Representatives from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative visited Williamson on November 14th and 15th for a series of discussions and informal meetings. The Appalachian Funders Network, in collaboration with the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and the Williamson Health and Wellness Center, hosted the visitors. Several topics were discussed during the area tour, including continued partnerships between the four groups to increase the quality of life in our community.
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, founded by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan in December 2015, is a philanthropic organization that brings together engineering, grant making, impact investing, policy, and advocacy work. CZI strives to engage directly into the communities they serve because no one understands society’s challenges like those who live them every day.
“The only way that we reach our full human potential is if we’re able to unlock the gifts of every person around the world.” Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg
During their walk-through tour the group visited several spaces including the Williamson Health and Wellness Center offices, City Gym, the HUB, Event Center, and Post 49 Market, which is still under construction.
Both the Appalachian Funders Network and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, are familiar with the Williamson area through previous and ongoing partnerships in the area.