Join Us on Facebook and Keep Up to Date All Week Long

Our E-Update, Calendar of Events and E-Update ResourcesTM, along with supplemental
updates of information during the week, now are available at
www.facebook.com/TransformationIni
You do not have to be a Facebook user to access the Page but do need to be a user to
access other than basic features.
Like our Page and then click on Get Notifications in the dropdown menu next to Like
to obtain the latest updates. Otherwise, Facebook picks and chooses what information you
receive on your News Feed and Timeline based on algorithms it chooses.

PRIMARILY FREE EVENTS AND TRAININGS IMPACTING AREA INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Week of February 1, 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.

-2-

Area Ministries for Those Who are Struggling. GriefShare, DivorceCare,

Celebrate Recovery, Mending Hearts.
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)

Shadows and Reflections Art Exhibit Pottstown.
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.
Piano Concert Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
The Battle of the Crooked Billett Director Discussion King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Healty Grieving Support New Holland.
Parenting Strategies for Child Behaviors Forum Pottstown.
Behavioral Interviewing Job-Seeker Presentation Berwyn.
Black Freedom Presentation Berwyn.
Anti-Human Trafficking Prayer Forum Radnor.
Widowers Breakfast New Holland.
Veterans Breakfast West Chester.
Student Education Inclusion Chat-n-Chew West Chester.
Animal Tracks and Signs Walk Green Lake.
College Silent Movie Night New Holland.
Updated: Next Weeks Calendar of Events Activities (Found in Calendar of Events)
Shadows and Reflections Art Exhibit Pottstown.
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.
Talking About Alzheimers Forum New Holland.
Scams Against Older Americans Presentation New Holland.
Parenting Strategies for Child Behaviors Forum Pottstown.
Low Vision Support New Holland.
Downsizing for Seniors Workshop Downingtown.
Fire and Ice Festival Lititz.
New: Future Weeks Events and Activities (View in Calendar of Events)
Family Fest Pottstown.
Childhood Chatter Parenting Series Pottstown.
Activities Submission - Organizations are encouraged to submit information about ongoing services and activities, along with special events, as soon as possible after establishing a

-3-

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.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Free Pennsylvania Weather Alert System Fills in County
ReadyNotifyPA Gaps
AlertPA, a Pennsylvania government emergency alert system, is available for those who
want to fill in gaps in some of the Philadelphia-area county ReadyNotifyPA Find Out First
systems.
The state system works similar to ReadyNotifyPA as it relates to signup but provides more
timely information in a variety of situations, particularly as it pertains to weather.
For example, AlertPA generally provides a broader range of alerts for counties that a
subscriber designates within minutes of NWS postings. It is common for county systems
not to post many of these at all or much delayed.
Subscribers have an option of clicking on a link to receive the full NWS alert or to go to the
www.weather.gov/phi page and use map legends to obtain desired forecasts or the clickable
geography feature to obtain local weather forecasts.
In other differences, the state system provides a link to National Weather Service categories
of reports while ReadyNotifyPA, if posted, may provide greater detail in the initial alert. In
addition, if one registers for alerts from more than one county, AlertPA identifies the county
and the alert in the e-mail notification but omits the name of the county in cell phone alerts,
directing a user to the category link.
To receive alerts from local governments, which sometimes occur sooner than similar
county disseminations, one must subscribe to ReadyNotifyPA and choose the government(s)
of interest.
Further information and registration for AlertPA e-mail and/or cell phone alerts are available
at https://alert.pa.gov, with information and registration for ReadyNotifyPA at
www.readynotifypa.org.
Examples of the county ReadyNotifyPA and other public information dissemination gaps are
available at www.facebook.com/TransformationIni/posts/804579812940605.

NEW THIS WEEK: Pottstown Awarded $1.25 Million to Support Familes

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has awarded the Pottstown School District $1.25 million over
three years to help create a stable community that supports families and their children to
succeed academically, socially and economically by building and sustaining relationships
among families, leaders and agencies.
The funding follows a $175,000 planning grant last year that the district used to help
parents identify values and motivators, along with developing and actively participating in
programs, activities and other opportunities to increase engagement in their childrens

-4-

education and development. The effort included several community conversations for
families that were hosted throughout the district.
The grant will be used by the Pottstown Early Action for Kindergarten Readiness (PEAK), the
districts early education initiative, to implement several goals that include engaging and
reaching its minority populations; developing and supporting leadership among parents;
helping develop ways for educators to assist children and families who have experienced
trauma, including family deaths and community violence; increasing the number of children
engaged in early learning to enable them to be ready for school; and enlisting a Parent
Advisory Council to provide continuing feedback to the school as to potential changes and
improvements within the educational system.
The overall goal, To Build a Stronger Community, is designed occur through an integrated,
two-generation approach that not only seeks to help children learn and grow but to assist
parents and caregivers who are raising them to take an active role in the process.
Further information about PEAK is available at www.peakonline.org,
mrieck@pottstownsd.org or (610) 970-6655.

