Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Seminar for Girls Interested in Applied Engineering & Technology

Do you know a female junior in high school with a keen interest in science and technology? If so, the Delaware County Community College will be providing a free three day seminar on December 7, 8 and 9. It will include speakers from Boeing, a seminar on how to build a robot and other activities. Transportation will be provided, and experts will be on hand to answer all questions.

The student(s) must fall within the following parameters:

  1. Be a female
  2. Be an junior in high school
  3. Have an interest in technology
  4. Like hands on work
  5. Have a 2.7 GPA

For more information, contact the Chester Youth Collaborative.

Below is a schedule of events:

Program Outline:

DAY ONE
(Presentations)
DAY TWO
(Hands On Activities)
DAY THREE
(Field Trip)
9-9:30 am
9-10:30 am
9:00 AM
Welcome
 Breakfast
Build A Robot
Bus



9:30-11 am
10:30 am - 12 Noon
9:30 - 11 am
Society of
 Women Engineers
How Simple
 Machines Work
Synthes Tour



11 am - 12:30 pm
12 Noon - 1 pm
11:15 am - 12 Noon
Boeing
Lunch
Helicopter Museum



12:30 - 1:30 pm
1 - 4 pm
12 Noon - 12:30 pm
Lunch
Activity focused
in manufacturing
Lunch on the Bus



1:30 - 3 pm

12:30 - 2:30 pm
Navy

Keystone Helicopter





3:00 PM


Arrive back





Monday, November 21, 2011

National Safe Place Launches TXT 4 HELP Service

National Safe Place launches a new project TXT 4 HELP this afternoon, November 21st. TXT 4 HELP offers teens the location of the closest place where they can receive help and safety. Teens in crisis can text the word "SAFE" and their current location (Street address, City, State) to the number 69866 to receive contact information and location of the closest Safe Place site and local youth shelter. In cities without Safe Place locations teens will receive the name and number of a local youth shelter or if there is no local shelter the National Runaway Switchboard Hotline Number (1-800-RUNAWAY).

Image from www.nationalsafeplace.org

Friday, November 18, 2011

PathWays PA is incorporating FAFSA into our tax program!

This year, PathWays PA’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program will be offering free college access assistance for low income students and their families to help them navigate a path to government grants, scholarships and loans. 75% of the information needed for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) comes directly from the information on a tax return. PathWays PA will prepare your taxes for free and provide assistance & guidance to complete the (FAFSA) application. Let PathWays PA help you find money for college and make your college dreams a reality.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Going to College: Financial Aid and Financial Independence

November 19, 2011 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
City Institute Branch, Free Library of Philadelphia
1905 Locust Street
Philadelphia, PA, 19103

See map: Google Maps

College really does go beyond your major and the classes you take. For many, it offers the first taste of financial independence. And whether you're applying for financial aid or managing your first credit card, the experience can be daunting.

That's why Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley (CCCS) and our FinanciallyHers program are excited to partner with Citibank to present: "Going to College: Financial Aid ...and Financial Independence"

Hosted by uFinancial Representative Michele Burkholder, this workshop will provide students and their families with the information they need for the journey to college, including:

- How to read and complete the FAFSA
- Cashing in on on being a college student
- Getting a strong financial footing for life

Light refreshments will be served.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Obama Announces New Plan to Help Veterans Find Jobs

Labeled for reuse from flickr.com.
Last week, President Barack Obama issued three executive orders which will focus on helping veterans find jobs. The plan includes the creation of a "Veteran Gold Card," a downloadable document giving post-9/11 veterans access to case management and counseling at 3,000 Labor Department operated career centers across the United States. As many as 200,000 unemployed veterans may benefit from the creation of this program.

In addition, Obama announced the launch of a Labor Department job search website. The website can match a veteran's military occupation with civilian employment. The website also provides salary and apprenticeship information as well as a job bank with more than 500,000 job listings.

Monday, November 7, 2011

November 18, 2011 - The Homeless Advocacy Project and PECO Present a Free Birth Certificate Clinic



The Homeless Advocacy Project and PECO Present a Free Birth Certificate Clinic

When: Friday, November 18, 2011 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Where: Project H.O.M.E., 1515 Fairmount Avenue, (Backspace), Philadelphia, PA 19130
Who: Open (and free of charge) to homeless individuals and families and those at risk of homelessness

Birth certificates are often needed to receive medical assistance, housing and other public benefits, to obtain a Pennsylvania driver’s or nondriver’s license, for access to many public buildings, for general identification and for many other purposes.

