Chester County OIC’s Annual Block Party is back and bigger than ever.
On Friday, June 26, from 3-7:00 PM, the event moves to a new home at Gateway Park in Coatesville (22 Lincoln Highway), welcoming families, residents, employers, and community partners through food, entertainment, resources, and celebration. Admission is free, but registration is required.
This Year’s Theme: Mobility Matters
The 2026 event centers on a timely theme — mobility — specifically how transportation access shapes people’s ability to get to work and advance in their careers. Coatesville faces real transportation gaps: many residents do not hold a driver’s license or own a vehicle. In response, Chester County OIC and its partners will share a range of solutions, including Driver’s Education programming, workforce transportation support, public transit resources, and guidance on navigating DMV-related barriers.
Adding to the excitement: non-profit partner Giving Bikes Back will donate a limited number of refurbished adult bicycles and new Trek hybrid children’s bicycles — each paired with a helmet and given out on a first-come, first-served basis.
Wallo Headlines the Event
This year’s event also features Wallo — podcast host, author, and global motivational speaker. Born Wallace Peebles in Northeast Philadelphia, Wallo spent 20 years in prison, using that time to educate himself, read, and plan for the future. His transformation has made him a widely recognized voice of inspiration. A select number of signed copies of his book will be available at the event.
CEO Javonna Wylie reflects on what the day represents: “Chester County OIC is committed to creating pathways to economic mobility through adult education, workforce training, and professional development. Too many talented individuals face barriers to employment simply because they lack access to transportation, training, or support systems. We’re incredibly grateful and excited to partner with Wallo and Giving Bikes Back. Wallo’s words are sure to inspire all of us — and we can’t wait to share the mission of Giving Bikes Back, to distribute bicycles so people can get to where they need to go and gain the freedom bicycle ownership provides. This event brings the community together around solutions, opportunity, and hope.”
What to Expect on June 26
Registered guests can also look forward to delicious home-style food from Chef Ken, high-energy Afrobeat and Caribbean dancing led by Nia and Cynthia of Dance Society, a rock-climbing wall, floral bouquet making with Casa de Flores, and connections with employer and agency partners.
Admission is free. Register on Eventbrite to reserve your spot.
Learn how you can sponsor the Block Party and support Chester County OIC’s year-round mission of empowering individuals and strengthening communities. Visit Chester County OIC or contact [email protected] for sponsorship opportunities and additional information.
Chester County OIC Gratefully Acknowledges Its 2026 Sponsors
Penn Medicine/Chester County Hospital • Bentley Systems • Citadel Credit Union • Chester County Workforce Development Board • Full Circle • Burke & Herbert Bank • Fulton Bank • JEF Consulting PLLC • KeyBank • TD Bank • Comcast • Countryside Consulting • Lamb McErlane • MetaTechnical • RE/MAX Main Line • TMACC • Wayne Bank • Philadelphia Insurance Companies