UPDATED LAST WEEK: All Pennsylvanians Now Eligible for Health Insurance As
Open Enrollment Deadline Approaches Sunday, February 15; Penalties Being
Assessed for Uninsured
February 15 is the deadline for obtaining health insurance during the open enrollment
period under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA). Healthy PA Medicaid Expansion also is
open now for low income individuals and families.
Penalties of two percent of yearly household income or $325 per person, whichever is
higher, with some exceptions, are being levied agains those who are health uninsured in
2015.
Current insurance recipients are encouraged to check their current plans to determine
whether they are the best policies and prices for individual needs during the new year of
coverage due to additional insurance carriers and rates now being available and some policy
provisions having changed.
Under HealthyPA, individuals having incomes up to 138% of federal povery levels -$16,105 for an individual and $32,913 for a family of four, as examples are eligible for
free medical coverage, with tax credits under the Health Insurance Marketplace no longer
being available even if they have been automatically renewed for 2015.
A one-page assistance guide to Affordable Care open enrollment is available at
https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/one-page-guide-to-the-marketplace.
Free enrollment and counseling assistance are available from a host of certified
organizations, with a searchable database along with a toll-free telephone service available
at https://localhelp.healthcare.gov.
Penn State Extension has developed an online Health Insurance Literacy Link to assist
consumers in understanding healthcare provisions and initiatives established by the federal
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how to buy health insurance on the
Health Insurance Marketplace, available at www.extension.psu.edu/health/insurance.

-5-

Information on penalties is available at www.healthcare.gov/fees-exemptions/fee-for-notbeing-covered.

Further information and enrollment for HealthyPA is available at
www.dhs.state.pa.us/healthypa/index.htm.
Early last month, DPW is reported to have sent notices to current Medicaid recipients,
assigning them to one of three plans: Healthy, Healthy Plus or Healthy PA Private Coverage
Option, each of which would change and, in some situations, significantly decrease prior
benefits.
An information packet from Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, which provides free
civil law representation to low-income individuals who have been denied health insurance or
moved into an incorrect plan, explains the plan differences at https://mlsvc01prod.s3.amazonaws.com/442d356b001/0dafb2a1-5d0f-44ea-b92b-2da5f9f869cd.pdf.

NEW LAST WEEK: Free Tax Preparation Assistance Kicks In 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.

-6-

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.

NEW LAST WEEK: 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.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: 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 the second in a monthly, fourth
Thursday Job-Seeker Workshop Speaker Series from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
February 26, with information for those with disabilities who are seeking
work.

-7-

Shanae Stallworth of the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Judi Himes of
KenCrest will discuss opportunities for persons with disabilities in the workforce.
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.

NEW LAST WEEK: State Legislators Pick Up Committee Assignments

New and returning legislators of the Pennsylvania General Assembly
now have been assigned to committees of the State Senate and House
of Representatives.
Committees and membership information are available at
www.legis.state.pa.us.

CDC Says Good Flu Medical Response is Lacking

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) says that a recent study shows
that fewer than one out of five high risk flu out-patients who clearly should have received
treatment actually did during this flu season and is seeking immediate changes in response
to help thwart rapidly increasing cases.
It is recommending to clinicians that "all hospitalized patients and all high-risk patients
(either hospitalized or outpatient) with suspected influenza should be treated as soon as
possible with one of three available influenza antiviral medications. This should be done
without waiting for confirmatory influenza testing.
"When indicated, antiviral treatment should be started as soon as possible after illness onset
and should not be delayed even for a few hours to wait for the results of testing. Ideally,
treatment should be initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset. However, antiviral
treatment initiated later than 48 hours after illness onset can still be beneficial for some
patients," the agency says.
Although CDC still is recommending flu shots, it says that "approximately two-thirds of
H3N2 viruses that have been tested at CDC are antigenically or genetically different from
the H3N2 vaccine virus. This difference suggests that vaccine effectiveness may be reduced
this season."
Updates on the Pennsylvania county-by-county report on current flu conditions are available
each Tuesday at
http://www.health.pa.gov/My%20Health/Diseases%20and%20Conditions/IL/Pages/20142015-Influenza-Season.aspx#.VLGxk3u090w.

