Community Health Workers: The Heart and Resource of the Community
In the city of Philadelphia, New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) is a powerful force for change, opportunity, and empowerment for community members. A member of their team, Gwendolyn Collier-Jefferson, talks about how NKCDC uses Connect4Health to support the Kensington community.
Collier-Jefferson is a Community Health Worker (CHW) and CHW Program Coordinator at NKCDC whose passion for the work is deeply personal. “I grew up in this community. I’ve seen what it was and what it can be again. I want my neighbors—and their kids—to feel safe and supported here. NKCDC has expanded its services to meet the needs of residents through innovative programming, collaboration, and a deep commitment to communities' health and resilience." CHWs play a pivotal role in this expansion, and bring both heart and resources to the community.
Resources and Collaboration
Collaboration is key to NKCDC’s success. Gwen underscores the importance of partnering with other organizations to meet complex needs. “We can’t do this work alone,” she says. “Grant requirements can limit flexibility, but partnerships help us fill those gaps and ensure that people get the full spectrum of support they need.” She encourages open communication among CBOs, especially when grant restrictions limit what a single agency can provide. Partnerships make it possible to fill gaps and ensure no resident falls through the cracks.
When asked what resource has helped address the social needs of community members, Gwen named Connect4Health. Connect4Health is a go-to tool for connecting residents to trusted local programs. This platform allows CHWs to search verified resources quickly—everything from food pantries to job training and mental health services. Over the years, NKCDC’s use of Connect4Health has strengthened partnerships and improved how residents navigate available supports. “It’s been essential to helping our team make referrals that truly stick, by connecting residents with 'trusted programs that can assist families in crisis,” she explained.
Gwen has a positive attitude. She views challenges as opportunities for growth. After six years at NKCDC, Gwendolyn has witnessed tremendous growth—but also the challenges that come with change. Transitioning to new staff, systems, and community needs requires constant learning and adaptation. “It’s been a positive challenge,” she reflects. “We’re learning from each other, bringing new ideas to the table, and creating programs that truly reflect the community’s needs.”
Building Community
NKCDC offers a holistic approach to a wide range of services that address the social, economic, and environmental factors that shape the community's well-being. Their programs include Housing Assistance, Civic Engagement, Economic Development, Nutrition Education, and urban agriculture. The hard-working housing team provides critical support to its residents facing foreclosure, seeking first-time home buyer assistance, or needing help with rental or utility payments. The program also offers services related to tangled titles and foreclosure prevention, helping families maintain the ability to stay in the home and build generational wealth. With housing resources becoming more scarce throughout the city, NKCDC continues to try to provide support to its unhoused families. Gwen said that on the civic engagement front, the NKCDC staff ensures that the residents are first and foremost heard, informed, and able to get involved. They connect community members with local initiatives, such as neighborhood civic organizations and others working towards the same vision and goals.
Meanwhile, the economic development team partners with small businesses, helping them access funding opportunities to revitalize the much-needed neighborhood corridors. Gwen was so excited to share how the real estate team that manages NKCDC’s property portfolio recently opened the Kids and Engagement Center and the soon-to-launch Civic House, which will offer 44 affordable housing units. Complementing all of these efforts are NKCDC’s Community Health Worker and Nutrition Education teams, which focus on health equity, resource navigation, and building sustainable healthy habits. The organization also maintains community gardens through its urban agriculture program, teaching residents to grow their own food and fostering environmental stewardship among youth.
To learn more about NKCDC’s programs, or to connect with NKCDC for partnerships, referrals, or volunteer opportunities, visit nkcdc.org or find NKCDC on Connect4Health.org.