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PRIMARILY FREE EVENTS AND TRAININGS IMPACTING AREA INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Week of March 15, 2015

Helping to Bridge the Gap Between the Wealth of Available Resources
and the Poverty Associated With People Not Knowing About Them
___________________________________________________________________

In an attempt to aid reader searches, new items added each week are highlighting in
yellow. As always, we are interested in receiving feedback in regard to how we might
improve our publications, content and convenience of use.
E-Update periodically reports ways in which subscribers use our publications to aid their
families or organizations. If you have a short description that might be helpful to others
and their uses, we would like to hear about them. Please forward two or three sentences
that provide specific uses of benefit to bps461@msn.com.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Activities are subject to change without notice; participants are encouraged
to use contact information to confirm times and dates.
To unsubscribe, please send a message to bps461@msn.com
with the word Unsubcribe in the Subject line.
2009-2014 Casey Jones, Transformation Initiative for Building Healthy Communities Through Healthy Families.
Permission is granted to reproduce for personal or non-commercial uses only.

Sections Available in the attached Calendar of Events:

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Special Activities: Upcoming primarily free activities
listed by day over the next several months.
Ongoing Scheduled Activities: Primarily free activities held regularly each week
or month.
Area Ministries for Those Who are Struggling. GriefShare, DivorceCare,
Celebrate Recovery, Mending Hearts.

-2-

Day Trip Destination Sites: Free admission sites for individual and family outings.
E-Update ResourcesTM: Accompanying Information About Services, Including
Employment Resources, for Individuals and Families.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Calendar of Events - Please Submit Additions Today

Upcoming Activities The following items are detailed in the accompanying Calendar of
Events and are in addition to those described within this E-Update. They will be occurring
during the current two-week period or are newly listed as part of the longer term Calendar.
These activities are provided for both personal use and printing out and sharing with others
through suggested posting on public and employee bulletin boards, hard copies or e-mail.

Updated: This Weeks Calendar of Events Activities (Found in Calendar of Events)

Emerging Artists Exhibit Oxford.
The Pennhurst Story Tragedy to Disability Rights Exhibit West Chester.
Personal Finance Classes Pottstown and Norristown.
American Revolution History Events King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations.
PA CareerLink and Job Search Services Area Counties.
Winter Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Montgomery County Commissioners Conversations Caravan Norristown.
Paying for College Workshop Exton.
Lost Mansions of the Main Line Presentation Berwyn.
Veteran Family Services Workshops Coatesville.
Obtaining a Checking Account Workshop Coatesville.
Veterans Virtual Career Fair Online.
Senior Crime Prevention University Presentation Phoenixville.
Family Fest Pottstown.
Budgeting and Debt Reduction Workshop Exton.
Dignity: Changing Obstacles into Opportunities Presentation Malvern.
Our Teens Emotional Health Forum Berwyn.
Green Gardening with Native Plants Presentation Berwyn.
Building Community Bridges Forum Kennett Square. Rescheduled from Prior
Date.
10 Must Knows about Education Advocacy and Justice Chat-n-Chew West Chester.
Special Education Advocates Forum West Chester.
Fragile Freedoms One-Woman Play Phoenixville.
Just Talk About It Mental and Emotional Health Forum Bryn Mawr.
Pennsylvania Rep. Lewis Open House Downingtown.
College Jazz Ensemble Concert Collegeville.
Shred-It Saturday West Chester (West Goshen Township).
Digital Device Clinic Exton.
Living a Debt-Free Lifestyle Workshop Pottstown.
Wellness Fair Boyertown.
Music for Kids Phoenixville.
Irish Music Concert New Holland.
Updated: Next Weeks Calendar of Events Activities (Found in Calendar of Events)
Emerging Artists Exhibit Oxford.
The Pennhurst Story Tragedy to Disability Rights Exhibit West Chester.
Personal Finance Classes Pottstown and Norristown.
American Revolution History Events King of Prussia (Valley Forge).

-3-

New:

Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations.

PA CareerLink and Job Search Services Area Counties.
Spring Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Parkinsons Forum New Holland.
Author of Frankenstein Portrayal Phoenixville.
Community Caf Luncheon West Grove.
Josiah Harlan History on Tap Presentation West Chester (Marshallton).
Student Transitioning Chat-n-Chew West Chester.
Women and Money Workshop Exton.
GrandFamilies Support West Chester.
Substance Abuse Needs Forum Coatesville.
Career Transitions Workshop Phoenixville.
Pennsylvania Rep. Killion Pensions Reform Forum Media.
Mountainfilm on Tour Viewing Malvern.
Harlem Renaissance: The BVlack American Impact on Popular Song Presentation
Phoenixville.
Child Dental Sealant Clinic Pottstown.
Student ManuFest Souderton.
Easter Egg Hunts West Chester, Phoenixville (Borough and Kimberton), Thorndale,
and Malvern.
Easter Egg Hunt and Bunny Hop Races Pottstown.
Egg Hunt and Docorated Hats Parade West Chester (West Goshen Township).
Easter Egg Hunt and Puppet Show Uwchland.
Future Weeks Events and Activities (View in Calendar of Events)
Fragile Freedoms One-Woman Play Berwyn.
Easter EggsTravaganza West Grove.
The Real Secret of Intention Presentation Phoenixville.
Jesus in the Midst of Loss Presentation New Holland.
Widowers Breakfast New Holland.
Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story Movie with a Message New Holland.
Emotional and Psychological Aspects of Essential Tremors Presentation New
Holland.
Safe Mobility with Vision Loss Presentation New Holland.
Paper Recycling and E-Waste Collection Thorndale.
State Rep. Milne Shredding, Recycling and Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Malvern.
Easter Egg Hunts Paoli and West Chester.