-8-

CDCs statement is available at http://www.montcopa.org/DocumentCenter/View/8379,

with a transcript of the press briefing at http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2015/t0108flu-update.html.
CDC provides tips and other information as to flu mitigation at
www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/index.htm.

Do You Have the Flu? Or a Cold?

The federal Department of Health and Human Services publishes online guidance and
resources in regard to whether individuals have a cold or the flu and what to do to protect
oneself and loved ones this winter.
They are accessible through www.flu.gov.

Free Orientation for Phoenixville Volunteer English Expansion Thursday,

February 5
Volunteer English Program in Chester County is expanding services to the Phoenixville area
with orientation sessions scheduled for both 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at
Medical Office Building II 3rd Floor, Phoenixville Hospital, 826 Main Street.
Prospective students and tutors can obtain information on the program that is designed to
provide adults an opportunity to improve English language skills and American cultural
understanding via one-on-one and small group instruction.
Further information is available at donna.dellobuono@volunteerenglish.org or (610) 9188222.

Free Poverty Workshop Saturday, March 7

Chester County Womens Services and Gateway Church will host a workshop to examine the
issue of poverty in Chester County and the United States and its myths from 8:15 a.m. to
12:30 p.m., March 7, at the church at 160 Cowan Road, Parkesburg.
The Heart of Poverty will be presented by Roger Wayne, special projects coordinator at
Community, Youth, and Women's Alliance (CYWA) and Jim Ford, retired director of Good
Works, Inc., of Coatesville.
The session will include a continental breakfast and light lunch. Further information about
the workshop is available at www.goodworksinc.org/heart-of-poverty, with required
registration for limited seating at www.ccwsmedicalinfo.org/events.html or (610) 383-0930
by Friday, February 27.

-9-

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.
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.

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.

- 10 -

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)
Community Nurse Network meets from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. the first Thursday of each
month, from September through June (a new schedule) 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 February 5, the group
will meet at Neighborhood Agencies, 795 Marshall Street, West Chester, with the Domestic
Violence Center of Chester County discussing how faith communities can become active
partners in understanding the issue of domestic violence, how to educate their communities
about this prevalent issue and free services available to those who are experiencing or have
experienced domestic violence. Further information is available from Joan Holliday at
dochollisv@aol.com or (610) 717-2180.
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. On February 6, a presentation will be
made in Room 170 of the Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester,
on the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) of teen attitudes on various subjects, along with
information on Communities That Care. Additional information is available from Kathy
Brauner at kbrauner@chesco.org or (610) 344-5262.
COSECHA (Harvest) meets from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of the
month from September through June at various Southern Chester County locations. Paid
and volunteer individuals who work with Chester County children, youth and families share
information and build partnerships for after-school, out-of-school and summer programs.
On February 11, the group will meet at the Head Start Center, 380 West Cedar Street,
Kennett Square. Further information is available from Laurie Szoke at las7@psu.edu or
(610) 696-3500.
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

- 11 -

hear presentations from various services providers. 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
February 19, the Arc of Lancaster County and Willow Valley Communities will discuss their
services at Willow Valley at 450 Willow Valley Lakes Drive, Willow Street. On Tuesday,
February 17, the Berks group will meet at Webb Medical Systems, 6-A Parkside Avenue Kmart Plaza, Shillington. 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. 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.
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. On Wednesday, March 11, the group will meet at Friends Meeting House,
125 West Sickle Street for its 100th session. 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. 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

- 12 -

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.
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. On February 14, Michael Goldberg, author
and amateur boxer, will present Knockout Networking! More Prospects, More
Referrals, More Interviews! 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.

- 13 -

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 February 25, a 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.
UPDATED THIS WEEK: Free Job Assistance Workshops, Job Fairs and Job
Openings Report February
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 monthly workshops offered by the Pennsylvania
Department of Labor CareerLink at its new 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/24097.
Monthly job openings list that lists several pages in the Chester County area is available at
http://chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/24099. 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
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.

- 14 -

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.
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.

Pennsylvania Rep. Lewis Opens Downingtown Office

New Pennsylvania Rep. Harry Lewis has opened a district office at 1312 Wallace Avenue #14 in Downingtown.
The office will be open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, or 74th District residents can
obtain assistance at (610) 269-1289.

Downingtown Library Now Open at New Location

Downingtown Library has opened at new facilities in the Micken Building at 122 Wallace
Avenue.
The new facility, which has operated at 330 East Lancaster Avenue for a century, includes
expanded technology resources and a community center, together with other
enhancements.

- 15 -

Further information is available at www.downingtownlibrary.org.

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.

