Focus Areas
“What will be your role in
creating an equitable society?”
Soffiyah Elijah
Women’s Health
Across the nation, there are stark racial disparities in women’s health due to systemic inequality. HWC is working to diminish the racial health gap in Harlem by offering women’s health education focusing on physical, emotional, and mental health, nutrition workshops, and community wellness events and self-compassion programs.
COMMUNITY VOICES: Rosa Arenas
Elder Health
Health inequities that exist between people of color and the rest of America especially affect seniors. African Americans aged 65 and older are more likely to develop adult onset diseases and dementia. HWC’s programs seek to close the health gap by offering classes in health, exercise, prevention, screening, and early detection.
COMMUNITY VOICES: Jeanne Nedd
Racial Justice and Healing
HWC creates an inclusive environment for cross-generational health and racial healing. Our Racial Healing Hub offers people of diverse backgrounds and experiences the opportunity to speak openly about race and foster new understanding.
COMMUNITY VOICES: Kai Ng
Health Justice
COVID exacerbated long-standing racial health inequities in Harlem and across the nation. For years, HWC has been working to close the racial health gap by offering access to holistic healing resources to fortify the body, mind, and spirit of local residents and build a culture of community care in Harlem.
COMMUNITY VOICES: Kena Acuña
Environmental Justice
HWC’s Power of Nature (POW) initiative promotes eco-consciousness and improves neighborhood access to the healing benefits of nature by organizing safe and fun outdoor activities, day trips, nature walks, and retreats outside NYC.
We support efforts to involve all people, regardless of race or income, in decisions affecting the environmental health of their communities.
COMMUNITY VOICES: Larry Birkett
Our Farm Fresh Food Initiative
HWC is addressing local food insecurity and promoting healthier eating with its nutrition programs and by advocating for greater community access to fresh produce from local farms.
To date, our Farm Fresh Food initiative has enabled us to distribute more than 10,000 boxes of fresh produce to Harlem families through NYC housing and senior centers, and other community organizations.
Our recent food projects are possible with the help of our volunteers, partners, and the generosity of the Columbia University chapter of Nourish International; Morningside Heights Community Coalition (MHCC); Columbia Community Service (CCS), Mount Sinai Ican School of Medicine and the United Way/BET (Black Entertainment Television).
Recent Wellness Events
[hubevents catid="11"]
Rethinking Stress
Come share and learn constructive new ways to deal with stress with Vera Ruangtragool and
Lynda Carpenter (above) at 11am on Friday, September 10th.
Stories We Tell Ourselves
Wendy Meija (above) and Vivian Kurutz co-lead this 1-3pm writing workshop on Saturday, October 2nd, to rethink the stories we tell ourselves, to improve our lives.
Mindfulness Workshop
Through mindful living practices, we can find more meaning in our lives, but it’s a habit you have to develop. Join us in November to create a list of health resolutions for 2022.
