How Community Giving Strengthens Lives - Moms on The Move and The Hazel I. Jackson Foundation

We explore Mothers on the Move (MOM), a Penn State College of Medicine-led initiative founded by Dr. Vida Abedi to support first-time mothers and their families through partnered dance, social connection, and community engagement. Joined by community leaders Priscilla Fias and Janeen Christ, the program aims to reduce isolation, strengthen family bonds, and create a supportive network for new parents. Learn how local fundraising efforts made the first free pilot program possible, the role dance plays in promoting well-being, and how Central Pennsylvania communities are coming together to help families thrive.In this episode, we celebrate the life and legacy of Professor Emeritus Hazel I. Jackson, a pioneering educator who spent nine years fighting racial and gender discrimination before becoming one of Lancaster’s most influential teachers. As the first Black educator in the School District of Lancaster, Jackson dedicated more than four decades to empowering students through education and community service. We explore how her perseverance led to a school being named in her honor, the impact of the Hazel I. Jackson Foundation, and its ongoing mission to remove barriers for students through scholarships, educational programs, community initiatives, and a centennial campaign aimed at inspiring the next generation. This is a story of resilience, justice, and the lasting power of one person’s commitment to opening doors for others.