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Jumpstart Germantown Founder Ken Weinstein continued with a heartfelt message of gratitude—recognizing the supporters in the room who helped build Jumpstart into a nationally recognized model of community-driven development. From mentoring 2 local residents in Weinstein’s office in 2015, Jumpstart has grown to:
- Train over 1,669 aspiring developers in the Germantown area and more than 3,000 nationwide.
- Deploy more than $61 million in loans to purchase and renovate blighted properties.
- Host 32 training programs in Germantown and replicate 19 partner programs across 6 states, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Florida and Indiana.
Weinstein reminded the enthusiastic crowd, “This isn’t a get-rich-quick program. We offer a holistic approach to real estate development that takes the community into consideration.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro joined the celebration to recognize Jumpstart’s statewide impact, calling it a model, not just for Philadelphia, but for the entire Commonwealth. Shapiro praised Weinstein for turning passion into policy—sharing that “the work that's gone on here in Germantown is now going to be lifted up across Pennsylvania.”
Governor Shapiro concluded by thanking all Jumpstarters, “You've gotten off the sidelines. You've gotten in the game and you are doing your part, and we are all better off for it. And so, from a grateful Governor I just want to say thank you. Thank you for the work you've done over these last 10 years, and thank you for what I know you're going to do going forward “
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, who recently got her H.O.M.E. Initiative approved by City Council, closed the program. A longtime Jumpstart Germantown supporter, Parker called the Jumpstart Program a shining example of economic empowerment and thanked Weinstein for “growing the next generation of developers,” and “showing people they can develop in their neighborhoods and they can help to change lives.” Mayor Parker praised Jumpstart for giving people the skills and access they need—not just for themselves, but to lift others, too.
Pearsall said it best - “this just isn't a celebration of what we've done, it's a reminder that when we put our heads, hearts, and hammers together, we get shit done!”
You can watch the full program on Jumpstart Germantown's YouTube Channel. For more information about Jumpstart Germantown, go to JumpstartGermantown.com.
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