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Our E-Update, Calendar of Events and E-Update ResourcesTM, along with supplemental
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PRIMARILY FREE EVENTS AND TRAININGS IMPACTING AREA INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
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
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and their uses, we would like to hear about them. Please forward two or three sentences
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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.
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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.
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New:
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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.
UPDATED THIS WEEK: LIHEAP Heating Assistance Program Extended Now Ends
Friday, May 1; Other Energy Assistance Available
Pennsylvania has extended by a month the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP) that was due to expire April 3.
Eligible residents now have until Friday, May 1, to apply for financial help through the LowIncome Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
The federally-funded initiative provides cash grants to eligible recipients that are sent
directly to utility companies, or crisis grants for households in immediate danger of being
without heat, including repair or replacement of heating equipment. Qualifying individuals
must be at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines, for example $17,505 for a single
person and $35,775 for a family of four.
Officials said the decision to extend was made due to the protracted and severe cold
weather.
Further information and online applications are available at
www.dhs.state.pa.us/foradults/heatingassistanceliheap, local County Assistance Offices or
(866) 857-7095. 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.
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.
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The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin
Population Health Institute, develops the often-heralded report annually to provide a
snapshot of "how health is influenced by where we live, learn, work and play" and
"a starting point for change in communities."
Chester County, which was rated first in Pennsylvania last year for health factors, dropped
to third, with Montgomery County rising from second to the top spot. Lancaster County
declined from eighth to ninth and Delaware from 14 to 16. Berks County dropped the most,
from 21 to 30, moving from the top fourth of Pennsylvania county ratings to the second
quarter.
Health factors are based on weighted scores for health behaviors, clinical care, social and
economic factors, and the physical environment.
For health outcomes, based on an equal weighting of length and quality of life, Chester
County dropped from second to fourth place, with Montgomery from fifth to sixth, and Berks
from 16 to 20. Lancaster County rose from ninth place to eighth, and Delaware from 41 to
39, although it still remains in the bottom half of state rankings. Philadelphia was ranked
last in both categories.
A searchable database for the current and past five years, ratings for each category and
methodology is available at www.countyhealthrankings.org.
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Testing will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 9 a.m. to
12:30 p.m. Thursdays in Suite 500, 479 Thomas Jones Way in the Oaklands Corporate
Center, Exton.
Additional information and appointments are available from Jacqueline Painter at Chester
County Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) at (484) 945-4084.
NEW LAST WEEK: Chester and Lancaster Among Top Five Pennsylvania Population
Growth Counties
Chester and Lancaster are estimated to be in the top five fastest growing Pennsylvania
counties, with Montgomery having the 72nd largest county population in the United States.
In a Research Brief, the Pennsylvania State Data Center, the state's official source for
population and economic statistics, reported that Chester and Lancaster counties have had a
2.7 percent population increase -- third and fourth in the state -- since the decennial census
in 2010. Montgomery County's current population is estimated at 816,857.
Philadelphia County, which had the largest numeric estimated gain, along with Montgomery,
Chester, and Lancaster counties, comprised 93.4 percent of the entire overall Pennsylvania
population gain since 2010.
The Research Brief is available at
www.pasdc.hbg.psu.edu//resear/2014_County_Estimates_RB.pdf.
NEW LAST WEEK: Ride for Health Initiative Closes Southern Chester County
The Ride for Health Initiative (RFHI) that has been providing free human services
transportation for low-income residents of Southern Chester County has closed due to low
use.
The project, patterned after one in the Phoenixville area that will continue, was designed to
serve as a hope of last resort when no other transportation services was available.
Further information on the program is available at www.tmacc.org/foundation/ride-healthinitiative and www.tmacc.org/public-transportat/ride-for-health-initiative.
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puts large water consumers on notice to begin planning for the possibility of reduced water
supplies.
Further information and conservation information are available at
www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=20710&typeid=1.
