Bywood Community Association started in 2018 from a season of reflection and intention at Prayer Chapel Community Church. Pastor Goodson, Mr. James, and members from Prayer Chapel Church of God in Christ sought how to love their neighbor. From then, and with the support of inaugural Board Members, Bywood Community Association (BCA) brought people together, provided services, and advocated for the neighborhood.
BCA hosted forums with Senator Kearney, State Rep. Curry, the Mayor of Upper Darby, Upper Darby Council members, the chief of police and other representatives. Hosting these meetings, BCA was a liaison between the neighbors and people in elected and public office. BCA facilitated grants that led to home repairs for seniors, a community garden, and trash and recycling can distribution, beautifying the neighborhood. The Bywood neighborhood was in a season of redevelopment and in that, the old SEARS parking lot on Walnut St. and Richfield Rd. was demolished. In its destruction, large clouds of concrete dust carpeted the Bywood neighborhood and residents experienced acute air pollution: dust, poor air quality, closed windows and doors. BCA reached out to local and state officials to hold the company and process to account.
In the midst of the pandemic, BCA hosted a vaccine clinic. Every second and fourth Saturday, BCA hosted a food distribution for neighbors. The work continued into 2025, when BCA received a federal grant for a community organizer. Starting in late 2025 Imani, who is from the Bywood neighborhood, built relationships with neighbors, heard neighbors’ concerns, and supported neighbors in improving their neighborhood. With Imani’s support, neighbors discussed their concerns, attended Township meetings, and did community cleanups. These momentum-building actions shifted the culture of the neighborhood and showed neighbors how to see, exercise, and direct their power.
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Bywood Community Association
7099 Locust Street
Lower Level
Upper Darby, PA 19082
(484)-846-2807