WILSON, Pa. — A Wilson-based community coalition has been honored for its devotion to fostering guidance, building solutions and implementing strategies to improve the area.
Wilson Area Communities That Care Coalition announced this week that five of its representatives were honored at the Love and Light Tour Honoree Recognition Ceremony in Philadelphia.
The event “aimed to celebrate individuals and organizations who exemplify the values of using light to dispel darkness and love to combat hate,” according to a release.
"This acknowledgment is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our community board members and the collective impact of our collaborative initiatives."Wilson Area Communities That Care Coalition Community Mobilizer Trina Johnson-Brady
In attendance were Chairwoman Laura Samson, Vice Chairwoman Ellen Denizard, Dr. Alex Mindler, the Rev. Jamie Edelman and Community Mobilizer Trina Johnson-Brady.
Organized by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the ceremony included the Wilson Area Coalition among only 10 honorees, and one of two from the local region.
The ceremony brought together an array of individuals and organizations aiming to create a brighter future through efforts to reduce violence.
The ceremony's honorees "demonstrated a commitment to promoting unity, understanding, and compassion in their communities."
The coalition offered its gratitude for being selected as honorees and for ongoing support of community-led efforts to push for positive change.
"We are deeply honored to have representatives from our community board recognized at the Love and Light Tour Honoree Recognition Ceremony," coalition Community Mobilizer Trina Johnson-Brady said.
"This acknowledgment is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our community board members and the collective impact of our collaborative initiatives."
'Increase protective factors'
According to Wilson Area Communities That Care Coalition, the group is composed of youth, families, community leaders, business members and students from Wilson Area School District and the surrounding area.
“The coalition consists of a key leader board, to provide group guidance and organization; coalition members, to raise community concerns and develop possible solutions; and work groups that put the plan into action,” the group’s website reads.
“By addressing these issues, we hope to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors for the youth in our community."Wilson Area Communities That Care Coalition website
“Our members include WASD students, district parents, residents, local health care experts, law enforcement members, community leaders, and members of non-profit organizations.”
The coalition seeks to use resources and strategies within its ranks to address youth problems across the community, prioritizing key issues and working to develop evidence-based prevention programs to address those issues.
According to the coalition, the 2022 Pennsylvania Youth Survey Study provided several areas of concern that have become focal points, including drug and alcohol misuse, mental health concerns and suicide risk, and engagement and belonging in schools and the community.
“By addressing these issues, we hope to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors for the youth in our community,” the coalition states on its website.
'Deeply honored'
During the ceremony, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Jacqueline C. Romero commended the organization for its significant contributions.
Romero highlighted the “pivotal role played by the coalition's representatives in fostering positive change and community empowerment within the Wilson Area community.”
Romero during the ceremony noted the coalition’s endeavors, particularly its partnership with her staff to assemble weekend meal bags for Wilson students
“The objective of the Community Coalition Capacity Building grant is to enable community coalitions to recruit key stakeholders, collect data and develop collaborative relationships with school districts in order to provide youth with supports, resources, and opportunities needed to become successful adults."Wilson Area Communities That Care Coalition website
“We were deeply honored by her recognition and commendation of the vital work our coalition is undertaking,” a release on the website of Linking Individual Needs to Community Services states.
In 2021, the LINCS Family Center in Easton secured a grant from the state Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to build community capacity to identify and implement programs and resources that ensure the well-being and healthy development of community youth.
“The objective of the Community Coalition Capacity Building grant is to enable community coalitions to recruit key stakeholders, collect data and develop collaborative relationships with school districts in order to provide youth with supports, resources, and opportunities needed to become successful adults,” the coalition website reads.
In 2023, the organization was awarded $30,000 from the PCCD to reduce violence in the Wilson Borough community and the surrounding area.
However, the coalition continues to rely on donations and volunteer efforts to remain active in its mission.
