The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, known for promoting healthy living in the Pottstown area, officially announced its transformation into the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation on July 4. Unveiled during Pottstown’s GoFourth Parade and Community Day festivities, the rebranding aligns with its conversion from a private foundation to a community foundation in 2023.
“The rebranding is to show their expanded commitment to serve the full spectrum of health, education, and economic equities across Pottstown and its surrounding communities,” said Sam Mirarchi, marketing communications specialist with the Foundation.
The Foundation, which has had deep roots in the region for over two decades, will be broadening its role as part of its transformation.
“This is more than a name change,” said David W. Kraybill, president of the Foundation. “It’s a reflection of the evolution we’ve already been living.”
Strengthen health and wellness in the community
For years, the Foundation has worked to strengthen the health and wellness of its community, and its new name reflects a continued commitment to that initiative in a more expanded way.
“With a name that truly reflects our broader role, we can more effectively engage with partners, donors, and residents to address a wider range of needs and passions,” Kraybill said.
The shift to a community foundation model opens new avenues for individuals, families, and businesses to establish or donate personal charitable funds.
“Since its founding in 2003 following the sale of Pottstown Memorial Medical Center, the Foundation has awarded more than $57.6 million in grants to nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and grassroots organizations,” Mirarchi said.
Transition from a private foundation to a public community foundation
In 2023, Pottstown Regional Community Foundation transitioned from a private health conversion foundation into a public community foundation.
“This shift invited broader public participation, leveraged new resources, and allowed PRCF to more broadly define what the health of the region is to include education innovation and economic opportunity, deepening impact across its 10-mile service area in western Montgomery, northern Chester, and eastern Berks counties,” Mirarchi said.
While PRCF remains firmly committed to health and wellness initiatives, Mirarchi explained that these new funds enable donors to directly support a wider range of community needs.
“For example, community donors may choose to fund arts programs, environmental initiatives, social services, senior citizen support, and more,” he said. “These funds give donors greater flexibility in shaping their charitable impact while contributing to the overall well-being of the region we call home — you can confidently give local, knowing your generosity will stay local.”
Contributions
All contributions, both new and existing, are managed under the professional stewardship of Pottstown Regional Community Foundation’s investment team. Their experience and strong track record ensure that funds are responsibly invested, allowing charitable resources to grow and support the community for generations to come.
“We want to make it easier for every member of our community to make a difference,” Mirarchi said. “The size of donation doesn’t matter as much as the desire to keep our community the best place to live in and work.”
Pottstown Regional Community Foundation’s impact
• With the new name comes a reaffirmation of PRCF’s commitment to: Education Innovation: Supporting programs that foster school wellness, early childhood development, and youth leadership.
• Health Intervention: Expanding access to physical and behavioral healthcare, nutrition, safe parks, and mental health support.
• Economic Opportunity: Advancing workforce development, infrastructure revitalization, transit access, and financial empowerment initiatives.
Signature initiatives
Pottstown Play Streets, Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds Institute, and the Regional Home Garden Contest will continue to grow under the PRCF banner, while collaborations such as the Thriving Communities Program and the Pottstown Community Voices Grant Fund demonstrate Pottstown Regional Community Foundation’s expanding regional leadership.
For more information about Pottstown Regional Community Foundation, visit www.pottstownfoundation.org