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Jones overall initiative is to develop community-wide Systems of Care, based on life stages,
through collaborations among churches, faith-based and community organizations, including
governmental agencies, to help meet the needs of families.
Emergency preparedness is a critical component for family health, Jones said, saying his
community Facebook presence was developed after last years ice storm due to significant
voids that were experienced in having quality, broad-based and consistent preparedness
and response information available to greater Chester County residents.
Although our own capacity is limited to volunteer manpower and minimal equipment, and
without in-house meteorologists to provide direct weather forecasting opportunities, our
system is designed to consolidate and report in one place information from multiple
sources; make adverse weather potential easier to recognize in advance and to understand
and track; and provide quick access to resources in event of a weather-related situation,
he noted.
In addition, we not only try to serve residents of our reporting area, but those who travel
into and out of local and nearby locales for work, shopping and other activities.
This effort, which is provided without cost to consumers, has proven to be highly effective
in multiple weather reporting situations, Jones added.
He applauded NOAAs initiative, saying the federal agencys approach to building awareness
of potential year-around weather threats through a collaborative approach is much needed
in creating greater knowledge, understanding and responsiveness in helping to protect
individuals and families against weather-related events.
Information on Weather-Ready Nation is available at
www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation, the Ambassador initiative at
www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/ambassadors.html and becoming a SKYWARN
spotter at www.skywarn.org.
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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
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
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has streamlined its benefits process which, it
says, will make it faster and easier to apply.
Standardized forms will be sued to file disability claims and compensation appeals, with
a new intent to file a claim process also being implemented.
Further information is available at http://explore.va.gov/fileclaim?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_campaign=claimsandappeal
s&utm_content=18marchB.
Additional information on Veterans Affairs is available at www.va.gov.
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Free General and Youth Mental Health First Aid Classes Being Offered April - May
Registration is underway for several eight-hour Adult Mental Health First Aid and Youth
Mental Health First Aid classes are being held in April and May in West Chester and
Coatesville.
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.
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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.
NEW LAST WEEK: Enrollment Re-Opened for Affordable Health Care Individuals
Facing Penalties Through Thursday, April 30
The Health Insurance Marketplace is providing individuals and families who owe a fee when
filing their 2014 taxes until April 30 to enroll in health coverage for 2015.
In addition, enrollment continues for individuals who have certain changes in circumstances
during the year or are eligible for Medicaid or the Childrens Health Insurance Program
(CHIP) coverages.
Further information is available at www.healthcare.gov or (800) 318-2596.
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.
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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.
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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. On April 9, District Court
Judge Gwenn Knapp will discuss underage drinking. 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.
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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 April 11, Theresa Hummel-Krallinger, a
corporate trainer and performance consultant, will discuss How to Use Social Media
to Turbo Charge Your Job Search, in the Conference Center Building, a different
location. Further information and required registration are available at
http://mycareertransitions.com/new/?q=upcoming-meetings.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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
2009-2015 Casey Jones, Transformation Initiative for Building Healthy Communities Through Healthy Families.
Permission is granted to reproduce for personal or non-commercial uses only.
Information is designed to highlight activities within the broader community that can help enhance Christian
principles relative to development of healthy children, individual and family relationships.
Recipients are encouraged to print and post this Calendar to employee and public bulletin boards for benefit of
others.
Activities included in this publication are gathered from various submissions and other sources. No representation is made as to their accuracy or value.
Persons wishing to be included in future e-mailings of updates, should request inclusion by sending an e-mail
with Subscribe in the Subject line, along with your name, organization, community and where you heard about the
publications to bps461@msn.com.
General Guidelines for Information Submission:
Submission up to two to three months prior to the event is encouraged to increase exposure to new subscribers,
individuals who only may read the list periodically, and for other organizations that want to avoid scheduling
opposite an event or may want to collaborate with others in the area. For annual events, even 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 should consider attending) 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, optional 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, with a participant having 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.