NAC Parks-Catto Community Hero Award Winners

​In honor of Black History Month 2023, the HopePHL Neighborhood Advisory Committee (NAC) recognized local stakeholders with the “Parks - Catto Community Hero Awards.” This award asked the community to nominate and vote for individuals, organizations and businesses that are Living the Legacy of heroes such as Rosa Parks and Octavius Catto! The winners were announced in celebration of the birthday of Octavius Catto. Each winner received a gift card and certificate of appreciation from NAC Manager Kevin Brown, on behalf of HopePHL. Click Read More to meet the winners.

Individual Community Hero Winner: Diane Mills
Diane Mills is the co-facilitator of the West Philadelphia Reading Captains and she plans events in the community, making reading a priority. She gives away books to children to begin their own libraries and resources for the parents. Wherever she goes, Diane is promoting reading and encouraging others to join the movement. Diane has been doing this work for several years and her passion for literacy shows in every event.  
 
Organization Community Hero Winner: Beyond the Bars:
https://beyondthebarsmusic.org/how-we-work/
 
“Beyond the Bars” teaches local youth how to play instruments and perform together as a band and eventually, record and produce their own music. They work with youth, both in and out of the prison system. Their programs have provided an effective alternative to violence for youth development. 
 
Business Community Hero Winner: Lamont Twyne Staffing Services
www.executivecheftwyne.wixsite.com

Lamont Twyne owns and operates Banquet Server LLC, a temporary staffing services company that supplies labor to hospitality industry clients. He is a social entrepreneur, who uses his business to provide employment to local residents that have difficulty gaining employment, such as returning citizens, the elderly and those with personal challenges. He has provided jobs for people living in the Red Cross house because of a fire or tragedy and even recruits from shelters. He can often be seen walking the business corridor of Lancaster Avenue encouraging people corner to corner. He is a true cheerleader for self-sufficiency! 

Business Community Hero Winner: Acupuncture in Motion
https://www.acupunctureinmotion.com/
 
Acupuncture in Motion (AIM) is a Black and female-owned and operated independent healthcare provider recently located in the historic Belmont neighborhood of West Philadelphia. AIM utilizes acupuncture and herbal medicine to facilitate a more expansive and safer space for all community members who enter the door to be empowered in their healing process. They work towards addressing gaps in the healthcare system - especially those affecting underserved communities, including BIPOC, queer and trans, disabled, and survivors - with values rooted in equity, self-determination, and love.  They are 100% community-powered.

Congratulations to all the winners! And many thanks to them for their service to the community.
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