Activities Submission - Organizations are encouraged to submit information about ongoing services and activities, along with special events, as soon as possible after establishing a
date to maximize publicity and to help individuals and other organizations with planning
processes for their own events.
Formats for submission should be similar to and include all information as that shown on the
current, accompanying Calendar of Events. Further information about submissions appears
at the end of this E-Update and the Calendar. Information should be submitted to
bps461@msn.com. Don't let your important activity be left unknown.

-4-

NEW THIS WEEK: Chesco Commissioners Continue Stonewall on Major Public

Safety Gap
Chester County Commissioners apparently will continue to turn a cold shoulder and seek to
justify major gaps in the Countys public disaster preparedness alerting system after the
latest alert failure.
On Friday, March 13, Casey Jones, publisher of this E-Update, appeared before
Commissioners in regard to the latest incident that occurred earlier in the week in which it
took 40 minutes to issue a Find Out First! ReadyNotifyPA system alert after the County was
notified directly of a National Weather Service (NWS) Areal Flood Warning.
The action also occurred nearly an hour and a quarter after the initial NWS alert through
Facebook social media, due to a failure of the weather services own alerting system that
prevented notification that multiple areas of the County were expected to be affected by
flooding. Less than a month before, Jones had reported other recent County alerting
deficiencies to Commissioners.
Robert Kagel, director of the County Department of Emergency Services, told the to issue a
Find Out First! ReadyNotify PA system alert Board that his department is considered a
premier organization in the nation and that it always is willing to listen to concerns about its
operations.
Jones told Commissioners that a system only is as good as its weakest link and he has
advised County DES of many of the same alerting issues for more than four years, following
hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, a tornado, last years ice storm and other incidents
occurring during that period. He also reminded Commissioners that he had appeared before
them on numerous occasions for more than two years with the same issues remaining
unresolved.
He alleged the County, by its continued inaction, is playing Russian Roulette with the
safety of its half million county residents, along with the tens of thousands that travel into
and out of the County to work, every minute getting closer and closer to potential for a
major disaster.
He also has told Commissioners that he doesnt believe the solution is costly or should take
much time to implement, citing a less robust system that he set up in two days in response
to what he has termed last years poor ice storm alerting procedures. His system involved
no additional equipment and is operated solely by a single volunteer. That site appears at
www.facebook.com/TransformationIni.
The latest incident is reported at
www.facebook.com/TransformationIni/posts/827690307296222:0.
A few of the multitude of prior instances that have been recorded include:

February 17, 2015 False advertising for Chester County public alert system? -www.facebook.com/TransformationIni/posts/815904801808106

January 26, 2015 Six-hour delay in winter storm alert.

www.facebook.com/TransformationIni/posts/804579812940605.

-5-

May 25, 2014 State Public Utility Commission determines that communications
were a problem during ice storm www.facebook.com/TransformationIni/posts/675927652472489:0

May 17, 2014 Over three hours delay in Flood Warning notifications -www.facebook.com/TransformationIni/posts/671076209624300

NEW THIS WEEK: State Rep. Milne Continuing National Prescription Drug Take
Back Day Saturday, April 25
Pennsylvania Rep. Duane Milne is continuing Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 9 a.m.
to 1 p.m. April 25 at the Penn State Great Valley campus in Malvern after the U.S. Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA) ended the national campaign last fall due to a
proliferation of local drug disposal boxes.
The event, combined with the legislators annual Spring shredding and recycling collection,
traditionally has resulted in the largest annual one-time prescription drug collection in
Chester and neighboring counties.
East Whiteland Township Police will coordinate the rain or shine activity, held in the campus
parking lot at 30 East Swedesford Road.
Prescription drugs have been identified as a gateway to heroin use, with young people
obtaining unused and unsecured pills from family and friends medicine chests. They are
reported to ingest them at pharm parties by tossing various pills into a bowl or other
container and then scooping them out and downing them, often with alcohol, without
knowing what they are or the effects.
After becoming addicted to prescription medicines, users become susceptible to heroin,
officials report, because of its low cost, high quality and accessibility in Philadelphia suburbs
and beyond.
The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also has warned of traces of prescription
drugs starting to show up in municipal water supplies due to improper flushing.
No-questions-asked drop boxes for unused prescription drugs are available throughout the
year at various locations. Further information and locations are available at
www.ddap.pa.gov/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1666644&mode=2.
Rep. Milnes shredding and recycling component will include personal paper shredding to
help combat identity theft, usable family clothing, kitchenware, sporting goods, books, small
appliances and others items with cords, eyeglasses, torn and faded flags, and more.
Further information on what is being accepted at the combined event is available at
www.repmilne.com, dmilne@pahouse.com or (610) 251-1070.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Free General and Youth Mental Health First Aid Classes
Being Offered March - May
Registration is underway foir several eight-hour Adult Mental Health First Aid and Youth
Mental Health First Aid classes are being held From March through May in West Chester and
Coatesville.

