Welcome to Olney
Olney is home to the most linguistically diverse zip code in the city of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We host majestic green spaces like Fisher Park; vibrant public spaces like Ziehler Playground, Cherashore Playground and Olney Library; top-notch public schools like Girls High & Central High; the second busiest transportation hub at Broad & Olney; a delectable array of cuisines and restaurants; and electric cultural celebrations that bring people together to laugh, love, and live. Olney is a walkable community, a place where you can live, shop, eat, play, work, and learn.
Visit our business directory to shop, eat and explore our neighborhood.
Who Are We
Olney Community Collaborative CDC is guided by the core values of collaboration, innovation, economic growth, and empowerment. The organization works hand-in-hand with residents, business owners, and local organizations to build a stronger, more inclusive + connected community. Formerly known as the N. 5th Street Revitalization Project (N5SRP), our team has a long-standing commitment to the Olney community, with a proven track record of impactful service since 2008. Now, as the Olney Community Collaborative, we’re expanding our reach to connect with even more of our neighbors and expand the small business ecosystem in Olney.
Service Area
We serve Olney neighbors and the small business ecosystem from Lawrence Street to 15th Street, Somerville Avenue to Godfrey Avenue, and Somerville Avenue to Fairhill Street to Roosevelt Boulevard.
History & Mission
OCC’s mission is to implement revitalizing initiatives in Olney that cultivate community connectivity and resilience, encourage economic growth, and foster a safe, welcoming neighborhood.
Olney Community Collaborative is formerly known as the North 5th Street Revitalization Project (N5SRP). N5SRP was founded by Olney residents and small business owners in 2005 as a focused reinvestment toward North 5th Street’s primary commercial hub, located at 5th and Olney Avenue. In 2008, we hired a full-time Corridor Manager and Sanitation Specialist with funding from the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. We’ve since grown to a full-time staff of 5, a dedicated team of Cleaning Ambassadors, and vibrant volunteers.
In 2019, with support from then-Councilwoman Cherelle L. Parker and the Philadelphia Department of Commerce, we expanded our corridor work to include the Broad and Olney Business District, for which we hired a full time Corridor Manager in 2022. In 2024, we were granted our 501(c)3, and at the request of local stakeholders, we expanded our organization and boundaries to become the Olney Community Collaborative.
What Drives Us
Collaboration
We believe in the power of working together with residents, businesses, and local organizations to achieve common goals and create a stronger community.
Innovation
We embrace community-focused solutions and innovative approaches to revitalization, fostering a forward-thinking neighborhood that adapts to changing needs.
Economic Growth
We strive to promote economic opportunities that enhance the livelihoods of our community members and contribute to a vibrant local economy.
Empowerment
We empower community members to take an active role in shaping the future of Olney, providing resources and support to help them succeed.
OCC Staff
Cheryl Wiltshire
Broad & Olney Corridor Manager
Cheryl Wiltshire is a lifelong resident of Olney with deep roots in the neighborhood. Joining Young City Planners Initiative (YCPI) in 2017 allowed her to see Olney for what it is: a loving, beautiful, and diverse community with plenty to offer.
After building a connection with OCC through her work with YCPI, Cheryl began to foster change in the very community where she lives. This allowed her to help create safe spaces and empower others to cross bridges that were previously perceived as scary, uncharted territory but have now blossomed into beautiful inviting places.
After graduating from Olney Charter High School in 2019, Cheryl continued her education at West Chester University of Pennsylvania. This is where she found her place as a Criminal Justice major with a minor in Youth Empowerment and Urban Development. Hoping to continue to ignite change in Olney, she found ways to fit volunteer work into her schedule. It is her passion for serving the community that reconnected her to OCC where she is now the Corridor Manager for the Broad & Olney Business District and an essential member of the team leading the Broad & Olney Improvement Project.
In 2023, Cheryl presented at the Main Street America conference on the topic of youth advocacy. She also participated in the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations (PACDC) Corridor Manager On-boarding Program. In May 2024, she was awarded the PACDC Rising Star Award, an award recognizing young professionals under 35 who are excelling in their non-profit careers.
What inspires me: serving as a voice for Olney’s youth who are sometimes unheard, and making Olney a more vibrant and safe place for my nieces and nephews.
I do what I do: Because I want to foster change in communities that are often overlooked. I want to be a change agent that supports all the opportunities for our neighborhood (people + spaces) to prosper and reach its maximum potential.
What do you love about Olney: I love that Olney is a true image of the city of Philadelphia’s melting pot cultures, all in one neighborhood.