Homeless individuals who attend this free clinic will meet with an advocate who will request birth certificates for them and their minor children free of charge.

For additional information, please contact Homeless Advocacy Project at 215-523-9595 or visit us at www.homelessadvocacyproject.org

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

CFED and National Partners Launch New Bank On Website and Release the First Local Unbanked Population Data Tool

Immeuble du Crédit Lyonnais (siège)CFED, with collaboration from the US Department of the Treasury and in partnership with the the San Francisco Office of Financial Empowerment, the New America Foundation and the National League of Cities, announces the launch of a new Bank On website. JoinBankOn.org was originally developed by the Treasurer of the City and County of San Francisco to share information and resources from the Bank on San Francisco initiative of 2006.

The website serves as a place where the national community of Bank On initiatives, organizations and individuals can share resources and information supporting financial access for low-and moderate-income Americans. The website includes several new and exciting features including the Research Your Community tool, which allows users to get maps and estimates on the number of unbanked and underbanked households in their local communities. (“Unbanked” refers to someone who does not have a checking or savings account, while an “underbanked” person is someone who has an account, but still relies on other financial services such as payday loans, check cashing services, pawn shops, etc. which often end up depleting financial resources.)

Monday, October 3, 2011


October 22, 2011 is National Make A Difference Day
10AM to 2PM 2011

This is the Biggest Year Yet! We have DOUBLED the number of volunteer sites!

Therefore, we need YOU. Families, friends, and co-workers come serve with us on Saturday, October 22nd for our 18th Annual Philly Cares Day.

Register at the link below: https://sites.google.com/a/gpcares.org/2011phillycaresday/

Monday, September 26, 2011

Urban Affairs Coalition Releases New Foreclosure Prevention Resource Guide

As the national foreclosure crisis has continued to devastate families and communities across the Philadelphia region, the Urban Affairs Coalition has released a new edition of  the Foreclosure Prevention Resource Guide. The guide is intended to help residents, housing counselors, lawyers and mortgage lenders better understand and navigate the foreclosure process.  To view the Foreclosure Prevention Resource Guide Summer/ Fall 2011 click here.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Teen Parenting Classes

If you are a teen parent aged 13-21, please come to our Teen Parenting Classes at 3617 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA on Mondays from 4-6 PM. Children are welcome, and we will have tokens and light refreshments available. Participants can learn how to improve their parenting skills, hear how other teens handle parenting, learn how to increase your communications with your child, and have an opportunity to help other teen parents by sharing your experiences. Call 215-549-2686 for more information.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

New Co-Pay Scale for Child Care Works Effective October 2011

Story Time
On September 13th, DPW released the new Child Care Works co-pay scale in accordance with mandated savings of $16 million from the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The parameters laid out in the budget bill stated that a new minimum co-pay of $5 would be set in place (although the Department may waive this in some cases), that the co-pays could be per family or per child and the new co-pays cannot exceed 8% of family income for families living at 100% of the federal poverty level or 11% of family incomes for families who live above 100% of the federal poverty level. 

Under the new co-pay scale, which will become effective October 3, 2011, states that co- pays are per family, not per child.  We have been told by DPW that co-pays will be waived for families without earned income who are receiving TANF.



Current Child Care Weekly Family Co-Pays vs.
Co-Pays Effective 10-01-11 (Family of Three)

Annual Income


% of FPIG
Current Weekly Family Co-Pay


Weekly Family
Co-Pay as of 10/1/11


Dollar increase


% Increase
48%
8660
5

5

0
0%
60%
11,118
5

10

5
100%
70%
12,971
5

10

5
100%
80%
14,824
10

19

9
90%
90%
16,677
15

25

10
67%
100%
18,530
15

25

10
67%
110%
20,383
20

29

9
45%
120%
22,236
25

33

8
32%
130%
24,089
30

37

7
23%
140%
25,942
35

41

6
17%
150%
27,795
40

46

6
15%
160%
29,648
45

51

6
13.3%
170%
31,501
50

56

6
12%
180%
33,354
55

61

6
11%
190%
35,207
60

66

6
10%
200%
37,060
65

71

6
9.2%
210%
38,913
70

77

7
10%
220%
40,766
75

83

8
10.7%
230%
42,619
75

89

14
19%
235%
43,546
80

89

9
11.3%








Friday, September 16, 2011

New 2011 Delaware County Women's Resource Guide

Baby Mother Grandmother and Great GrandmotherThe 2011 Delaware County Women's Resource Guide, published by The Center Foundation, is a comprehensive list of the phone numbers and emails of organizations that can provide aid and assistance in Delaware County and the surrounding regions. It is subdivided by category to make finding the numbers you need a simple process. While it is focused on resources that would be particularly helpful for women, it also offers information on general services such as housing, healthcare, legal help, and counseling.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

If You Receive Food Stamps and You Lost Food Through Hurricane Irene, You Can Get Replacements

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program logoFrom our friends at Community Legal Services

Do you get food stamps?
Did you lose food during a power outage or flood?
Ask for replacement food stamps to get new food!