-6-

The courses, being presented in full-day or two, four-hour sessions, are designed to
acquaint participants with the risk factors, warning signs and impact of mental health
issues.
Schedules, locations registrations are available at
https://chescodhstrainings.schedulemeappointments.com for Adult Mental Health First Aid
held in West Chester, and
www.brandywinefoundation.org/sites/default/files/YMHFATrainingFlyerWinterSpring2015.pdf
for Youth Mental Health First Aid held in Coatesville.

NEW LAST WEEK: Chesco Homeless Count Results to be Discussed Wednesday,

March 18
Decade to Doorways, Chester Countys initiative to end homelessness, will discuss its latest
Point in Time Count that located ten percent less homeless individuals in January than it did
the preceding year during a public information session at 3 p.m. March 18 in the fourth floor
community room at the Brandywine Center, 744 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville.
The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-mandated count took
place during the overnight hours of Wednesday-Thursday, January 28-29 throughout the
County, with 615 individuals located, versus 684 during the same period last year.
Of these, 15 individuals were found without shelter, 233 in emergency shelters and 367 in
transitional shelters. Of those sheltered, 17 percent were under the age of 18, 56 percent
between 18 and 54 years of age, and 27 percent 55 years and older, according to the
report. Individuals staying with family and friends, or couch surfing, arent attempted to
be included as part of the count.
Unsheltered individuals included seven in West Chester, five in Exton and one each in
Kennett Square, Phoenixville and Devon, according to the report.
Existence of ConnectPoints, a single point of entry and assistance for the homeless, is
attributed to being a prime factor in the count reduction and an increase in the number of
occupied beds in emergency shelters increasing from 85 percent to 92 percent between this
year and the year before.
Additional initial information about the Count results is available at
http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0LEV1U_k_1UAMYAj1tXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEzdXVpcHZiB
GNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwM0BHZ0aWQDU1dJTUMwXzEEc2VjA3Ny/RV=2/RE=1425933248/RO
=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fpachestercounty.civicplus.com%2fDocumentCenter%2fView%2f24592/RK=0/RS=aamQGGUJc
_Jyj3kl7kP2VPbVzYk-.

NEW LAST WEEK: Forum on Ferguson and Other Police Shootings Wednesday,
March 18
MLK Advocates and Inclusive Social Ministries for Solidarity (I.S.M.S.) of the Church of the
Open Door will host a Building Bridges forum from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 18 in the Library
at Mary D. Lang School, 409 Center Street, Kennett Square.
The session with law enforcement and other officials will discuss issues highlighted by the
2014 police shootings in Ferguson, Mo., and other communities for the purpose of building
police-community relations.

-7-

The session is re-scheduled from an earlier date due to weather, with a new snow date of
Wednesday, March 25.
Further information is available at
www.mlkadvocates.com/uploads/9/3/9/1/9391558/buildingbridges_4.pdf, isms@umcod.org
or (610) 444-2400.

Free Matter of Balance Coaches Training Friday, March 27

Chester County Health Department and Neighborhood Health Agencies Senior HealthLink is
offering coaches training for an eight session series to help older adults learn positive coping
methods to reduce fear of falling and remain active and independent.
The eight-hour Matter of Balance Certification training will be held form 8:30 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. March 27 at the North Hills Medical Building, 795 East Marshall Street, West
Chester.
Further information and required registration area available from Katie Kuffner at
kkuffner@chesco.org or (610) 344-5340, and at www.mainehealth.org/mob.

