Who We Are

Our History

Chester, PA was once a city with one of the highest murder rates per capita and persistent violence has made a deep and lasting impact on our community’s emotional well-being. Making a Change Group was founded to give youth and families access to the resources, support, and opportunities needed to reach their full potential — and to build stronger, thriving neighborhoods. Because the best way to reduce crime is to invest in community and prevention efforts.

Our Mission

Making a Change Group empowers individuals and families in Chester, PA, and the surrounding communities to create lasting positive change in their lives and neighborhoods.
We achieve this through three core program areas:

  • Violence Intervention and Prevention

  • Youth Mentoring and Development

  • Comprehensive Family Support
    Our work helps families pursue their financial, educational, vocational, and personal goals — building stronger communities for the future.

Our Vision

We envision a future where every resident of Chester, PA, and the surrounding communities has equal access to the resources, support, and opportunities needed to reach their full potential — and to build stronger, thriving neighborhoods.

Our Philosophy

Servant Leadership

At Making a Change Group, we believe true leadership begins with service. A servant leader focuses on the growth and well-being of people and the communities they belong to.

We practice this leadership through active listening, empathy, healing, community building, and honoring the intrinsic value of every individual — always striving to dream big and inspire change.

Core Values

At Making a Change Group, our work is guided by these core values:

  • Commitment — We are dedicated to building strong, resilient communities.

  • Accountability — We take personal responsibility for fulfilling our commitments to MACG and the people we serve.

  • Integrity — We uphold the highest standards of honesty and ethical behavior in all we do.

  • Collaboration — We achieve greater impact by working together with partners and the community.

  • Service — We lead through service, acting with empathy and compassion.

Trauma-informed Care

In Chester, PA — one of the cities with the highest murder rates per capita — persistent violence has a deep and lasting impact on residents' emotional well-being.

At Making a Change Group, we recognize that effective service begins with understanding this trauma. We are committed to approaching all of our work with empathy, sensitivity, and an appreciation for the challenges our community faces.