For the past ten weeks twelve individuals have participated in the Phoenixville Community Health Leadership Academy. Since September 9th these committed community volunteers have been meeting one evening a week for two hours learning from experts, both locally and nationally based, on aspects of leadership. They have had to put their new-found knowledge to practical application by developing a community service project that will benefit the greater Phoenixville community.
The students and their projects are: Timothy Barr is developing a fundraising project for Good Samaritan Shelter that partners with Phoenixville High School students; Jim Deoria, Jr. is planning for the Phoenixville Police Athletic League’s 10th anniversary; Kathleen Giannopoulos is creating a running program for children with the theme “Finish What You Start”; LaTanya Grasty, elected as the group’s graduation spokesperson, is planning an event through the organization Concerned Parents of PASD; Sarah Greis is concerned about the needs of those hurt in this economic crisis wants to create a system of bartering in collaboration with other groups; Julian McCracken wants to expand the scholarship program at the Phoenixville Children’s Early Learning Center to help those who cannot afford day care; LaRhonda Mitchell is collaborating with Bethel Baptist Church to establish an academic scholarship in honor of Debbie Mitchell for Phoenixville graduates pursuing the performing arts; Lynn Seay is working with the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County on an art project to purchase furniture for the Center’s children; Carol Stinson is developing a multi-generational program called “Grand Mom Hugs for Life”; Jan Swarr is developing a dance program for women who are survivors of abuse; and Karin Williams is collaborating with local non-profit organizations to create a parents’ expo to educate parents on the information and services available to them.
“The Academy is designed for adults who want to become more involved in their community or neighborhood”, states Lynn Pike Hartman, Phoenixville Community Health Foundation Senior Program Officer and Academy Facilitator. “This class has exemplified the mission of the Community Health Leadership Academy. The weekly presenters have just been excellent and the class has been drinking it all in. We are looking for great things from each and every one!”
Sponsored by the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation and the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations, the mission of the Academy is to provide a vehicle to identify, train and empower greater Phoenixville area citizens for leadership roles that promote our community’s health and advance its quality of life. The Academy will culminate with a graduation luncheon, held November 21st at the Columbia Bar & Grille in Phoenixville
Dr. Louis Beccaria, President & CEO of the Foundation stated, “This Community Health Leadership Academy has exceeded all expectations. Its impact on our greater Phoenixville community will only continue to grow.” Joe Geiger, Executive Director of PANO added, “Over the last five years more than thirty-three projects have been completed, many of them on-going efforts, that have enriched this community. This class will add their own mark in very distinct ways.”