My ABIPA Story
JéWana Grier-McEachin
Executive Director
My first interaction with ABIPA was in 2007 as a result of me partnering with them to fund access to swimming lessons at the YWCA for the children enrolled in the Fit 4 Life afterschool program I founded at my church. In 2008 I was hired as a Program Manager and in 2012 I transitioned into the Executive Director. With 25 years of business management experience, I take pride in having the opportunity to live my life with passion and purpose to support my community. My greatest joy comes in knowing that I have the opportunity to utilize the strengths of my organization to support community and team members in a holistic fashion to find balance and success in their physical, mental, financial and social health. I have innately and intentionally embodied the mantra of my alma mater Oakwood University, “Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve.”
Kelly White, MHE, MPH
Health Education Program Manager
My ABIPA story starts with the Annual Men’s Prostate Health event where I started out as a volunteer phlebotomist. I assisted with the events over the last few years which allowed me to see what community work was truly all about. During this time I was a student working on my BA in Health Sciences, and eventually went on to obtain a Master’s in Public Health and also Health Education. During my internship, I had yet another opportunity to dive a little deeper into what ABIPA was all about when I had the chance to work alongside of the amazing Community Service Connectors. I am grateful to have now joined the team, and look forward to serving the community I grew up in.
Yvette Singleton
Community Service Connector, Community Health Worker
I was introduced to ABIPA through the programming they were providing at my church. I started volunteering to help get community surveys filled out and at health fairs they were doing in the community. I was working third shift full time at a Nursing Home as a CNA and started working part-time with ABIPA in 2013 as a Community Service Navigator which was a perfect opportunity to earn more income for my family of 6 while doing something that I love. I am currently working towards pursuing my Bachelors of Science in Nursing.
Jennifer Poore
Community Service Connector,
Community Health Worker
I started volunteering with ABIPA after I was able to host the Sistas Class through WNCAP in their office space on the Block. I was able to join the team in 2013 as a Community Service Navigator. After raising my 3 children and 3 grandchildren, the team at ABIPA encouraged me and have supported me in continuing my education. I am now finishing my senior year as a Social Work Major.
Martha George Shirano
Community Health Worker In Training
I moved to the United States for better opportunities. I met the ladies from ABIPA at the community engagement markets as a client. Yvette and Jennifer were so kind to me and became my family away from home. I started volunteering at the markets and helping to distribute food boxes to people from my country. I initially started doing small jobs to help in the co-op, and was able to get paid helping to pack masks and distributing food and other items when Covid-19 started. I take pride in my work and love working with a team that is my extended family.
Charlsie Sweat
Community Service Connector, Community Health Worker In Training
In 2017 I was introduced to what was then called the Pop Up Markets in the community. I started volunteering to pack and distribute boxes and the different locations. In 2018 I was brought face to face with a young lady, Jennifer Pooré, I had worked with as a CNA years ago, not knowing that it would bring me to ABIPA one of the most caring group of women . Now I am a part of this group of young women to reach further into the community. We are here to serve. Be Blessed.
Photo Credit: Pro16 Productions