Choose Healthy Life and United Way of New York City to Host “Service of Hope and Healing” Event
NEW YORK — August 2, 2024 – Choose Healthy Life (CHL), in partnership with United Way of New York City (UWNYC), will host "Service of Hope and Healing" to celebrate the impactful work by the organizations to end health disparities within New York City’s most vulnerable communities. The service, taking place on Friday, August 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. will be held at the United Church of Jesus Christ in the Bronx, New York and is open to the public.
The event will include a special message from New York Governor Kathy Hochul and will also feature remarks from Grace Bonilla, President and CEO of UWNYC; Reverend Kimberly L. Williams, Executive Director of Choose Healthy Life; Bishop Granville Senior, Host Pastor of United Church of Jesus Christ, and Rev. Jacques Andre DeGraff, Choose Healthy Life New York Clergy Leader as well as performances by the La Fredrick Coaxner Ensemble.
“United Way of New York City is honored to continue and expand our partnership with Choose Healthy Life to address pervasive healthcare barriers present in New York’s communities,” said Grace Bonilla, President and CEO of United Way of New York City. “The support from Governor Hochul and New York State will empower us to deepen our impact and better serve our communities. Together, we are fostering a healthier, more equitable future for all New Yorkers.”
“Today’s Service of Hope and Healing marks a historic moment for Choose Healthy Life,” said Reverend Jacques Andre DeGraff, CHL New York Clergy Leader and Presiding Minister. “Choose Healthy Life was born from the visionary leadership of our founder, Debra Fraser-Howze, who saw the need for the Black Church to lead in health equity. We thank Governor Kathy Hochul and New York State for their steadfast support of our programs, which continue to foster health equity within our communities. We also recognize and lift up in prayer our brave first responders who have tirelessly served us through unprecedented times. As we gather, we renew our commitment to healing and hope, celebrating our progress and fortifying our spirits for the journey ahead."
"This event embodies the spirit and dedication of our New York churches in serving their communities,” said Rev. Kimberly L. Williams, Executive Director of Choose Healthy Life. “We are grateful to Rev. DeGraff for presiding over today's service and to United Way of New York City for their crucial partnership in addressing health disparities in the Black community. Our heartfelt thanks also go to our New York Clergy, whose trusted presence bridges the gap between faith and science. This service celebrates our achievements and renews our commitment to health equity and improved outcomes for our communities."
“The ongoing efforts of Choose Healthy Life-New York, coupled with the work of the pastors and health navigators, has had a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of thousands of New Yorkers,” said Michelle Drayton, Vice President of Health Equity at United Way of New York City. “Faith-based organizations and churches play a central role in advancing health and well-being, and our partnership with the New York State Department of Health is driving that critical work forward.”
UWNYC has worked with Choose Healthy Life since 2020 as an incubator and implementation partner, which has allowed it to show up in communities across New York City to reach under and uninsured New Yorkers. With funding provided by Choose Healthy Life and UWNYC, the United Church of Jesus Christ has offered a variety of services to the community, including but not limited to lab work twice per year, health and wellness checkups, and healthcare workshops.
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About United Way of New York City:
For over 85 years, United Way of New York City has been at the forefront in the fight to drive equity and ensure dignity for all New Yorkers, no matter their zip code. We unite by mobilizing the best ideas, relevant data, internal and external experts, and resources. United Way of New York City maximizes impact by coordinating and aligning service providers, companies, local government, and New Yorkers to help families eliminate barriers and gain the agency to improve their lives for the better. To learn more, visit unitedwaynyc.org.
About Choose Healthy Life:
Choose Healthy Life (CHL) is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing health disparities through the Black church by funding, establishing and training a trusted faith-based health navigator to educate, deliver and connect the community to much needed health services. Founded in 2021 during the height of the COVID pandemic, Choose Healthy Life funded 120 churches across 13 states. Since, we’ve conducted over 4,800 events, vaccinated and tested over 250,000 individuals, and screened over 15,000 for comprehensive health & health risks. Today, CHL's health navigators are focused on addressing the underlying health inequities in their respective communities. For more information, visit choosehealthylife.org.
About United Church of Jesus Christ:
Founded in 1982, by a small group of believers who had a vision to step out and do God’s work. Our vision to make a positive impact within the Bronx by creating an environment where all are welcome – a place where all individuals and families can grow and flourish in faith and discover God’s plan for their lives. For more information, visit unitedchurchbx.org.
