For more than 20 years, GSK has honored nonprofits that work towards addressing the critical needs and health challenges of their communities with its GSK IMPACT Awards. 

“IMPACT Award winners have been recognized for innovative and transformational programs that make our communities healthier,” according to Philadelphia Foundation, one of the presenters of the award, in their statement. 

On Nov. 20, GSK, in collaboration with Philadelphia Foundation, held its annual ceremony, where 10 local nonprofit organizations were honored with a GSK IMPACT Award. 

“These innovative organizations contribute to improving health outcomes for so many people in our region,” Kirk Brown, GSK VP for Biopharm & Steriles Manufacturing, said during the awards ceremony. 

“We’re pleased to honor these exemplary nonprofits and support work that makes a difference for people and communities across the Philadelphia region far into the future,” Brown, a member of the GSK committee that governs charitable investments in the U.S., added.

The regional winners were selected by a panel led by Philadelphia Foundation, as well as GSK employees, and local and national community health experts. The nonprofits were chosen based on their approaches towards addressing at least one of the following six health factors:

• Community Safety
• Education
• Employment & Income
• Family & Social Support
• Housing & Built Environment
• Nutrition & Physical Activity

One of the organizations awarded during the ceremony was Esperanza Housing and Economic Development (EHED). Since 1986, Esperanza has worked to restore hope in the Hunting Park, Feltonville and surrounding neighborhoods — largely populated by Latinos — by empowering its people and fostering community engagement, economic and physical development and education. 

Among the major projects Esperanza has pursued include the redevelopment of a long-abandoned school building into affordable homes and retail spaces, the creation of a critical home repair program to help elderly residents stay in their homes, and the design of a long-term vision for the neighborhood’s three major business corridors. 

“The GSK IMPACT Award funds will help Esperanza continue to transform Hunting Park into an opportunity community with decent and affordable housing, growing businesses, great schools, safe streets, creative spaces, and an engaged community life — accessible to all residents, regardless of income level,” Rev. Luis Cortés, founder, president & CEO of Esperanza, said in a statement.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity provided by GSK to allow us to strengthen and deepen this work,” he added. 

As part of winning the GSK IMPACT Award, Esperanza will receive $40,000 to further continue its work in improving the health outcomes of Philadelphians. 

“Being recognized as a GSK IMPACT Award winner is particularly meaningful because we’re in the company of nine wonderful organizations—some of whom we know well and some we hope to build relationships with in the future,” said Rev. Cortés. 

The nine other GSK IMPACT Award recipients were: 

• After School Activities Partnership
• Bartram’s Garden
• Coded By Kids
• Family Service of Chester County
• Girls Inc. of Greater Philadelphia and South New Jersey
• Homeless Advocacy Project
• Housing Partnership of Chester County
• Legal Clinic for the Disabled
• Philadelphia Youth Basketball