NYAM’s home community is East Harlem, NY—a diverse community that is a vibrant cultural center yet faces barriers to good health. Working closely with local residents, the neighborhood’s strong leadership and community organizations as well as with public agencies, we’re working together to identify actionable solutions to improve the health and well-being of people of all ages. Our findings inform policies that capitalize on local assets, remove barriers to health caused by social and economic factors and decades of underinvestment in the community, and strengthen the systems that impact health and well-being.
Selected Work
East Harlem Action Collaborative for Child Health and Well-Being
Through the East Harlem Action Collaborative, NYAM is shifting power to caregivers of young children to build a better and healthier future for approximately 8,000 children living in poverty. By bringing together the trusted voices of resident caregivers along with direct service providers, technical advisors, and elected and public officials, NYAM is creating a pathway for community residents to change the systems that do not work for their children to lead healthy lives.
Visit EHAC
East Harlem Youth Advisory Board
As part of EHAC, we formed the East Harlem Youth Advisory Board, which engaged youth to learn about their needs over the summer of 2020 when all summer programs had been halted. Through this pilot program with local elected officials, a group of six young people designed a survey that was disseminated to more than 130 youth. The survey results will inform a statement of district needs for youth, led by youth and for youth in East Harlem, that can serve as a model for other districts around NYC and inform youth programming.
East Harlem Buy Committee
NYAM recognizes the importance of the economic well-being of communities and its connection to health. As a member of the East Harlem Community Alliance—and co-chair of the Alliance’s Buy Committee—we’re working to enhance the economic vitality and well-being of East Harlem along with a consortium of over 185 nonprofits, businesses, religious organizations and government agencies. Specifically, with our co-chair Metropolitan Hospital, we are working with a number of anchor institutions to encourage local purchasing and procurement.
Visit the East Harlem Community Alliance Website
Visit our curated map of East Harlem resources and support local businesses! To search the vendor list, click to enlarge the map.
Related Publications, Events & News
Meet the Team