environmental racism firsthand. She believes that communities must be able to grow and coexist in a way that provides everyone the opportunity to afford a home and keep the home they have. The work of Pastor Cavaness and Bethel AME Church represents community stewardship at the highest level. To support their efforts, consider a financial donation, volunteer in the community garden, or become a member of this vital community resource.
At the heart of most strong neighborhoods is an entity quietly fighting for the community's needs. The nondenominational Bethel AME Church of Ardmore is just such an organization. Led by Pastor Carolyn Cavaness, identified as one of the state's top changemakers in a 2022 "Pennsylvania Forty under 40" feature, the church acts as a place of worship, a community center and a vital historical institution. In fact, the 127-year-old church serves members whose Ardmore roots stretch back generations. The church's community garden produces thousands of pounds of food that is distributed to residents in a program that also offers health education and promotes urban gardening. During the pandemic, Bethel AME acted as an outreach and education center providing vaccines, COVID testing and PPE. Each November, the church's Friendsgiving event supplies 500 people with home-cooked meals. Perhaps most importantly, Bethel AME preserves the community's history and the legacy of residents who've built it, many of whom are feeling the squeeze of unchecked new development. As a grassroots organizer and environmental activist, Compass agent Lisie Abrams has seen the effects of
Lisie Abrams & Brent Williams Real Estate Salespersons theabramsteam@compass.com M 215.779.5765 | O 610.822.3356 IG: @Lisie_Abrams
Compass RE | compass.com
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