This week marks Community Foundation Week, a nationwide celebration to recognize the local impact of community foundations.
It serves as a prime time to highlight Pottstown’s community foundation — Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation (PAHWF) — and its dedication to enhancing the health and well-being of over 260,000 residents in and surrounding Pottstown.
For over two decades, the Foundation has shown an unwavering commitment to driving impactful community initiatives through granting over $55 million across 250 organizations and programs.
“These past 20 years have been a true testament to the power of partnership,“ said David Kraybill, President of Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Center.
“By transitioning to a community foundation, PAHWF expands its reach, engaging donors, residents, and local partners to address pressing community needs and build a healthier future.”
Transition to community foundation
PAHWF began its transition from a private foundation to a community foundation in June of 2023.
This transition allows PAHWF to expand its reach, involve more stakeholders, and align its funding strategies with the community’s diverse needs. By working alongside PAHWF, donors, partners, and community members play a crucial role in building a thriving, equitable community that prioritizes health and wellness for all.
Community foundations are independent, public entities that steward philanthropic resources from institutional and individual donors to local nonprofits and represent one of the fastest-growing forms of philanthropy.
“As we transition to a community foundation, we are able to deepen our impact and extend our reach in ways that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people we serve,” Kraybill said. “Every grant, every donation, every dollar matters — together, we are weaving a stronger, healthier future.”
Engage more directly with residents
While PAHWF will continue its grantmaking efforts and support various nonprofits, its new identity as a community foundation empowers it to engage more directly with residents. This shift enables the foundation to serve as a financial resource while actively participating in efforts to address pressing local needs.
“The foundation helped us open our doors in 2008,” said Bridgette McGivern, CEO of Community Health and Dental Care.
“Through their support, we have been able to increase our staffing to meet growing demand in our community. When we opened, we saw 39 patients in our first three days. Today, we have over 24,000 active medical and dental patients, serving nearly 300 people each day. Without the foundation, we would never be able to do what we do.”
Improving food access and security
One of the cornerstones of PAHWF’s mission has been improving food access and security in the region. Over the years, the foundation has supported numerous food-related initiatives, feeding families and individuals in need.
Partnerships with organizations like Boyertown Area Multi-Service have enabled PAHWF to provide thousands of pounds of food each month, assisting over 350 households. Additionally, PAHWF grants have supported programs promoting healthy eating and nutrition education, ensuring community members have access to nutritious options that foster overall well-being.
Stacey Woodland, CEO of YWCA Tri-County Area, noted the foundation’s support for youth programs.
“What started out as a cohort of a dozen girls has evolved into serving hundreds of girls and boys annually, from toddler age to high school, across seven area school districts. Without the foundation, think of the missed opportunities to support our youth.”
Support of recreational areas
Through its support of recreational areas, PAHWF ensures that community members have access to fresh air, scenic landscapes, and safe spaces to gather, promoting a balanced approach to health and wellness.
“Without the foundation, we would be missing out on all this fresh air,” remarks Elaine Paul Schaeffer, Executive Director of Schuylkill River Greenways. “The foundation supported the construction of a new 1.5-mile section of the Schuylkill River Trail and also funded trail-head improvements.”
PAHWF’s support extends beyond physical improvements to the community, fostering a deep connection to local culture, wellness, and the natural environment. Through projects like the Schuylkill River Trail, PAHWF enhances not just infrastructure but also the quality of life for everyone in the area, creating spaces where people can connect with nature and each other.
This commitment to uplifting the community reflects PAHWF’s ongoing mission to be a driving force for positive change across Pottstown and its surrounding areas.
Pottstown Health & Wellness Foundation’s Initiatives
To learn more about PAHWF’s initiatives and how to get involved, visit www.pottstownfoundation.org. The website provides detailed information about the foundation’s programs, grantmaking efforts, and upcoming events. Additionally, you can connect with PAHWF on social media to stay updated on its initiatives and see how contributions make a difference in the community.
Watch Seeds of Change
Hear directly from those that the PAHWF supports: www.tinyurl.com/2024SeedsOfChange
Make a Contribution
Contributions to the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation help create a network of resources that benefits everyone. By choosing to support PAHWF, you are investing in a foundation with a proven track record of success while becoming part of a larger movement to uplift and empower the community.
Your donations will help expand the foundation’s reach, enhance its programs, and continue its mission of fostering the health and wellness of all community members.
Source: www.pottstownfoundation.org
About Community Foundation Week
Community Foundation Week, created in 1989 by former president George H.W. Bush, recognizes the important work of community foundations throughout America and their collaborative and innovative approach to working with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Annually, Community Foundation Week coincides with National Philanthropy Day on November 15.
Source: www.cof.org
