Community Corner highlights the work of Seattle Human Services’ community partners in their own words. Our goal is to gather stories and photos that illustrate their amazing work on behalf of the people of Seattle. This post was provided by Kathleen Wilcox at African American Reach and Teach Health Ministry (AARTH). Follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
When was your organization founded, and what role does it fill in the community?
African American Reach and Teach Health Ministry (AARTH) was founded in 2002 by African American faith leaders who recognized deep gaps in culturally relevant health education and advocacy in Seattle’s Black communities. Amid widening health disparities and mistrust of mainstream institutions, AARTH emerged as a culturally grounded space where African Americans could receive accurate information and support delivered with compassion, respect, and cultural resonance.
Today, AARTH continues to serve as a trusted bridge between public health systems and Afrocentric communities. We uplift culturally centered wellness, promote community knowledge, and empower Black voices in shaping health decisions that affect their lives and families.
How has your organization grown or developed in recent years?
Over the past several years, AARTH has significantly expanded its reach and capacity. Key areas of growth include:
- Expanded program portfolio, including HIV prevention and care navigation, COVID-19 response, aging-in-place supports, behavioral health awareness, and chronic disease education
- Increased staffing and partnerships, enabling deeper engagement with neighborhoods, faith communities, and underrepresented populations
- Strengthened data evaluation tools, supporting improved tracking of health disparities and service outcomes
- Broader regional impact, including statewide collaborations and leadership in community-engaged research
This growth reflects both increased community trust and a strong commitment to advancing health equity in Seattle and beyond.
Tell us an example of how an HSD-funded program or service impacted one of your community members.
One elder shared that she avoided health care for years due to past negative experiences. Through an HSD-funded AARTH program, she was connected to a culturally responsive provider, received needed screenings, and was linked to nutrition and wellness programs.
She now reports improved health, greater confidence in navigating care, and a renewed sense of dignity. She often expresses that “AARTH met me where I was and helped me find my way back to caring for myself.”
How do your organization’s programs and services help to reduce the disparities experienced by people of color living in our region?
AARTH’s programs help reduce health inequities by offering:
- Culturally specific health education
- Prevention resources and care navigation
- Behavioral and chronic disease support
- Trusted messengers and faith-based partnerships
- Services delivered in familiar community spaces
By removing barriers to care, AARTH improves health outcomes for Black communities and other people of color in the region.
What keeps your staff going during challenging times?
Our team’s dedication is driven by love for community and belief in the transformative power of culturally guided care and health equity.
We are motivated each time we witness a community member develop confidence, resilience and agency in managing their own health outcomes.