List your 5 core expertise you bring to Olney Community Collaborative: Youth engagement, creative design, event planning, business owner engagement, and organizing
Kemsuze Estnor
Communications Intern
Kemsuze moved to Olney in 2017 with her family from Haiti. She is a junior scholar at Girls High School, and has been volunteering with OCC since 2018. Kemsuze began assisting with set-up and youth engagement at community events and clean-ups. Her role and responsibilities expanded upon her hiring as an Intern in 2023. Kemsuze leads OCC’s content development team and direct promotion team.
Kemsuze is also a celebrated student-athlete. As a track and cross country runner, she is a recipient of the Cross Country runner performance award. As a dedicated student, she is the recipient of several honor awards for her stellar academic achievement.
Who/What inspires me: The Greater Olney Branch of the Free Library inspired me to get engaged and participate in local activities. I am also deeply inspired by God, friends and family.
I do what I do: Because it keeps me motivated to learn more, and strive to be the best version of myself as I give the best to my community.
What do you love about Olney: I love the diversity in Olney. I feel connected to them to business owners and my neighbors through shared experiences and culture. Olney feels like home.
List your 5 core expertise you bring to Olney Community Collaborative: Enthusiasm, positivity, collaboration, content development, reliability
Kyasha Tyson
Director of Operations
Kyasha Tyson adoringly refers to Philadelphia as her second home. As a 20 year resident of the city she specializes in community conversations, neighbor engagement, solution implementation, and strategic issue development. Prior to joining the OCC team as Director of Operations, Kyasha served as the Director of Community & Economic Development to former Councilwoman Cherelle Parker.
Kyasha has over 13 years of experience managing state and local government initiatives, including the PHL Taking Care of Business, securing state and local funding for economic development projects, authoring the Voter Identification Education Guide (VIEG) for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, overseeing constituent enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace and countless public education campaigns on legislative and community matters. Throughout her career, Kyasha has built strategic partnerships with community development corporations, local civic groups, and business associations.
Kyasha holds Bachelor Degrees in Journalism and African American Studies from Temple University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a focus in City Management from Villanova University.
What inspires me: My grandmothers, my mother, my people, and service
I do what I do: We are on this earth to be of service to the greater good. I genuinely love helping people and learning about others’ experiences, so I am actually getting paid to do something I love.
What do you love about Olney: I love that Olney feels like a hidden gem. There is so much history, life and culture in this neighborhood, and I am honored to be of service to the people who call Olney home.
List your 5 core expertise you bring to Olney Community Collaborative: Strategic planning, community organizing, organizational leadership, event planning, and compassion.
Stephanie Michel
Executive Director
Stephanie Michel is a second-generation Haitian, community developer, public educator, and spoken word artist. As the Executive Director of the Olney Community Collaborative, she offers planning, coordination, and implementation support for OCC’s core work: cleaning, safety, business assistance, and neighbor engagement. She applies her passion and talent toward engaging Olney’s residents and merchants.
Stephanie began her public service career as the Civic Engagement Intern with Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition, an Assistant Director with Grassroots Campaigns, and a Kindergarten teacher in the Bensalem School District. Americorps brought Stephanie to North 5th Street as a VISTA volunteer in 2010. After her year of service, she remained committed to the work and was elevated to the role of Program Coordinator. She organized community partners in the Olney community to host and launch various programs, classes and events. Over the years, she took on roles with increasing responsibility, from Assistant Director to Co-director, and now – Executive Director.
For her outstanding leadership, she has been recognized as a Billy Penn Who’s Next Community Leader, a Philadelphia Association of CDC (PACDC) Rising Star, a Next City Vanguard Fellow and a LEADERSHIP Philadelphia Fellow. Stephanie currently serves on the board of PACDC, the Philadelphia Historical Commission and the Charlotte Cushman Foundation.
Stephanie holds a B.A in Spanish and Sociology from Albright College and is pursuing a M.A in Theological and Cultural Anthropology from Eastern University.
What inspires me: Mountains, Jesus, my Mom, my community
I do what I do: To give back to the community that welcomed me; when I first moved to Philly, Olney is where I felt seen and most at home. Also, to support people like my parents, who were immigrants and started a business without much knowledge or support as to what is available to them, all in pursuit of the American Dream.
What do you love about Olney: I love the diversity. I love the tangible sense of community. I love the rich smells of different foods and the various sounds of different languages being spoken. I love people from different cultures making strong efforts to connect with their neighbors.