LIHEAP Heating Assistance Program Underway Ends Friday, April 3; Other

Energy Assistance Available
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program that assists eligible homeowners and
renters with home heating bills has started and runs through April 3, for both regular and
crisis grants.
Funds are sent to utility companies for qualifying
individuals at 150% of federal poverty guidelines, for
example $17,505 for a single person and $35,775 for a
family of four.
Further information is available at
www.dpw.state.pa.us/foradults/heatingassistanceliheap/index.htm or local County
Assistance Offices. Tips on saving energy are available at
www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-saver.
The state Public Utility Commission provides information on five different categories of
assistance, along with other help links, at
www.puc.state.pa.us/consumer_info/electricity/energy_assistance_programs.aspx or (800)
692-7380.
Through Friday, April 4, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare is receiving
applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that assists
low-income families with heating bills through a cash grant sent directly to a heating
provider.
The program also provides crisis grants for households in immediate danger of being
without heat, including broken equipment.
Applicants do not have to be on public assistance or have an unpaid heating bill, and can
either rent or own.

-8-

Further information and eligibility information are available at

www.dpw.state.pa.us/foradults/heatingassistanceliheap or (800) 692-7462.
In addition, eligible homeowners and renters in Chester, Delaware and Lancaster counties
also can obtain home weatherization assistance, including insulation, heater service, window
and door replacement and other energy conservation measures through the Community
Action Agency of Delaware County.
Further information and application information is available at
www.caadc.org/pdfs/Flyer%20Brochure%202013.pdf or (610) 521-8770.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance Available Through Wednesday, April 15

Taxpayers, including those having refunds or taxes due as a result of the Affordable Care
Act, have two free personal tax preparation opportunities.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people
who generally make $53,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited
English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.
IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic
filing to qualified individuals.
VITA also focuses on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that many individuals who
worked during the year are eligible for but dont claim because they werent required to file
a tax return.
Those making up to $46,997 ($52,427 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying
children may be eligible for a tax rebate of up to $6,143, even if they didnt pay that much
in federal taxes.
Eligible taxpayers who didnt claim the credit in prior years can obtain credits by filing or
amending up to three years of tax returns.
Information on the credit is available at www.irs.gov/Individuals/EITC-Income-Limits,Maximum-Credit--Amounts-and-Tax-Law-Updates.
The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers,
particularly those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about
pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. The IRS-certified volunteers who
provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations
that receive grants from the IRS.
Free File, which makes brand-name tax software products and electronic filing available to
most taxpayers for free also is available.
A database of VITA and TCE sites is available at www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-ReturnPreparation-for-You-by-Volunteers.
Information on Free File is available at www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/Free-File-LaunchesToday;-Helps-Taxpayers-with-New-Health-Care-Law.

-9-

FTC Says IRS Scam-Related Complaints Are Skyrocketing

Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says tax identification theft topped its list of complaints
last year and that Internal Revenue Service (IRS) imposter complaints are up more than
2,300 percent.
The FTC, along with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Treasury Inspector General for Tax
Administration, the AARP and other partners are highlighting these and other scams as part
of Tax Identify Theft Awareness Week that runs through Friday, January 30.
Information on some of these scams, including phising computer malware, are available
from the FTC at www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0029-tax-identity-theft-awarenessweek?utm_source=govdelivery and the IRS at www.irs.gov/uac/Tax-Scams-ConsumerAlerts.
Information on general identify theft is available at www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature0014-identity-theft, and tips for veterans at www.va.gov/identitytheft/protect.asp and
senior citizens at www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud.

Pottstown Opens New Homeless Intake Center Location; Other Homeless Services
Changing Through Thursday, April 30
Ministries on Main Street, which provides winter homeless sheltering at community
churches, has opened a new intake center at Trinity United Church of Christ (UCC) -rear
entrance, 60 North Hanover Street, Pottstown, after its former center at St. Johns
Evangelical Lutheran Church closed.
The Center will open for registration at noon weekdays, with pre-registration requested at
(610) 970-2444. Individuals will be housed nights during the remainder of January at
Zions UCC at 209 Chestnut Street; starting Saturday, February 2, at St. Johns UCC at
111 South Price Street; starting Saturday, March 2, at St. Pauls UCC at 927 North Franklin
Street; and April to be determined.
Further information is available at www.ministriesatmainstreet.org.
In addition, the Pottstown Recovery & Education Center, which has been located at 249 East
High Street, is relocating this week to the First Methodist Church at 414 High Street and
only will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
Trinity UCC is seeking volunteers to staff an 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays Drop-in Center
at its facility. Further information is available at
http://www.trinityuccpottstown.org/saturday-drop-in-center-for-the-homeless.html or (610)
326-2243. Further information on the daily center is available at (267) 507-3525.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Community Organization Networking Connection Meetings

(Regular Meeting Dates are Subject to Change)
Coatesville Area Resource Network (CARN) meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the third
Wednesday of the month, except August and December, in the fourth floor conference room
at Brandywine Health Center at 744 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville. Representatives of
community organizations exchange information about current and upcoming activities and
hear presentations from various services providers. On March 18, Jack Crans, Chester
County prison chaplain, will discuss a recent Chester County prison re-entry study and how

