of Haddon Avenue commercial district to promote employment and economic development; and partnering in the Camden Green ways project, which aims to restore, among others, several large parks along the Cooper River, which defines the easterly boundary of the neighborhood.

PBCIP has collaborated with a number of partners in an effort to revitalize the neighborhood. Through PBCIP, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies opened an office at PBCIP headquarters on Kenwood Avenue and, through Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, the neighborhood’s largest employer, Peace Place Wellness Center has opened on the first floor. Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies offers prenatal care and also pregnancy prevention counseling to Parkside women and teenagers. Peace Place provides wellness services such as therapeutic massage, reflexology and Creative Wellness classes in the belief that taking a holistic approach to caring for the mind body and spirit can improve health and prevent illness.

PBCIP has also partnered with Rowan University for the development of a needs assessment/analysis for the youth population of Parkside neighborhood. This cooperative effort promises to serve as a stepping-stone in developing comprehensive, quality youth programs for a community that is committed to improving the quality of life and future of its residents.

PBCIP is also a partner with the Camden County Boys & Girls Club and Lourdes’ Senior Companions program, which assists the elderly with day-to-day appointments, errands and housekeeping so that they can maintain their independence. PBCIP continues to sponsor the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, the only event of its kind to honor volunteers from throughout Camden, and also has instituted a Jazz Breakfast fundraiser in the fall. In addition, PBCIP seeks to organize Haddon Avenue business owners to develop a strategy to revive what has the potential to be a viable commercial and retail strip.

Through PBCIP’s efforts, Parkside has become one of Camden’s most promising neighborhoods. As PBCIP celebrates its tenth year, the organization is moving forward with community-building programs that have built the foundation for success.