This article is part of the "Connecting Nonprofit Partners: Stories of Collaboration" series
In this new series, Connecting Nonprofit Partners: Stories of Collaboration, we’re spotlighting the inspiring ways nonprofits are teaming up to expand their reach, share resources, and strengthen support for older adults in Philadelphia.
The collaboration between Northwest Mutual Aid Collective and Grand Central Kinship Care began with a thoughtful connection from an SRF staff member—who, as it happens, is also the author of this article.
While reviewing a follow-up report from Grand Central Kinship Care, which provides vital support to grandfamilies—grandparents raising their grandchildren, often with limited resources—the staff member noted that food insecurity remained a key challenge. At the same time, Northwest Mutual Aid Collective was regularly distributing fresh produce and shelf-stable goods throughout Philadelphia. Recognizing an opportunity to match need with surplus, the staff member made the introduction—and something truly impactful took root.
From the beginning, it was clear that the two organizations shared a common vision. “It just felt natural,” said Chartan Nelson, Executive Director of Grand Central Kinship Care. “You meet a lot of people in this space, but sometimes things don’t click. With Linda, it was different. We bonded right away—not just professionally, but personally. It’s grown beyond just the food—we really look out for one another.”
Linda James-Rivera, Executive Director of Northwest Mutual Aid Collective, agreed. “We’re like kindred spirits. We’ve got similar missions and values—and we’ve both got our share of health challenges, too. There’s just a real sense of trust and care between us.”
That trust has translated into real, tangible support for families. Each Tuesday, Chartan picks up enough food from Northwest Mutual Aid to support 50 households. Once she returns to her center, families are already waiting—eager to receive fresh produce, shelf-stable milk and bread. Leftover items are then distributed to kinship caregivers in West Philadelphia or shared via community fridges.
The partnership also expanded when Northwest Mutual Aid took on one of Grand Central Kinship Care’s clients as a direct recipient of their home delivery program. The 65-year-old grandmother, who is raising her teenage granddaughter and has significant mobility challenges, lives within NWMAC’s delivery geography. “Miss Linda’s deliveries changed everything,” said Chartan. “Now they only have to go to the market for small things—and that makes a huge difference.”
The program is also helping children with special needs explore new foods. “We have a family with an autistic son,” said Chartan. “His mom is so grateful. He’s now trying fruits and vegetables he wouldn’t have otherwise tasted. It’s been a blessing.”
Linda and her team go beyond distribution by providing recipes and nutrition information to help families prepare and enjoy the food they receive. “We want people to understand the power of what they’re eating,” she said. “We give out food products and explain the health benefits—why leafy greens matter, how to manage diabetes with diet. It’s about more than just food. It’s about health and education.”
While the collaboration has brought enormous benefits, it hasn’t been without challenges. One early hurdle was understanding the scope of Chartan’s client base. “Next time, I’d go through our pantry partner intake process to ask the right questions upfront,” said Linda. “But I’m glad she asked for what she needed—because we had it to give.”
Looking ahead, both organizations are excited about deepening their partnership. They’re exploring new ways to reach homebound seniors and caregivers and finding ways to sustain their efforts amid funding cuts. What began as a simple introduction has evolved into a friendship, a support network, and a model for what’s possible when nonprofits come together with generosity and purpose.
For more information, visit www.sarahralstonfoundation.org
