is to build relationships, trust and power for healthier individuals, organizations and communities.
is that ALL people and communities have the resources and power they need to realize their full potential for health and well-being.
Collaboration & Connection
Trust & Understanding
Excellence & Results
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice
A diverse group of individuals of and from the communities they served and several organizational leaders receive training from the Community Health Worker Network of New York City, housed at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health; and found the Community Health Worker Network of Buffalo.
The Community Heath Worker Network of Buffalo is incorporated as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and receives initial funding from the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York.
CHWNB develops a Buffalo-specific “core competencies for CHWs” curriculum, in consultation with state and national experts. Hundreds of CHWs have been trained since then, with a certificate program being offered through Canisius College and then D’Youville College.
School Health and Wellness Collaborative begins as an initiative to train and support parent and student CHWs in Buffalo Public Schools. This work launches an advocacy campaign in Buffalo Public Schools and supports a District Wellness Policy being instituted.
CHWNB begins to develop additional training and community-building capacity. Thousands of healthcare providers, educators, and other professionals are trained in cultural competency, health literacy, social determinants of health, asset-based community development and more. Dozens of community events and conference are hosted.
Peace, Love and Power Collective forms to address trauma and healing on an individual, family, community, racial and historical level.
CHWNB is rebranded as CoNECT (Community Network for Engagement, Connection and Transformation) to include CHWNB as well as additional initiatives and project work.
(March) CoNECT and several other frontline organizations organize a rapid response, community mobilization effort as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, which later becomes known as ANCHOR (Assisting Needs and Community Health, Opportunity and Resiliency).
(June) Freedom Schools Buffalo grows out of ANCHOR to provide community-based support to children, youth and families as school closures continue and there are racial uprisings in Buffalo and around the country.
CoNECT leads various initiatives, projects and coalitions related to health, education, housing, youth employment and more.
