March is Women’s History Month. This year’s theme, “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” is both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and a recognition of the many ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history.
In A Proclamation on Women’s History Month, 2022, President Biden released this statement to the American people:
“This Women’s History Month, as we reflect on the achievements of women and girls across the centuries and pay tribute to the pioneers who paved the way, let us recommit to the fight and help realize the deeply American vision of a more equal society where every person has a shot at pursuing the American dream. In doing so, we will advance economic growth, our health and safety, and the security of our Nation and the world.”
As we strive to honor generations of trailblazing women across the country, we must also look inward to our own heroes in Chester County. At The Alliance for Health Equity (AHE), our mission is to advance a thriving, inclusive and healthy community for all, and today, we are celebrating our local unsung heroes and their impact in the greater Coatesville area. This includes Sandra Simmons.
In 2021, Sandra Simmons received our prestigious Eastburn Community Service Award for providing the support and inspiration necessary for members of our community to thrive and succeed during the worldwide pandemic. As an active changemaker, she is a member of the board of directors of the Housing Authority of Chester County, a member of the Board of Trustees of Lincoln University, and a member of the Coatesville Rotary Club. Sandra founded the Women’s League for Minority Education, which has provided scholarships to students of color in Chester County for over 30 years. She also volunteers at the Atkinson Shelter and the American Heart Association, all while serving as a Missionary and Sunday School Teacher at Mt. Tabor Church.
The 2022 Eastburn Community Service Award
This year’s Eastburn Community Service Award will again highlight a local hero who has gone above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as following the destruction of Hurricane Ida. Both of these events have had a devastating and lasting impact on the Coatesville area, which has long struggled with significant health and economic disparities.
Currently, thousands in our local community are still dealing with immeasurable hardships and a massive disruption to their daily lives, and we have seen extraordinary medical professionals, first responders, volunteers, community leaders, local business owners and employees, essential workers, and everyday people who have been working tirelessly to make a difference.
Community members are invited and encouraged to nominate a deserving Chester County resident to receive the 2022 Eastburn Community Service Award, presented each year in memory of Jane and Al Eastburn, both of whom served the Coatesville area as non-profit leaders with distinction. Priority will be given to those who:
- Serve on the frontlines as a first responder (healthcare professional, law enforcement officers, paramedics, fire and EMT personnel, 911 communication operator, etc.),
- Provide innovative support during the ongoing COVID-19 and/or Hurricane Ida crisis,
- Help/support non-profits in the Coatesville community,
- Volunteer their time and talents in the Coatesville area,
- Serve as mentors to help develop future volunteer leaders for our community,
- Have a consistently positive outlook on the future of the Coatesville community,
- Persevere through challenges and setbacks.
The final recipient will have the opportunity to designate a non-profit(s) serving the Coatesville area to receive a $2,500 grant in their honor. In addition to being featured in an upcoming AHE eNewsletter, social media outlets, and press releases to local news media, the honoree will also be recognized at The Alliance For Health Equity’s Fall Event.
For more information on the Eastburn Community Service Award or to nominate your community hero today, click here.
The Alliance for Health Equity (formerly Brandywine Health Foundation) is a philanthropic organization striving to advance a more equitable, resilient and healthy community for all residents of the Greater Coatesville area. We pursue our mission by providing grants and scholarships to local nonprofits and students that address health and economic disparities and social justice. We also build partnership programs and give voice to those often left out of community solution building to improve the overall health of their communities. 100% of contributions go directly to those in need.