The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation (PAHWF) has worked to improve the health and wellness of Pottstown area residents since 2003. As PAHWF President Dave Kraybill says, “A healthy Pottstown benefits everyone—from community members to business owners—by creating a better place to live, work, and play.” Since its founding, the Foundation has awarded more than $40 million to over 200 grantees, helping foster a vibrant community, inspire healthy lifestyles, and build a strong economic base.

To fulfill its ongoing mission, PAHWF provides grants to local nonprofit organizations that serve residents within a 10-mile radius of Pottstown in the following priority areas:

• Funding programs and solutions for long-term improvement in healthy behaviors.

  • Promoting healthy living through nutrition, activities and programs in public and private schools to reduce obesity and encourage healthy living.

  • Improving parks, programming and the built environment to increase access and physical activity.

  • Creating and promoting social networks involving healthy living.

• Funding programs for physical health and emotional well-being.

• Funding learning opportunities and strategic planning to strengthen non-profits.

Accomplishments through grantmaking include the opening of Community Health & Dental Care (a Federally Qualified Health Center) in 2008, the Circuit Rider program that was awarded more than 1.7 million for 30+ park projects, and the Walk & Bike Pottstown Project. As grantees improve themselves and their ability to serve, PAHWF also invests in building their capacity.

In addition to grants, PAHWF collaborates with existing networks and groups to facilitate positive community impact, including Pottstown Early Action for Kindergarten Readiness (PEAK), TriCounty Health Council, and TriCounty Community Network. The Foundation also collaborates with MOSAIC Community Land Trust and Building a Better Boyertown to hold the Annual Home Garden Contest in the boroughs of Pottstown and Boyertown.

PAHWF has its own programs to inspire, educate and motivate community members and leaders. The annual Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds Institute brings local educators together to share skills and knowledge to make schools active and healthy environments. Other projects include the School Wellness Initiative and Wellness Checklist Challenge, which promote cultures of good health in schools.

To learn more about the Foundation, making healthy choices, or becoming a grant candidate, visit pottstownfoundation.org.