Village Improvement Association of Doylestown

See the Patch article on the VIA's $50K Donation to the Bright Path Center
2025-10-30 - 2025-11-30 | PA
Click HERE to read the full article

REACH for your Future at VIAReach.org
2025-10-30 - 2025-11-30
Enhancing the health and well-being of central Bucks County and surrounding communities has been the mission of the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (VIA) since 1895. The women of the VIA founded Doylestown Hospital, and for over a century they were instrumental in its operation. After transferring stewardship of theHospital to Penn Medicine earlier this year, the VIA is turning its attention to other important community needs. Mental well-being is at the top of their list.
The VIA is launching REACH, a new initiative designed to create proactive pathways to mental well-being in the community.

The goal of this new initiative is to create greater awareness and access to mental well-being resources for area residents. “The REACH initiative is one way we’re strengthening our focus on education, awareness, and resources that promote mental health and well-being,” says VIA President Kathleen Krick. “We believe that this simple word expresses who we are and where we are going. It signifies that we are extending our REACH, helping others to REACH connection and wellness, and that the VIA will REACH out, REACH in, REACH forward.”
In recent months the VIA has had meetings with many potential community partners, and with mental health professionals. We had a wonderful “Community Conversation” meeting on October 21, and we recently made a significant donation to the Lenape Valley Foundation for the new Bright Path Center for Behavioral Health Stabilization. This center is scheduled to open in the Spring/Summer of 2026 and is being recognized as a national model for mental health crisis care for children and adults. Discussions with other potential partners are ongoing.
The VIA would like to continue learning from the community in our planning process. We are actively seeking input from community members. VIA First Vice President Sheri Putnam says, “Right now, one of the most important ways that the community can assist is by helping the VIA to more fully understand the needs of our residents.” You are invited to learn more and share their experiences with access to mental health resources at viareach.org.
The VIA will be providing additional information at an evening program in November. If you would like to learn more before then or after, please email icare@viareach.org. You can also sign up for a “REACHAlert” at the viareach.org site.
Want to learn more or become involved?
Consider joining the VIA. We welcome new women who are passionate about our mission to improve the health and well-being of our Central Bucks County communities. If you are interested in more information about joining a fabulous group of changemakers, please email icare@viareach.org or go to https://via-doylestown.org/join-the-via.
The Village Improvement Association is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.
