E-Update - April 19, 2015
E-Update - April 19, 2015
E-Update - April 19, 2015
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PRIMARILY FREE EVENTS AND TRAININGS IMPACTING AREA INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
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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:
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
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with 641,815 people. It is projected to be ninth in population density, with 578.4 persons
average per square land mile.
For counties in our reporting area, Chester 20.7% population increase with the eighth
greatest density at 803.5 persons, Berks 20.3% (10th in density at 578.4), Delaware 15.9%
(2nd/3,527.1), Montgomery 17.2% (3rd/1,943.1). Philadelphia is projected to gain 11.2%
population, with the highest density in the state at 13,869.7 individuals per square mile.
The complete report is available at
www.rural.palegislature.us/documents/factsheets/projections_2010-2014.pdf.
In an earlier Research Brief from the Pennsylvania State Data Center, the state's official
source for population and economic statistics, Montgomery County was identified as having
the 72nd largest county population in the United States, currently 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
http://pasdc.hbg.psu.edu/sdc/pasdc_files/researchbriefs/2014_County_Estimates_RB.pdf.
NEW THIS WEEK: HIV Infections Growing Among Ages 50 and Older
A growing number of people ages 50 and older in the United States are living with HIV
infection, according to a new report by the federal Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC).
Individuals aged 55 and older accounted for over one-quarter (26% or 313,200) of the
estimated 1.2 million people living with HIV infection in the United States in 2011, the most
recent year of compiled statistics.
Additional information about HIV and AIDS in all age groups, along with reasons for
increased concern about aging Americans, is available at
www.cdc.gov/hiv/risk/age/olderamericans/index.html.
NEW THIS WEEK: Active Seniors Help Mitigate Risk for Alzheimers
Seniors engaging in meaningful and social activities may help preserve normal brain
shrinkage associated with the aging process, and even reverse it in men, according to a new
study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Results for a two-year period involved participants in the Baltimore Experience Corps, a
program that brings retired people into public schools to serve as mentors to young
children, working with teachers to help them learn to read in understaffed school libraries.
Findings indicated a direct correlation between brain volume and the reversal of a type of
cognitive decline linked to increased risk for Alzheimers disease, according to researchers.
Further information is available at www.jhsph.edu/news/news-releases/2015/study-civicengagement-may-stave-off-brain-atrophy-improve-memory.html.
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NEW THIS WEEK: Free Child Abuse Prevention Resource Guide Published
A new 2015 Prevention Resource Guide: Making Meaningful Connections, along with other
publications to aid in combating child abuse, has been made available as part of April is
National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
The materials and other information are available at
www.childwelfare.gov/topics/preventing/preventionmonth/?utm_source=Gateway&utm_me
dium=homepage&utm_campaign=NCAPM15.
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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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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.
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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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hear presentations from various services providers. Further information is available from
Kathryn Spurlock at ccch@comcast.net or at (610) 380-7111 x16.
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.
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.
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
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Building, Penn State Great Valley, 30 East Swedesford Road, Malvern, preceded by a
new member orientation at 8:30 a.m. On May 9, author Kelly Cornish, a diversity
and inclusion executive and talent leader, will discuss Finding Your Next! position.
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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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. 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.
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.
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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.
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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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The initiative is designed to provide a front door approach to providing services to people
who need them most -- in their community, officials say, at the same time helping to create
a stronger partnership between government, community organizations and families to foster
better care.
Since inception, navicates have serviced nearly 3,500 individuals and families, providing
over 8,400 referrals to various agencies.
Further information is available at www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?NID=1585,
thutson@montcopa.org or (484) 674-6562.
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.
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)
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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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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.
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Recipients are encouraged to print and post this Calendar to employee and public bulletin boards for benefit of
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Please use full names followed, if appropriate, by acronyms in parenthesis.
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We generally use only free activities of a non-commercial nature or those in which a very small, optional materials
fee is charged.
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Due to the wide variety of activities available, decisions on publication ultimately are determined on a case-by-case
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