your health. your wealth. Your power.
Join thousands of sisters building healthier bodies, stronger finances, and brighter futures. Watch shoWJOIN USOur Mission
Community Hero PA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that equips African American women with knowledge and resources to achieve equitable health outcomes, build financial stability, and lead in civic life. Through culturally responsive programs, we support personal transformation that improves the lives of African American women, their families, and their communities.
Our Vision
We envision a future where African American women are fully supported, resourced, and recognized as essential catalysts for community-wide prosperity, wellness, and social change.
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Why We Care
Why We Care: Our Health Matters
Black women experience significantly worse health outcomes across multiple critical areas. According to the CDC’s 2022 Health Disparities Report, Black women are:
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- 3 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications
- 40% more likely to die from breast cancer
- Experiencing higher rates of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease compared to women of other racial groups
Why We Care: Our Wealth Matters
Economic inequality profoundly impacts African American women. The Federal Reserve’s 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances reveals:
- Median white household wealth is $188,200, compared to just $24,100 for Black households
- Black women earn only 63 cents for every dollar earned by white men
- African American women are the most marginalized group in terms of generational wealth accumulation
Why We Care: Our Electoral Power Matters
Despite their critical political engagement, African American women continue to face systemic barriers to full political representation. According to the Brennan Center for Justice:
- Voter suppression tactics disproportionately impact Black women
- Gerrymandering and restrictive voting laws challenge electoral participation
- Underrepresentation in political leadership persists despite high voter turnout
Our Mission in Action
Comprehensive Support Strategy
We deliver integrated resources that address interconnected health, economic, and civic challenges for African American women. Women are particularly negatively impacted by social determinants of health (SDOH), facing critical challenges in health disparities, economic instability, and barriers to civic engagement.
Delivering targeted programs with clear, quantifiable outcomes that support African American women:
Health Impact Metrics
- C.A.S.E. Program
- Reduced senior depression rates by average of 2pts (9 pt scale) targeted evidence-based intervention strategies
- Reached 500+ seniors with mental health support resources
- Her Health Matters Radio Show
- Digital Literacy Training
- Over 250 seniors trained in telehealth technology
- 98% participants pledged future utilization of telehealth services
Measurable Community Impact Initiatives
EXCEL Fund (Purpose to increase cultural diversity in mental health and healthcare professional pipeline)
- Supported 38 African American students
- 95% pass rate for certifications
Civic Engagement Outcomes
- Build the Bloc
- Registered 1,500+ new voters
- Over 5000+ direct messages sent
Powering Community-Driven Events
We are dedicated to fostering real change through community-driven events. We create meaningful opportunities for education, connection, and empowerment. Our initiatives address pressing health disparities, promote civic engagement, and support economic stability. Such programming includes:
Community in Action Festival (formerly known as the Health in Action Festival)-An interactive community event filled with edutainment! It focuses on promoting wellness through health screenings, immunizations, connecting community members to health-providers, financial resources, and family-friendly activities.
- PA Black Prosperity Summit (formerly known as the PA Black Health Matters Conference)-An annual event focused on addressing health and wealth disparities and promoting equity in our communities.
Responding to Emerging Community Needs
Community Hero Action Group swiftly responds to emerging community needs by leveraging partnerships to launch targeted, short to long term initiatives that address disparities and promote equity which have included:
- Healthy Babies Philly which is an awareness campaign that focuses on vaccine accessibility for infants 0-2 years old
- Opioid Awareness Initiative that provided community education, resources, and addiction recovery support
- Food Insecurity –A partnership collaboration that combined the importance of providing nutritious food to underserved communities and sourcing from Black farmers.
- Gift of Life Campaign – An ongoing partnership with Gift of Life to increase organ donation among African Americans through awareness and education
- Vaccine Education – Provides up-to-date vaccine resources and immunization education.
Advancing Civic Education and Participation
Civic Leadership Development
- Build the Bloc: Non-partisan voter education and mobilization program
- Providing year-round civic engagement resources
- Connecting community members to political participation opportunities
Community Engagement Strategies
- Hosting forums and workshops that:
- Inform decision-making processes
- Build political awareness
- Reduce barriers to civic participation
- Amplify African American women’s voices in local and statewide conversations
Voter Education and Mobilization
- Comprehensive voter registration support
- Political process education
Inspiring News and Media Coverage
Our efforts to improve community health and well-being often capture the attention of the media. Through various news features and articles, our impactful work is shared widely, bringing greater awareness to the pressing issues we address and the positive changes we strive to achieve.
- Fox 29 Health Watch TV Interview
- WURD Earth Day Special Radio Interview
- KYW Newsradio Interview
Meeting the community where they eat, live, and play.
Explore stories that illuminate our programs, highlight critical trends, and provide actionable insights in our blog below. Discover the depth of our work and the strategies driving community transformation.
Championing Mental Health Professionals in a Big Way
At Community Hero Action Group, we are proud to sponsor 100% of the Black Brain Campaign’s latest cohort in the LEAP (Licensure, Exam, And Preparation) Program, supporting master's-level clinicians on their journey to becoming licensed marriage and family therapists...
The Unsung Heroes of Mental Health: The Vital Role of Social Workers
In the beautiful Pocono Mountains, the Kalahari Resort recently played host to a significant gathering of mental health professionals. The occasion was the Keystone Award ceremony, where I was deeply humbled to receive the Public Citizen of the Year honor from...
It Takes A Village
As the new school year begins, the excitement and anticipation felt by children are often paired with uncertainty. For many, having the right school supplies can make all the difference in building confidence and success in the classroom. This year, we had the...
Getting Involved in 2024 Election
Yes, every election, we hear the words, "This is the most important election of our lives." Well, you won't hear that here. Community Hero believes that every election affects our quality of life and this one is no different, which is why the African-american...
Fun and Fit Day at Sandy Hill Terrace
Health, Wellness, and Unity: Recapping the 2024 Sandy Hill Terrace Health Fair On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, the Community Hero Action Group hosted a vibrant and impactful health fair at Sandy Hill Terrace Apartments in Norristown, PA. This event was more than just...
Health In Action Festival 2024
Did you make it to Vernon Park last April 13? If not, you missed out big time! The Health In Action Festival 2024 brought together our community for a day packed with excitement, entertainment, and, most importantly, a commitment to health and wellness. Let me walk...