Social impact funding to help Youngstown entrepreneurs tackle health barriers
(YOUNGSTOWN, OH) October 15, 2025 — In an effort to reduce the social and economic barriers that prevent longer, healthier lives in the greater Youngstown region, the American Heart Association has announced two social enterprises as the recipients of its Social Impact Funds.
The Association, devoted to changing the future to a world of healthier lives for all, has distributed $200,000 through its Social Impact Funds, thanks to local funding from FirstEnergy Foundation. These organizations are actively working to break down the social drivers of health that can negatively impact cardiovascular health.
The two recipient organizations include:
- National Center for Urban Solutions Tec (NCUS TEC) Youngstown, an accredited, nonprofit career college dedicated to upskilling and training community members for high-demand career pathways to foster financial independence. A division of the national NCUS organization, this social enterprise has an interdisciplinary approach to solving the needs of urban and underrepresented communities in health, workforce and education with a focus on creating accessible pathways to success for diverse learners and communities.
- Project Milk Mission, a community-based nonprofit empowering pregnant and postpartum mothers with culturally inclusive breastfeeding education and support, fostering optimal maternal and infant health across communities. Its hybrid model offers virtual and in-person services and was created in response to the need for accessible prenatal and postpartum education.
“Where you live should not dictate how long or how well a person lives – but it does,” said Lisa Wheeler-Cooper, executive director of the American Heart Association — Northeast Ohio. “Support from the Association’s Social Impact Funds will expand the reach of these innovative programs, giving more people the opportunity to thrive.”
The Social Impact Funds channel capital to both nonprofit and for-profit social entrepreneurs working in the community. The Fund specifically supports organizations that address health care access and quality, economic empowerment and food security.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About the Social Impact Funds
The American Heart Association Social Impact Funds invest in for-profit businesses and provide philanthropic grants to nonprofit organizations that are tackling the social drivers of health. We focus on health care access and quality, food security and economic empowerment — social factors that have a direct correlation to cardiovascular risk, health outcomes and longevity. Our model supports the sustainability and expansion of evidence-based solutions across diverse markets and issues.
Established in 2018, the Social Impact Funds, including the Bernard J. Tyson Impact Fund, are part of American Heart Association Ventures, the group that leads and coordinates the venture capital programs of the American Heart Association. Visit us at heart.org/SocialImpactFunds and heart.org/ventures.
For Media Inquiries:
Chelsea Caldwell: chelsea.caldwell@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
