Phoenixville: The 2016 Phoenixville Community Health Leadership Academy graduated nine students from its 10 week program on November 18. The graduates, all with a passion for addressing the needs of the greater Phoenixville region, include: Lisa Westfall, Melinda Izzo, Jeanne Schanzenbach, Cailin Coolbaugh, Victoria O’Neill, Terry Hall, Erica Murphy, Kristen McGee (not pictured), and Erica Klinedinst. These additions now make over 120 graduates since the Leadership Academy launched in 2003. The Academy was designed, and is implemented, by the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation. Some of the needs that the students wanted to address during this program include the rehabilitation of a beloved school, to diet, nutrition and exercise, to reading and education, to overcoming personal challenges and fresh starts. In the weeks between Labor Day and Thanksgiving, the students learned about diversity, ethics, citizenship, project management, planning, and public speaking all while developing an individual community service project.
The Leadership Academy was founded on the belief that the more people get involved in the community for the purpose of positive change, the stronger and healthier the community will be. 89% of the students reported they have seen a change in the way they navigate professional and personal situations. One student said: “Beyond the good ideas, information and skill sets to develop, it was wonderful sharing a table and learning experience with eight amazing, talented, smart and inspirational women who I may have not otherwise have had a chance to know”. The following African Proverb exemplifies the Community Health Leadership Academy: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
The mission of the Phoenixville Community Health Foundation is to improve the health and quality of life for people in the greater Phoenixville region by increasing access to quality healthcare services and promoting healthy communities through grant-making and collaborations with health, civic, business and community partners.