- 10 -

this may change the approach to re-entry into the community after incarceration. Further
information is available from Kathryn Spurlock at ccch@comcast.net or at (610) 380-7111
x16.
Berks-Lancaster-Lebanon Counties LINK to Aging and Disability Resources meets
from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at various Lancaster area
locations, and from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on different days of the month and locations in
Berks County for services cross-trainings and exchange of information on creating a onestop, no-wrong-door resources for older adults and adults with disabilities, including
consumers, family members and others, seeking information about local resources. On
March 19, the Lancaster County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and the
United Way of Lancaster County collaborative impact model will be discussed at the
Lancaster County Firemans Association, 632 East Oregon Road, Lititz. On Tuesday,
March 17, the Berks group will meet at Vision Resource Center of Berks County, 2020
Hampden Boulevard, Reading, for presentations by the Center and the Bureau of Blindness
and Visual Services. Specific topic workshops also are being scheduled in the counties.
Further information is available at http://berkslancasterlebanonlink.org, or from Brian Long,
coordinator, at blllink@mail.com or (717) 380-9714.
Phoenixville Area Resource Network (PARN) meets from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the
fourth Tuesday of the month, except December, at the First United Methodist Church (north
entrance), 865 South Main Street, Phoenixville. Representatives of community organizations
exchange information about current and upcoming activities and hear presentations from
various services providers. On April 28, the Pennsylvania Office of Vocation Rehabilitation
(OVR) and the Bucks-Chester-Montgomery Link for Aging and Disability Services will
present. On May 26, Optum Hospice and The House womens homeless shelter will discuss
their work. Additional information about the group is available from Debbie Dundon at
Open Hearth, Spring City, at (610) 792-9282 x201 or debbie.openhearth@verizon.net.

Chester County Family and Community Partnership meets from 10 a.m. to noon on
the first Friday of February, April, June, August, October and December at various locations.
The group is a diverse partnership of individuals, families, community organizations, service
agencies, businesses and funders committed to empowering individuals and families in
living self-sufficient, productive and fulfilling lives. Additional information is available from
Kathy Brauner at kbrauner@chesco.org or (610) 344-5262.
Chester County Faith Community Health Ministry Network meets from 4 p.m. to 5:15
p.m., on the first Thursday of each month, from September through June to exchange
information on promotion of holistic health within faith congregations and communities and
to develop additional faith community nurses, also known as parish nurses. On April 2, the
group will meet at in the first floor conference room in the Neighborhood Health Agencies
building, 795 East Marshall Street, on the grounds of Chester County Hospital, West
Chester, with Rev. Barbara Jones, faith outreach and support group coordinator for the
Alzheimers Association Delaware Valley Chapter, discussing how faith communities can
engage with and support individuals with dementia and their families. Further information
is available from Joan Holliday at dochollisv@aol.com or (610) 717-2180.
COSECHA (Harvest) meets from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of the
month from September through June at the Head Start Center, 380 West Cedar Street,
Kennett Square. Further information is available from Elizabeth Garduno at
elizabethga@cciu.org or (610) 444-2880 x305.

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Kennett Area Bridging the Community meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesdays of
January, March, May, July, September and November at various community locations with
any interested individual or organization welcome to attend and share information on
resources and needs that can build "bridges" toward a more integrated Kennett area
community. Additional information is available from Joan Holliday at dochollisv@aol.com or
(610) 717-2180. Minutes from prior meetings are available at
www.bridgingcommunity.com/bridging.php.
Communities That Care (CTC) groups in several Chester County school districts provide
networking opportunities for community organizations and individuals that use a planning
and mobilization model to promote healthy youth development and prevent and reduce
negative youth health and behavior issues that may include substance abuse, delinquency,
teen pregnancy, school drop-out, and violence.

West Chester CTC meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the second Thursday of
each month of the school year at the West Chester Area School District Spellman
Administrative Building, 829 Paoli Pike, West Chester. Lunch is provided by
reserving at rsvp@wcctc.org or (610) 359-5817.

Downingtown Area CTC meets from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. the third Tuesday of the
month from September through May at the Administrative Offices, Downingtown
Area School District, 540 Trestle Place, Downingtown. On March 16, the group will
meet at Ashbridge Manor Senior Living, 971 East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, a
different location, Chris Benzing and Valerie Melroy providing a report on Community
Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). Further information and registration
available at dtownctc@umly.org or (610) 458-9090 x2827.

