Announcement: The End of a Fiscal Year that Brought Us Continued Inspiration

HealthSpark Foundation ended its fiscal year in June. And as always with an “end,” it is an opportunity for us to reflect on the prior months and make note of the meaningful activities we have been able to engage in and support that speaks to our mission of a more just and healthier Montgomery County. 

One of those meaningful activities is the thoughtful advocacy work that has grown in our county’s nonprofit sector. We are grateful to the Bucks-Mont Collaborative for mobilizing their Collaborative Advocacy Network (CAN) to participate in focused efforts on housing affordability and behavioral health access. Most recently, the CAN organized over 70 people representing 50 nonprofits across Bucks and Montgomery Counties to educate lawmakers on these topics. It was an impactful day with CAN members meeting 15 legislators and 2 administrative officials from Governor Shapiro’s cabinet. The CAN gathered members recently to discuss opportunities for future momentum and capacity building to increase their advocacy efforts. 

We are glad the CAN exists as an instrument to bridge county lines and activate nonprofits. In honor of their continued efforts, HealthSpark is awarding $10,000 in General Operating Support to Bucks-Mont Collaborative in support of the CAN. 

Another organization we are grateful to is the Montco 30% Project, which specifically advocates for policies that increase the supply of affordable housing in our county. The organization, fiscally sponsored by the TriCounty Community Network, galvanizes civic participation in not only housing policy, but also equitable zoning and housing distribution, and additional funding to support the unhoused. 

In support of their educational and advocacy efforts, HealthSpark is awarding $2,500 in General Operating Support to Montco 30% Project. 

Another meaningful activity important to HealthSpark’s core values is leadership development that allows for growth, intentional collaboration, and new ideas to diffuse into our county nonprofit work. The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia is an entity stimulating this, through their Greater Philadelphia Leadership Exchange (GPLEX) program. This conference encourages learning in a peer city and promotes fresh insights and ideas, fosters new connections within and across sectors, and deepens conference attendees’ knowledge of Greater Philadelphia's most significant assets. 

HealthSpark is proud to provide a scholarship again in support of attendance at this year’s GPLEX in San Diego (read about last year’s scholarship recipient’s experience in New Orleans). 

LaToya Williams, Food Pantry Manager for Family Promise Montco PA is this year’s scholarship recipient and will be attending the conference set to take place in October. 

"I’m particularly looking forward to the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions and learning from the industry leaders. I’m also excited about the prospect of building lasting relationships and collaborations with like-minded individuals who share a passion for driving positive change," LaToya shared. 

HealthSpark Foundation was honored to participate as a sponsor and attendee at The Pottstown Juneteenth Freedom Rise Scholarship Gala, held on Juneteenth at Rivet: Canteen & Assembly. This event was a meaningful tribute to Juneteenth, commemorating its significance while also raising funds for scholarships. 

In attendance were HealthSpark’s President and CEO Emma Hertz, alongside members of the Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund Community Action Team, Brandon Stiff and Shaykh Anwar Muhammad. Their presence underscored the Foundation’s commitment to supporting community initiatives and implementing the Black Justice Fund (BJF). Through the BJF, HealthSpark has the joy in supporting Pottstown-born nonprofits including Be ReZilient Healing Through the Arts, whose Founder and Executive Director Denise Williams was a primary planner for the Gala. Other Pottstown nonprofits that recently received a 2024 Black Justice Fund award include The Strive Initiative, Making A Difference Economically, and Wings of Victory Outreach Corporation.

Thank you to the entire Pottstown Juneteenth planning team for a spectacular community event. 

As cliché as it may sound, with the close of this fiscal year, we are excited for the continued movement and inspiration that awaits us in the next, thanks to the incredible nonprofits planting the seeds and deepening the pathways. We are also excited about what lies ahead in our Foundation’s journey. Stay tuned for more updates. 

Happy Summer, 

The HealthSpark Team