This year for Black History Month, we are proud to honor friends and partners in our communities whose current efforts are making history. At Trellis, we are so fortunate to partner with many incredible organizations of all types, large and small companies, nonprofits, schools, faith-based institutions and more.
This month, we want to give a special shout-out specifically to some of the Black leaders in our midst who do remarkable things every day to make our communities better places to live. Whether it is music, the arts, mental health awareness, nutritious food, or supporting youth, these individuals are changemakers, trendsetters, and most certainly are creating their own version of history.
Denise Williams, CEO of Be ReZilient, is a dynamic, powerful, tireless force of nature who is determined to help the world to recognize the prevalence, significance, and addressable nature of, mental health issues. Be ReZilient, a nonprofit on High Street in Pottstown, has been working for more than three years supporting middle school students, teens, and adults in the community by providing wellness support services. Denise and her staff use workshops and creative activities that can be done anywhere to help people express their feelings, find outlets for stress, and develop creative potential. As if that were not enough, Denise has also been a lead organizer behind the Pottstown Juneteenth festival and gala since 2022, a stunning and energizing show of community and solidarity in the heart of Pottstown.
Be ReZilient – Helping Build Resilient Communities and Minds IG: berezilient
Shawn Cephas, owner of Forever Changes Vinyl Lounge, is a strong, steady, and incredibly warm-hearted soul with a deep love for sharing, curating, and listening to music. Growing up in the family who owned King James Records in West Philly, Shawn remembers what it was like to always be around music and the community of people the store brought together. It was his dream to bring that feeling back and provide the same opportunity to people in Phoenixville today. Opening a retail business like a record shop is not for the faint of heart. A one man show (with loads of support from his talented, musician wife), Shawn does it all, from décor, to marketing, the books, customer service, and events – and it shows. From the moment you walk into the store, you know it is something special. This tireless entrepreneur and artist always has a smile on his face, a warm hug for friends and neighbors, and a never-ending desire to keep the music alive.
Forever Changes – Record Shop and Gifterie IG: forever.changes
Dena and Ronald Reeves, owners of Deliah and Dean Market, are a passionate, talented, and unstoppable duo, who have a deep love of fresh, natural food, and Pottstown. Put all of that together and you get the Deliah and Dean market. Stepping inside their store, you feel like you are in a smaller, and more intimate version of Whole Foods. The aromatic herbs and spices, fresh produce (including some growing in the hydroponic system in the back), and natural grains, signal immediately that you are not standing in the average corner or convenience store. Ronald and Dena’s decision to open Deliah and Dean was not about making money. It was purely mission based. They wanted a local food option that provided affordable, healthy food options. As a full-time pastor (Ronald) and a healthcare leader (Dena), they built and maintain this business in their “spare time”. While profitability is essential for sustaining a successful business, their commitment is driven by a steadfast dedication to fostering a healthier community. With rising food and rent prices, it is not easy to keep costs low for their customers, but they are devoted to providing this healthy option for the wellbeing of others.
Organic Grocery Store | Deliah & Dean | United States IG:deliah_and_dean
When you meet David Charles, CEO of the STRIVE Initiative, you immediately feel seen, heard, and inspired. He is distinctively present, grounded, and compassionate. This is likely why he is adored by the students at Pottstown Middle School. A Pottstown native and Pottstown High School graduate, David knows and understands the lives and challenges of the young people living in Pottstown. With a musical background, David has developed mentorship and music, technology, and theatre programs at Pottstown Middle School that bring out the best in students who might be struggling in a variety of ways. Not only are the young people benefitting from STRIVE, but the mentors who work with them benefit as well. As if that was not enough, STRIVE engages community members in Community Conversations about ways to bring about positive change.
Diverse Mentorship for Pottstown Youth – The STRIVE Initiative IG: striveinitiative FB: strive.initiative
Trellis for Tomorrow is honored to partner with each of these incredible people in different ways. We help each other by serving on each other’s boards, participating in each other’s events, sharing resources, and providing opportunities for local youth. In the words of Helen Keller, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”. We are blessed to be doing so much with you all!