Coatesville CTC Community Prevention Board, a body coterminous with the

Coatesville Youth Initiative Steering Committee, meets periodically in the fourth floor
Community Room, Brandywine Health Foundation, 744 East Lincoln Highway,
Coatesville. Further information and requested lunch reservations are available from
Jarvis Berry, CTC community mobilizer, at Jarvis@coatesvilleyouthinitiative.org or
(610) 380-0200.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Support Groups for Unemployed and Underemployed Ongoing
Several networking/support groups (open to everyone) are available at area churches for
persons who are unemployed or unemployed, with each providing its own variety of specific
services in support of those who attend:
Downingtown (Lionville/Exton) -- Barnabas Group, at Calvary Fellowship Church,
95 West Devon Drive (rear entrance) at Route 113 in Exton (Lionville) is named after
the Biblical disciple known as the Son of Encouragement. Weekly sessions are part of
the churchs Care Monday, that includes a prayer group that meets at the same time
in the Prayer Lobby (Portico Entrance), with intercession for those attending the
Barnabas Group and the churchs other Care Ministries, including DivorceCare for
those coping with separation or divorce, even years later; Mending Hearts for those
with prodigal children and other family members; and various offerings focused on
assistance in healing and coping. Further information for Barnabas Group activities
is available at barnabasgroup@cfdownington.com or (610) 363-7171.

Malvern Penn State Great Valleys Alumni Association and My Career Transitions
(MCT), an all-volunteer job counseling group, meets from 9:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

- 12 -

the second Saturday of the month, except August and December, in 130 Main
Building, Penn State Great Valley, 30 East Swedesford Road, Malvern, preceded by a
new member orientation at 8:30 a.m. Further information and required registration
are available at http://mycareertransitions.com/new/?q=upcoming-meetings.

Wayne A one-on-one Employment Guidance Ministry, along with periodic special

employment related events to aid jobseekers is available at St. Davids Episcopal
Church, 763 South Valley Forge Road, Malvern. Further information is available from
George Vosburgh at gbvosburgh@aol.com or (610) 688-7947.

West Chester Unemployment support group meets bi-weekly from 5:45 p.m. to
7:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 130 West Miner Street, West Chester, to
learn tips and techniques related to job searches. Further information is available
from Elisabeth Hartwell at ehartwell@firstpreswc.com, at (610) 696-0554.

West Chester BarnabasWC group meets from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Mondays,
except holidays, in the Community Room, Providence Church, 430 Hannum Avenue,
West Chester. Further information is available at www.barnabaswc.org or
info@barnabaswc.org.

Six Area Affiliates of Joseph's People meet during the month:

Central Delco Groups at three locations in Central Delaware County now
coordinate meetings in Media and Upper Darby at 7 p.m. on the first three Tuesdays
of the month. First Tuesday: St. Francis Room at St. Mary Magdalen Church,
2400 North Providence Road, Media, with further information at
smmemploy@gmail.com or (610) 873-7117. Second Tuesday: The Parish Hall
Rear Entrance, St. Laurence Church, 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby. Third
Tuesday: Hassler Chapel, Media Presbyterian Church, 30 East Baltimore Pike,
Media, with further information at robinst37@gmail.com. On March 17, Lynne
Williams will discuss How to Create a Great LinkedIn Profile.
Downingtown -- 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays, in the
Parish Meeting Room Rear of the School Property, St. Joseph's Parish, 338 Manor
Avenue (Route 322). Further information about the affiliate is available by leaving a
message at (610) 873-7117.
Berwyn/Main Line - 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the first and third Thursdays at the
Hagenbach Room, St. Monicas Church, 635 First Avenue. Further information is
available from Bob Schubert at bobschubertjr@aim.com or (610) 755-2398.
Upper Uwchlan Township 7 p.m. on the first and third Mondays at the School
Education Center, St. Elizabeths Catholic Church, 100 Fellowship Road, Chester
Springs. Further information is available at (610) 321-1200 or at
david.bolz@verizon.net.
Reading 7 p.m. to 8:30 pm. on the first and third Wednesdays at St Catharine's of
Siena Parish Center. 2427 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading. Further information is
available from John Senick, facilitator, at (610) 779-4005.
West Grove 6:45 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month in the new Parish
Life Center, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 300 State Road, West
Grove. On March 25, Jim Power, a local strategic executive manager, will discuss
The Power of Networking. Fireside Chat will include prayer support, introduction of
community resources, encouragement for member interaction, and discussion of job
opportunities. Further information is available from John Colgan at
johnfcolgan@gmail.com. Additional information on all St. Josephs People chapters is
available at www.josephspeople.org.

