Thera Martin
Thera Martin is the Special Assistant to the President of the Allegheny West Foundation, (AWF), Ronald E. Hinton, Jr., and the North 22nd Street Business Corridor Manager. In addition to that, Thera handles PR and Media work for AWF and writes all newsletters for the organization, along with other printed materials. The Managing Editor of the Allegheny West Neighborhood Newspaper, the paper has only been published once since the Pandemic hit in 2020. It is Thera’s goal to revive the Allegheny West Neighborhood Newspaper when the time is right. This community newspaper was founded by Ron Hinton in 2013. It was designed to be a “good news” newspaper that shares positive stories about people from the Allegheny West Community and spotlights small businesses at no charge to help lift them up. Any advertisers who chose to advertise in the newspaper were always only charged a nominal fee. Having been the Business Corridor Manager for North 22nd Street for more than a decade, Thera knows the community intimately, and is one of its enthusiastic cheerleaders. A radio broadcast veteran of 45 years, having worked at WDAS AM/FM, for 1340AM/WHAT and 900AM/WURD, Thera also writes a weekly column for the SCOOP USA Media Newspaper. Currently Thera hosts a radio program called “Inside Scoop” every Wednesday, 8-9am on WWDB/AM, Talk 860.
Thera also hosts a radio program on WURD AM/FM on Saturdays called “The Electric Magazine Show”. In addition to that, Thera hosts a weekly cable TV show called “News You Can Use,” which is seen on Comcast channel 56 and Verizon channel 36. Thera utilizes her radio, cable Tv and print media column to often share news about small business owners and nonprofits throughout the City of Philadelphia. Committed to helping to uplift the Allegheny West Neighborhood and community, Thera does her job with vigor and enthusiasm.
Thera is a member of the Philadelphia Branch of the NAACP. She is a member of the Eastern Stars, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., a member of the National Congress of Black Women, Philadelphia Chapter, a member of the 39th Police District Community Advisory Council, a member of the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, and a member of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s Clean and Green Cabinet in Philadelphia.
Join Allegheny West Foundation in Making a Difference
Our Mission
The Allegheny West Foundation is committed to enhancing the well-being of individuals in need. Our mission is to offer assistance and resources to empower both communities and individuals.
Ways to Give
There are many ways to support Allegheny West Foundation's mission. You can make a donation or volunteer your time. Every contribution makes a difference!
Our Programs
At the Allegheny West Foundation, we are committed to various initiatives to benefit our community:
- Providing free food through our program
- Establishing affordable housing options in the area
- Offering summer job opportunities for youth
- Organizing health fairs, job fairs, and political education forums
Join us in staying updated on current issues by subscribing to our email blasts and newsletters to learn more about our impactful work.
Volunteer Opportunities
Join our team of volunteers and make a difference in the lives of others. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available. Sign up today!
- We always welcome volunteers for our free food giveaways.
- When we host community meetings, we need greeters at the front door and at the sign-in table. We need someone to hand out refreshments and bottled water.
- We need volunteers to conduct surveys outside in front of 2850 N. 22nd St on good weather days under a tent with a table and chairs.
- We need a computer savvy volunteer who can teach a computer 101 workshop series.
- We need volunteers who will commit to go door to door on 4 blocks, right in the neighborhood where you live, handling out a flyer around our Mayor's Clean and Green Initiative. (This would be a one time circulation of the flyer and a major help for our city).
Our Impact
During the 2020 Pandemic, the Allegheny West Foundation, alongside Philadelphia City Councilwoman Cindy Bass, PA State Senator Sharif Street, New Courtland, Blessings of Hope, the Share Food Program, and Philabundance, successfully distributed free food to over 300 families per day, five days a week, during the initial months of the Pandemic when everyone except essential workers had to stay at home. As the situation improved and life returned to normalcy, AWF continued its food assistance program. In 2024, AWF and its partners now offer food to 300 families weekly at a central location and also provide food to three local churches every Wednesday.
AWF provides low-income and affordable housing in the 19140 and 19132 zip codes, accommodating over 200 families and providing them with a place they can call home.
During the summer of 2023, the Allegheny West Foundation witnessed one of President Ron Hinton's visions come to life – the unveiling of the Allegheny West Plaza. This four-story, 45-unit low-income apartment complex for senior citizens became a reality. Another senior apartment building is planned for construction at 3030 N. 20th Street in the near future, all under the umbrella of the Allegheny West Foundation.
The Allegheny West Foundation, as a representative of the community, plays a key role in the planning of the upcoming Panati Recreation Center, set to begin construction in the Fall of 2024.
Contact Us
Have a question or want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us today and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
About Allegheny West Foundation
Allegheny West Foundation Mission Statement
The mission of the Allegheny West Foundation is to foster economic growth and development in North Central Philadelphia. We aim to provide educational programs for residents within our service area and beyond, act as a link between residents and elected officials, and continuously strive to enhance our community, creating a stronger, safer, and more sustainable environment.