African Family Health Organization

Thank you, thank you, thank YOU to everyone who came out to the AFAHO Health Center grand opening on Friday! It was a joy to be welcomed into Delaware County and have the support of other community organizations, partners, friends, and government officials. We are ready to begin supporting our uninsured clients through this center with our services starting this Wednesday. Stay tuned! Delaware County District Attorney Philadelphia Office of Immigrant Affairs Monica Taylor The AFAHO Health Center is made possible in part by the support of the?City of Philadelphia – Department of Public Health?and the?Philadelphia Health Partnership. For businesses and community members interested in partnerships/sponsorship opportunities, please contact [email protected]

Our staff yesterday at the AccessMatters.Org Health Equity Summit!

What an incredible turnout for our annual My Heart, My Priority event! Last week, we welcomed 90+ community members for a day full of health and wellness. We had screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and BMI, plus interactive activities focused on nutrition, exercise, and stress management. A special thank you to our partners, Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions Community Wellness HUB for providing the screenings and to the American Heart Association for their life-saving CPR education. ? This year, community members had the chance to practice CPR in hands-on mock scenarios – what an empowering experience to build confidence and skills for real-life situations!

In December 2024, $455,000 in grants were awarded to eight community-based organizations working to advance equity in health and early childhood development in Philadelphia! The supported organizations and programs listed below focus on culturally- and linguistically- responsive care and services, reproductive justice, perinatal mental health, youth leadership, and civic engagement. NURTURE Oshun Family Center CONNECT African Family Health Organization La Puerta Abierta Nationalities Service Center SEAMAAC ? ADVOCATE Lenfest Institute for Journalism New Voices for Reproductive Justice ? LEAD we R.E.I.G.N ? Read our blog post today to discover more about our grantee partners and nurture, connect, advocate, and lead initiatives: https://lnkd.in/eG6Fzb7q #phillyhealth #healthequity #healthequitynow #phillynonprofit #nonprofitsupport #communityhealth #diversity #inclusion #philadelphia

For our third and final Saturday session with African Family Health Organization (AFAHO)’s African Youth Empowerment Program (AYEP) for the year, we welcomed in the Claymobile–a program of the Clay Studio– for an awesome pop-up ceramics workshop! Participants enjoyed doughnuts and other tasty treats while they tried their hand at making and painting pottery. It was so much fun to see everyone’s creativity shine through as they designed and worked on their art projects, which will be returned to them next month after they are fired in the kiln! Thank you so much to the Claymobile instructors for doing such an incredible job and to our volunteers Heena Desai, Deb Stone, and Lettie Castleman for helping to facilitate such a great afternoon! Looking forward to continuing to partner with AFAHO in 2025!

Each year, our team anonymously votes to recognize an exceptional colleague as?Staff of the Year—someone whose dedication, work ethic, and passion embody the mission of AFAHO.?This year, we are proud to announce that Salimatou Sy, our Social Services Specialist, has been chosen as AFAHO’s?2024 Staff of the Year!??? Her colleagues shared: - “Sally always goes above and beyond what is expected of her and truly believes in AFAHO’s mission.” - “She is one of the most hardworking and welcoming team members, always supporting her clients with selflessness and care." Please join us in celebrating Salimatou Sy for this well-deserved honor.??? Her hard work, selflessness, and unwavering commitment make a lasting impact on AFAHO and the communities we serve.

Today is International Migrants Day, the anniversary of the UN’s 1990 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. ? On December 18th, we recognize and celebrate the contributions of migrants around the world. We also advocate for migrant rights, including the right to health and well-being. Who are four inspiring grantee partners dedicated to advancing equity in health for migrants who come to Philadelphia? ? ? African Family Health Organization (AFAHO) provides culturally- and linguistically- sensitive health, human, and educational services for African and Caribbean immigrants and refugees. ? La Puerta Abierta improves access to holistic, culturally, and trauma-informed mental health support in the immigrant and refugee community. ? Nationalities Service Center (NSC) welcomes and empowers immigrants and refugees to thrive in our communities and pursue a just future. ? SEAMAAC supports and serves immigrants and refugees and other politically, socially, and economically marginalized communities as they seek to advance the condition of their lives in the United States. Learn more about the immigrant- and refugee-serving organizations in PHP's Connect initiative: https://lnkd.in/gigj6Mn7 #internationalmigrantsday #healthequity

In 2024, we launched impactful health and social service initiatives to promote community well-being: HEART Health Program: Engaged 66 adults & 18 youth in chronic disease prevention and earned recognition as a Heart Hub by the American Heart Association - Philadelphia.? Maternal & Child Health: Expanded services with Mama Na Mimi and hosted 5 screening events, offering 1,315+ health screenings.? Mental Health: Held 25 culturally tailored support groups led by 3 mental health professionals.? Food Assistance: Distributed 1,911+ food bags to 700+ families through partnerships with Share Food Program, Philabundance, and Solomon Tsegay. Together, we’re building a healthier future! ???

We’re proud to operate Indego and share the incredible work happening in Philadelphia! ?? This summer, Indego, the Better Bike Share Partnership, and the City of Philadelphia awarded $1,000 mini-grants to six amazing organizations. These groups are providing free resources, hosting trainings, and making a real difference for people of all ages. A special shoutout to the six organizations making an impact: Greener Partners, Heritage Community Development Corporation, African Family Health Organization, Books Before Boys, Columbia North YMCA, and Community Integrated Services. ???? Check out Indego's blog to learn more about how these grants helped strengthen our communities: https://lnkd.in/gV9S8U88 #CommunityImpact

For our second fall session with African Family Health Organization’s African Youth Empowerment Program (AYEP), it was too chilly to be out on the softball field so we stayed indoors and focused on our creative sides with some self-portrait drawing and cookie decorating (while also enjoying some pizza and tasty snacks)! 13 young people participated and did an amazing job–we loved seeing their creations! Thank you so much to Danny Marquez and Lettie Castleman for volunteering their time to make the day possible. Can’t wait to head back tomorrow!