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Free Job Assistance Workshops, Job Fairs and Job Openings Report March
Unemployed and underemployed persons seeking education and training in career planning,
along with employment assistance for veterans, ex-offenders and persons with disabilities,
can take advantage of a broad series of services and monthly workshops offered by the
Pennsylvania Department of Labor CareerLink at its Exton offices in Suite 500, 479 Thomas
Jones Way in the Oaklands Corporate Center.
These trainings include an orientation presentation as to what PA CareerLink has to offer.
A calendar of PA CareerLink-Chester County workshops for the current month, along with
several company job fairs, is available at http://chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/24516.
Monthly job openings list that lists several pages in the Chester County area is available at
http://chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/24542. Daily position openings updates are
available through www.cwds.state.pa.us.
Websites for additional county PA CareerLink offices in the area, at which many services are
available to out-of-county residents, include:
Berks: www.co.berks.pa.us/Dept/CareerLink/Pages/default.aspx
Delaware: www.delcoworks.org
Lancaster: www.jobs4lancaster.com
Montgomery: www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?NID=1024
Pottstown and Phoenixville Locations Providing Additional Job-Seeker Support
Pottstown YWCA and the Phoenixville Public Library are continuing to expand services for
job-seekers.
Pottstown YWCA has started a weekly Job-Seekers Connection support group from 6 p.m. to
8 p.m. Wednesdays at its Tri-County Area Adult Literacy Center at 1830 East High Street.
Sessions are designed to provide a supportive environment on how to obtain assistance in
revising resumes, write cover letters, start an internet-based job search, and maximize job
search visibility.
The organization currently offers adult literacy classes, including reading, writing, math,
English language, and GED and U.S. citizenship tests preparation, along with a six-week Job
Skills Program, for eligible area residents.
Further information on the new support group is available at
www.facebook.com/ywcatricountyarea/photos/a.468031103259613.106123.142873902442
003/813804245348962/?type=1, on the adult literacy and other workforce development
components at www.ywcatricountyarea.org/adult-literacy.html, or at (610) 326-7323.
Phoenixville Public Library will host its monthly, fourth Thursday JobSeeker Workshop Speaker Series from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. March 26, with
presentations on career transitions by John Copeland who has been
involved in the training and development field and Renato Amarena,
founder of Successfactor4u.com.
On April 23, Kimberly Wilkinson of Surrey Services for Seniors will discuss Careers in
Healthcare. On May 28, a representative of the Pennsylvania Civil Service Commission will
present information on state and local government positions.

- 14 -

In December, the library began hosting a free weekly support group and individual job
coach assistance for the unemployed and underemployed, expanding already significant
library services available to job-seekers.
A sampling assists is available at www.phoenixvillelibrary.org/category/adults/learn,
www.phoenixvillelibrary.org/resources, www.phoenixvillelibrary.org/ovr-employmentsupport, www.phoenixvillelibrary.org/computer-services and
www.phoenixvillelibrary.org/programs-for-adults-2.
Further information and required registration for limited workshop seating is available at
mpinto@ccls.org or (610) 933-3013 x132.

Montgomery County Community College Offering Free Online Assistance to

Entrepreneurs
Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn the basics of Starting Your Own Business through an online
program developed by Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) for the
Pennsylvania Business and Entrepreneurial Initiatives Collaborative.
The self-paced program allows individuals to explore five modules on topics such as
business basics, financial and legal considerations, and marketing, as well as an in-depth
case study. The final module guides learners through the process of developing a
customized business plan.
Individuals who successfully finish the program and business plan will earn a proof of
completion certificate and may be eligible for three credits at MCCC through Prior Learning
Assessment (PLA), with other colleges and universities also able to evaluate the completed
course and business plan for possible PLA credit toward one of their programs.
The program is available at www.beresource.com, with further information at
www.mc3.edu/component/content/article/87-about-us/news/8739-free-online-course-foraspiring-entrepreneurs, dcollins@mc3.edu or (215) 619-7313.

Free Online Job-Seeker Computer Technology Training Offered

Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Delaware
Valley Regional Planning Commission are offering more than 100 online courses and 500
educational videos to job-seekers through Online Broadband and Technology Training.
Available topics include online and e-mail marketing, website development, social media,
advanced wireless technologies, cloud computing, internet security, information security for
end users, Quickbooks, Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint
and Access, graphics and graphic design, business skills and project management.
Further information and enrollment is available at www.paobtt.com.

Legal Requirements Increase for Workers and Volunteers Involved with Children
Legislation that significantly impacts 23 areas of reporting, investigation, assessment,
prosecution and judicial handling of child abuse and neglect cases, including response to
abuse situations by child workers are being detailed by the state.

- 15 -

Information on new requirements, applications, effective dates, in-person and online

training availability, paid and volunteer clearances and more are available at
www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov.

Student College Financial Aid Applications Open

Free Applications for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) now are being accepted for the 20152016 academic year.
U.S. Department of Education uses the FAFSA to determine student eligibility for federal
student aid, each year awarding some $150 billion in grants, work-study funds, and lowinterest loans to help millions of students pay for college.
Authorities suggest completing the form at the earliest possible date, even if tax returns
arent yet completed. Adjustments are able to be made later.
Further information and online applications are available at https://fafsa.ed.gov.

Free Britannica Library Use

Cardholders at Easttown, Paoli and Tredyffrin libraries are able to use Britannica Library, an
online encyclopedia updated regularly for children through adult ages.
Visitors can use the service at the libraries, with remote access available to those holding
cards from the three libraries. Users also can create an account to save favorite articles and
organize content.
Further information, including user passwords, is available at www.easttownlibrary.org,
ayoung@ccls.org or (610) 644-0138.

