Meet The Team

Rev. Andy Jacob

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

For Rev. Andy Jacob, serving as Chester Eastside’s Executive Director is his “dream job – to work with an agency that is addressing issues of social justice and peace.”

Andy brings more than 30 years of practical and pastoral experience to the post. As a VISTA volunteer in Brunswick, Maine, he developed programs and a drop-in center for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth. During his 11 years as pastor of Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Cleveland, Ohio, the congregation expanded its ministries to more fully respond to the community’s needs. It was followed by three years as a Staff Associate with the local Presbytery (Western Reserve), serving as a consultant for social justice ministries. 

Andy was appointed in 2008 as pastor of Hanover Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware, an anticipated three-year call as the time frame was the life expectancy of the struggling congregation. Thirteen years later, it is a vibrant worshiping community with recently-completed building renovations operating as a community hub.

He holds a B.A. in English/Religion from The College of William and Mary, Master of Arts (Social Work) in Community Organizing/Policy Analysis from The University of Chicago and Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary.

Tiffany Kea

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Tiffany Kea joined the Chester Eastside, Inc. family on March 6, 2023. She is responsible for overseeing
the Food Pantry and procedures of the Out of School Time and Camp Phoenix programs, looking to
maximize efficiencies, while finding new avenues to increase community engagement.

Prior to this position, Tiffany spent most of her career in the Healthcare, Education and Social Services fields. Born and raised in Chester, she proudly labels herself “A Daughter of the City.” In 1991, Tiffany graduated Concord Christian Baptist Academy as Valedictorian and subsequently attended Widener University, Delaware Technical and Gadsden State Community Colleges.

She believes that the soul of the City of Chester is its residents and in order to build a stronger community we must first begin by developing programs that uplift and support the family unit as a whole. Tiffany believes that we are all called according to our purpose and hers just happens to be stamped with a Servant’s Heart.

In her spare time, she enjoys reading, World of Warcraft and playing cards with friends and family.

Raheem Curry

INTERIM PROGRAM DIRECTOR

My name is Raheem Curry, and I am from Philadelphia. I am an educator, writer, and photographer. I have had a passion to work with kids for a long time. I saw how in many ways being from Kensington how the system failed me, and how it will continue to fail Black students and other students of color.

I wanted to be someone that students could rely on, and someone that ushers in hope into their lives. I went to college to study art history. I have a big family! Four sisters and three brothers. I like to read, go for walks, and play guitar in my downtime. I am excited to start working with Chester Eastside. I am excited to see what I will learn about myself and the kids while working alongside them. I am excited to see what their dreams are, and where their dreams will take them.

Responding to Hunger and Food Insecurity

Mondays and Wednesdays are food days at CEI. At 11:00am the doors open for the CEI food pantry that has been in operation for more than thirty years. Guests may come once every thirty days to receive food that is designed to provide six days of meals per person in a household. In 2022 we distributed over 120,00 meals. 

In June 2023 the hot meals program, now called “The Open Table”, opened again after a three year covid reprieve. It also begins at 11:00am and anyone is welcome with no requirements, registration, or restrictions. The meal is provided by our partners at Everybody Eats Philly, an emerging catering business and restaurant. On average, 50-60 individuals enjoy each meal.

Here are just some of the volunteers and staff who work as one in the mission to provide a safe, secure, and welcoming place for people to come and fill their bodies, minds, and spirits.