The grant also supported one of the FBWW’s central priorities: to create and launch a Community Health Worker (CHW) program to serve Black women and families across Dane County, focusing on families residing in the area’s highest need zip codes.
The CHWs work closely with community members to meet a wide range of needs and health factors that are driving poor health outcomes. The CHWs help women navigate resources, provide crisis support, connect women to health care, and assist with securing housing, childcare, and transportation.
The FBWW continues to ensure that Black women are shaping the policies and practices that impact their lives. The annual Black Women’s Wellness Day, local and national public speaking engagements, publications, additional funding from WPP and others, and new partnerships are just a few of the Foundation’s many activities and accomplishments.
Since its initial funding from WPP, the Foundation for Black Women’s Wellness successfully competed for a five-year Community Impact Grant from the Wisconsin Partnership Program to launch the Well Black Woman Institute, an innovative leadership development program to train fellows as leaders in community building and health equity. The Institute harnesses the talent and experience of Black women and provides them with the tools and training to become systems change leaders who can inform and promote policies and solutions to change how Black women experience health and well-being.
“Our goal is to move Wisconsin from worst to best for Black women’s health and Black family health,” said Peyton-Caire. “Through our programs and partnerships, we are building solutions that can be replicated in communities across the state.”