12th Street for Good: St. James Is Investing in Allegheny West

At 12th Street Catering, giving back isn’t just something we do—it’s part of who we are. Through 12th Street for Good, we highlight local organizations that uplift, inspire, and serve our community in meaningful ways. Every month, we use this space to amplify their stories, shining a light on the work being done and the people behind it.

This month, we’re honored to feature St. James School, a North Philadelphia institution that is, in every sense, much more than just a school. Though the word “school” may be in the name, the work being done at St. James extends far beyond the classroom, deep into the heart of its Philadelphia community.

Meet St. James: A School, and So Much More

Founded in 2011 on the campus of Church of St. James the Less, St. James School was established with a bold vision: to provide a tuition-free, top-quality, faith-based education to students in Philadelphia’s Allegheny West neighborhood. Today, it remains the only Episcopal school in the city, serving 92 students in grades 4 through 8. Every student receives a full scholarship, made possible by more than 1,000 annual donors and a dedicated network of volunteers.

Most students enter St. James one to two grade levels behind. By the time they graduate, however, they’ve developed not only academically, but also socially, and spiritually thanks to the robust support and care the school offers. 

On-site, a nurse practitioner treats students who aren’t feeling well, preventing them from missing valuable class time. A visiting dentist and trained mental health professionals contribute to a care team designed to meet students' full range of needs. Each day, healthy meals are served family-style, creating a sense of consistency and community. It’s details like this that empower students of the St. James community to flourish academically.

But the support doesn’t stop at graduation. Alumni join a robust graduate support network, receiving ongoing mentorship, tutoring, and career guidance through high school and beyond. Now, with the earliest graduates entering their mid-20s, many are stepping into leadership roles and giving back.

For the past two years, we’ve had the honor of catering St. James’s annual Dr. Audrey Evans Benefit, named after the organization's co-founder, which helps sustain their scholarship model and holistic support services. Together, we’ve worked together to ensure the benefit reflects the strength of their mission. In turn, we've been continually inspired by the depth of their work—and grateful for the chance to help amplify it.

A School That Stays Local, By Design

One of the most remarkable things about St. James is its deep focus on one neighborhood. While many schools cast a wide admissions net, St. James made an intentional choice to stay small and local. Students are accepted primarily from the Allegheny West neighborhood, reinforcing strong ties to the community and creating a school that feels deeply rooted—because it is.

“Every neighborhood deserves a school like St. James,” St. James School’s Vice President of Advancement Angela McCole-Yun shared. “We didn’t want it to become a lottery system or something that pulled kids from across the city. We wanted to be for the neighborhood.”

That commitment has turned the school into a true “third place”—a space that isn’t home or work, but something just as vital. For some, that third space might be a church or a local library. For many in Allegheny West, it’s St. James.

The Welcome Table: A Community Anchor

The Welcome Table is a community outreach program housed within St. James that aims to create spaces for members of their school and broader community to access essential needs and experience a community of sharing. It began simply, with the school responding to food insecurity among students and their families. But when the pandemic hit, the need skyrocketed and St. James responded.

Every Saturday, volunteers join St. James to run a free farmers market, welcoming residents to shop for produce, proteins, and pantry staples in a warm, dignified setting. There are no prices, no checkouts, just access. 

Over time, the Welcome Table has expanded. It now supports a community fridge program in collaboration with The William Penn Charter School and Mt. Airy Presbyterian Church called Friend’s Fridge. Many of the volunteers who keep it running are also participants– residents lending their time to support neighbors, unloading and stocking food, helping to keep the system going.

Summers at St. James

While August might seem like a quiet month for most schools, at St. James, the work continues. Each July, students participate in a required summer program that blends academic support with creative and physical enrichment. 

The experience is highly customizable; students choose from a rotating menu of weekly options, including math intensives led by school-year faculty, theater workshops, soccer clinics, and even hip-hop camp. 

For rising fifth through eighth graders, summer also includes a four-night sleep-away camp at NorthBay Adventure Camp in northeast Maryland. Located on the Chesapeake Bay, the program combines outdoor adventure with environmental education. Students kayak, zip-line, and learn about local ecosystems, while also participating in talent shows and classic camp traditions. For many, it’s their first experience away from home—one they talk about for months after returning.

Want to Help? Here’s How

There are many ways to get involved at St. James. The Welcome Table and Friends Fridge always need extra hands—no training required, and drop-ins are welcome. The school also hosts garden days, campus cleanups, and seasonal workdays for individuals or volunteer groups.

For more information on how you can support St. James School, please visit: https://bit.ly/12st-james-volunteer  

Our partnership with St. James School reflects the heart of 12th Street for Good. From catering their annual benefit to sharing their story, we’re proud to support a mission rooted in care, dignity, and long-term impact. St. James reminds us that lasting change begins with deep local commitment, and we’re honored to stand alongside them in building a stronger, more connected Philadelphia.

Stay tuned for next month’s 12th Street for Good spotlight as we continue celebrating the organizations making our Philly family stronger, kinder, and more connected.

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