List your 5 core expertise you bring to Olney Community Collaborative: Nonprofit management, Spanish, Youth Development, Event Planning
Board Members
Alberto Carassco
Member
Owner, D’Classico Barbershop
Ambrose Liu
Secretary
Founder, Olney Culture Lab
Chrisitna Patton
Member
Free Library of Philadelphia
Justin Lee
Member
Owner, Fern Rock Hardware
Kathleen Kerin
Member
Pastor, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Marjarie Burnett
President
Local Resident
Richard Hayes
Treasurer
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Stephanie Michel
Member
Executive Director,
Olney Community Collaborative
Tim Bathurst
Vice President
Pastor, New Life Philly
What We Do
Neighborhood Programs
Lead Your Block
Everyone should join the party! Olney is home to beautiful and vibrant blocks, many that are looking for a neighbor to step up and lead. The OCC Team can help you become a Block Captain or establish a Block Committee – where neighbors share the load. We can connect with the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee (PMBC) and support you through the petition and approval process. Reach out at connect@olneycollab.com or stop by the office at 5458 N. 5th Street. We are happy to help you get organized and support for your block.
Neighborhood Services & Resources
OCC knows the value of a connected and informed community. We work to help neighbors navigate local resources and services from trash removal to reporting an abandoned car. We can also help you find your local, state, or federal elected official and ensure you know how to reach their Teams. Learn more by stopping by the office at 5458 N. 5th Street or emailing the Team at connect@olneycollab.com.
Olney Youth Advisory Council
The Olney Youth Advisory Council (OYAC) is a collective of youth leaders who want to be a part of the conversations to drive engagement and growth in Olney. OYAC members plan youth-centered events, advocate for their community, and represent their peers. Past members of OYAC have joined the OCC Team as full-time staff and/or studying community development and leadership at local/statewide Universities. Our youth are key players in the sustainability of our neighborhoods, and their voices are welcome at OCC. Be about it, and join. Come connect at the office, 5458 N. 5th Street or via email at connect@olneycollab.com.
Olney Neighbors Association
Olney neighbors have never shied away from working together or voicing their questions and concerns about our neighborhood. OCC loves that! The Olney Neighbors Association (ONA) is a community organization that keeps neighbors connected, informed, and engaged. OCC supports ONA with administrative tasks, organizing, and meeting coordination. All Olney residents are welcome to join. For more information, email us at connect@olneycollab.org or stop by the office at 5458 N. 5th Street. Our Team is delighted to share information with neighbors.
Small Business Programs & Support
Open Your Business in Olney
Olney Community Collaborative proudly supports all of our small business owners. From ideas to expansion, we help small business owners learn how to take the leap to open a business, walk owners through city and state programs to ease access, support business sustainability, and share opportunities for growth. We are your one stop shop! If you are a business owner or are thinking about opening a business in Olney, let us help you. Email the team at connect@olneycollab.com or visit us in the office at 5458 N. 5th Street. There is space and patrons for you in Olney.
Storefront Improvement Program
Real investments, Real changes. Our Team works with small business owners to get access to city grants and programs. The Storefront Improvement Program can reimburse business owners up to 50% of the cost of eligible improvements to the property where the business is located. Our Corridor Managers provide support with the program application and connection to eligible contractors. For more information, email the Team at connect@olneycollab.com or visit us in the office at 5458 N. 5th Street. You are not alone, we are here to help.
Business Camera Program
Business Safety is Key. Our Team works with small business owners to get access to city grants and programs. The Business Security Camera Program can reimburse business owners up to 75% of the total eligible costs, as much as $3,000 for installing cameras on a single commercial property. Our Corridor Managers provide support with the program application and connection to eligible contractors. For more information, email the Team at connect@olneycollab.com or visit us in the office at 5458 N. 5th Street. Safety is a top priority. We are here to help.
PHL Taking Care of Business
Sidewalk Cleaning – The Olney Community Collaborative Cleaning Ambassadors work to keep the N. 5th Street business district clean. The Ambassadors are on 5th Street before the sun rises striving to create a clean, litter-free shopping experience for Olney neighbors and visitors. We encourage you to say hello to our Ambassadors when you see them. They love Olney and are happy to serve our neighborhood.
Olney Business Association
Our Team coordinates and manages the Olney Business Association. Business owners are invited to join the Association and attend monthly meetings to network with other business owners, learn more information, connect with the local Police Department, and get access to special presentations and sessions to grow your business.
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