Researchers Find Dramatic Increases in Percentages of Unmarried Mothers and

Poverty
"The percentage of families who are poor is five times as great among those headed by an
unmarried mother as among married couple families," according to a report in Education
Next, a quarterly journal that bases editorial policy on the premise that the education sector
is ripe for major change and reform.
The report, authored by Sara McLanahan, professor of sociology and public affairs at
Princeton University, and Christopher Jencks, professor of social policy at the Harvard
Kennedy School, is part of a State of the Family series in the Spring issue of the publication
and appears at www.educationnext.org/was-moynihan-right/#.VKDCTPn9c2s.facebook.
At the same time, dramatic results in helping to mitigate this issue have been achieved in
Chattanooga, Tenn., where a community-wide collaborative has been focusing on this
subject since 1997. Impacts, including a 62% decrease in teen unwed pregnancies, are
reported at www.firstthings.org/about/accomplishments.

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.

- 16 -

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.
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.

National Foundation Advocating Two-Generation Approach to Assisting Children

and Adults Out of Poverty
Annie B. Casey Foundation, which advocates for developing a brighter future for millions of
children at risk of poor educational, economic, social and health outcomes, says that a
coordinated two-generation, children-parent approach is needed to help reduce family
poverty.
Saying that nearly half the nations families with young children struggle to make ends
meet, a Creating Opportunity for Families: A Two-Generation Approach report calls for
connecting low-income families with early childhood education, job training and other tools
to help achieve financial stability and break the cycle of poverty.
It also says that more coordination is needed among agencies and programs that are
working in isolation from each other.
Further information and a copy of the report are available at
www.aecf.org/resources/creating-opportunity-for-families.

Staying Safe and Protecting Oneself During the Holiday Season

The U.S. Fire Administration is providing holiday fire safety tips through
a video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfuSO6cMPYM, with
additional tips available at http:/
www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/holiday.html, from the
American Red Cross at
http://www.redcross.org/news/article/mi/lansing/Red-Cross-IssuesSafety-Tips-to-Prevent-Holiday-Home-Fires, and the National Fire
Protection Association at http://www.nfpa.org/research/reports-andstatistics/fire-causes/holiday/christmas-tree-and-holiday-lights.
The Federal Trade Commission also provides some tips on how to
protect yourself and avoid hassles when shopping online at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w4t1dYCayM&list=PLrcvzEeHM66sw9_kqYzxIDy_MJ3I
prUbI&index=10, with the The National Crime Prevention Council providing a series of
awareness tips to help keep oneself and children safe during general shopping at
http://www.ncpc.org/topics/by-audience/parents/safe-shopping and
http://www.ncpc.org/about/news/safety-first-holiday-safety-tips-for-last-minuteshoppers/?searchterm=shopping.
And, here is information on How Not to Blow Your Budget:
http://blog.usa.gov/post/103638741577/holiday-spending-how-not-to-blow-your-budget.

- 17 -

Free Online Winter Preparedness Videos Now 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.

Hands-Free Travel App is Available

A mobile cell phone application now is available for active Pennsylvania Department of
Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania Turnpike travel advisories through 511PA.
Individuals can customize alerts by type, distance and frequency based on location, with
information recipients not having to touch or read a phone.
Further information on the app and online travel assistance is available at www.511pa.com.

Free Bully Prevention App and Resources for Parents Available

A free bullying prevention phone app for parents now is available from the federal
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
KnowBullying is a tool designed to help encourage conversations between parents and
children that can assist in identifying situations of bullying.
Further information and links to downloads are available at
http://store.samhsa.gov/apps/knowbullying/index.html. A four-page Stop Bullying Before It
Starts publication and a Parent's Guide to Internet Safety also are available at
http://publications.usa.gov/USAPubs.php?PubID=2238.

State Treasury May Be Holding Your Unclaimed Property

Pennsylvania Treasury reports that over $1.9 billion in unclaimed property, belonging to an
estimated one out of 10 state residents, is available for recovery, without cost. Only some
$100 million is claimed each year.
Unclaimed property is any financial asset that has been left with a holder such as a bank,
insurance company or other business or organization, without activity or contact for a
period of about five years.

- 18 -

Individuals who have moved may have unclaimed property in other states in which they
have resided. Statutes vary as to how long unclaimed funds are maintained.
Authorities warn that some organizations attempt to solicit individuals for help in making
unclaimed property claims although the information and recovery is available through state
authorities at no cost.
Further information on recovery of Pennsylvania unclaimed property is available at
http://www.patreasury.gov/unclaimedProperty.html. In other states, an Internet search can
be made for unclaimed property or unclaimed funds repositories.

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.
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.

- 19 -

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.