Montgomery County Chosen for Cultural and Linguistic Competency Pilot Project
Montgomery, York and Northumberland counties have been selected to participate in a
Cultural and Linguistic Competency (CLC) Pilot Project through the PA System of Care (SOC)
Partnership to incorporate and improve cultural and linguistic competency at the county
level of care.
The initiative will run through April 1 and will involve a joint effort between SOC county
leadership and community partners to develop programs that address the cultural and
language needs of youth and families being served, enabling delivery of services in a more
efficient and effective manner.
A final report will include best practices and recommendations for future CLC
implementation initiatives in other System of Care counties and the Commonwealth.
Further information about the Partnership is available at www.pasocpartnership.org or
leonardkt@upmc.edu.

Winter Blues May be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Individuals feeling the winter blues, with sapped energy and moodiness, may want to check
out Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, Seasonal Mood Disorder or Seasonal
Depression.

- 16 -

Information is available from Medline Plus at the National Institutes of Health at

www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/seasonalaffectivedisorder.html, or additional information
from the Mayo Clinic at www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affectivedisorder/basics/symptoms/con-20021047.

Free Online Winter Preparedness Videos Available

New national Just in Time videos from the Disaster Resistant
Communities Group on winter weather hazards now are available.
Nearly two dozen video, covering coping with burst frozen pipes to
pet safety, along with driving safety and storm disasters, now are
available at http://www.drcgroup.com/project/jitt.html#winterawareness.

Free Winter Coats for Kids Available

The Auto Dealers Association of Greater Philadelphia Caring for Kids Foundation is
distributing free new winter coats through the Brandywine YMCA.
Coats are available for Pre-K through high schools students in sizes 3t to adult size large.
Further information is available from Brian Wenzka, YMCA senior director of youth
development and outreach, at bwenzka@ymcabwv.org or (610) 380-9622 x2128.

Please Note: New and Updated tags refer only to the time of appearance of information in these
E-Updates. Some on-going activities may have been in existence for some time and are being listed for awareness.

Letting People Know/Making a Difference - Ongoing

Feedback indicates that a lack of communications tools is a primary deficiency in bringing community services
providers and those needing information together.
If you know of an activity designed to have a real impact on families (this includes individuals and youth) that we
should be aware of or might be interested in reporting in these periodic e-mail updates, please let me know, either
with details or a web site link. In order to maintain its value, this forum currently is a subjective, selective
distribution so all information submitted may not be used.
Also, if you know someone who might be helped by these periodic updates, please forward all or selected portions
as you feel appropriate. If you would like to be added to or removed from this list, please hit reply and advise by
typing "Subscribe" or "Unsubscribe" or something similar in the Subject line.
Events listed are based on subject matter related to activities impacting families and is based on information
reported to us. No endorsement is made or implied.
Suggestions for improvements are encouraged. We currently are developing a more advanced electronic
communications method for this type of material that will have more expansive yet less obtrusive characteristics.
Please stay tuned.

- 17 -

To submit materials for publication, please refer to the guidelines that follow.

Blessings
Casey
Casey Jones
Transformation Initiative
Building Healthy Communities Through Healthy Families
(610) 707-1494 / bps461@msn.com

General Guidelines for Information Submission:

Submission up to two to three months prior to the event is encouraged to increase exposure for new subscribers,
persons who don't read the list every week, and for other organizations that want to avoid scheduling opposite an
event or might want to collaborate with another in the area. For annual events, longer lead times may be
appropriate. Our deadline generally is the Friday before the week of publication.
A general idea of the information needed (many submit too little for the consumer to understand what actually is
occurring and why they might like to attend) can be obtained by perusing the publications or using the following
guide:
Please use full names followed, if appropriate, by acronyms in parenthesis.

Name of Event:
Date(s) - Include both day(s) of week and actual dates:
Times (Starting and ending):
Location (Including any applicable room number, particularly in a large facility, and a Mapquest or Google
Maps searchable address:
Sponsoring Organization(s), if not part of the location address:
Participant Eligibility (Ages, gender, etc.):
Description of Activities and, as applicable, the presenter and the purpose of the event (Two to three
descriptive sentences with the most appealing information; please avoid superfluous words such as
"wonderful", "great", etc.):
Any Fees, including free-will offerings:
Contact name, e-mail, telephone, along with any web page that is focused primarily on the specific
activity:
Any registration requirements:

We generally use only free activities of a non-commercial nature or those in which a very small materials fee is
charged.

Fund-raising activities generally are not published unless there is a good mixture of free activities also
available, including free admission, and a participant has the choice of purchasing incidental items, such
as food or crafts.
Church events generally are published only if they are separate from normal weekly worship services.

Due to the wide variety of activities available, decisions on publication ultimately are determined on a case-by-case
basis in context with focus of the publications.