If you get food stamps and you lost food during a power outage or flood, tell the welfare office right away. You may qualify for replacement food stamps.

To get replacement food stamps, you must ask within 10 days of when your food spoiled. Contact your local welfare office or the Philadelphia Customer Service Center at (215) 560-7226. Better yet, put your request in writing and get a receipt.

You will have to complete a form saying how much food you lost. The law allows you to get replacement food stamps for the amount of food that you lost -- up to one month’s benefits.

You may also have to prove that you had a power outage or flood. To get proof from PECO, call (800) 494-4000.

If your power is still off, call PECO at (800) 841-4141 to make sure PECO knows.

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Veterans Benefits Assistance

Photo labeled for reuse from flickr.com
The Delaware County Department of Veterans Assistance works with eligible veterans and their families to aid in obtaining and securing benefits at the county, state and federal level, including but not limited to flags and grave markers, blind and disabled benefits, and survivors and dependents assistance. For more information on benefits you may be eligible for and assistance on obtaining them contact the Delaware County Department of Veterans Assistance at (610) 891-4646.

Brochure

 

Thursday, July 21, 2011

A New Report Presents Recommendations for Grantmakers Concerning Issues with Online Applications

A new report conducted by the Ford Foundation, Online Grant Applications and Reporting: Practical Wisdom and Recommendations for Grantmakers in the Words of a Grantseeker, presents a review of the online applications of sixty-six funders. The analysis includes typical challenges commonly faced by grantseekers while completing online applications, including inconsistencies in formatting and technological difficulties. The Ford Foundation also makes suggestions to funding organizations on how to potentially remedy some of the obstacles grantseekers come across during the application process.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Free Meals for Children This Summer

The Chester Summer Food Service Program offers free nutritious snacks and meals to qualifying children under 18 while they are out of school on summer vacation. Also, people over 18 years old with disabilities who partake in school programs for people who are physically or mentally disabled are eligible.

When: Monday through Thursday, 10am-12 noon; July 27th-August 26th, 2011.
Where: Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, 2900 West Ninth Street,
Chester, PA.
For more information call: (610) 497-7660. 



Flyer

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

The Food Trust's Farmers' Market Program

Photo labeled for reuse from flickr.com
In order to better serve Philadelphia neighborhoods that may not have access to fresh foods, the Food Trust and Philadelphia Department of Public Health are introducing  the Philly Food Bucks for those receiving SNAP (food stamps) to use their benefits at participating local farmers' markets. The Program will give those who use SNAP benefits to purchase food from participating farmers' markets $2 in Philly Food Bucks for every $5 of benefits they spend.

Many of the Food Trust's farmers' markets accept EBT/Access Cards (SNAP/ food stamps), Philly Food Bucks, and Farmers' Market Nutrition Program vouchers. Participating farmers' markets are located in a variety of neighborhoods.

 

Complete List of the Food Trust's Philadelphia Farmers' Markets

Complete List of the Food Trust's Suburban Farmers' Markets

Not only will this effort support local farmers, it will also help people gain access to nutritious and locally grown foods.

Low Cost Microchip and Vaccination Clinics for Your Pets


2 Kittens
Keep your pets safe with microchips and vaccinations

The Delaware County SPCA is giving you an opportunity to get low cost vaccinations and microchipping for your pets, from now until October of this year. Vaccinations cost between $7-$10, with the exception of the canine flu vaccine, which is $20. Microchips cost $35 each.

The SPCA will hold these clinics on either the first or second Monday of each month, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Be sure to be in line at the Adoption Center no later than 6:30 at 555 Sandy Bank Road, Media, PA 19063. Dogs should be leashed and cats should be brought in pet carriers. Bring your pets' medical records if they are available.

Upcoming clinics will be held on: August 1st, September 12, and October 3rd. There will also be a bonus clinic held during the Bark in the Park Dog Walk & Fall Festival at Rose Tree Park.

Friday, July 1, 2011

$20 microchips for pets at the Delco SPCA on July 4th

Kora FemalesUsing microchip identification helps to quickly and efficiently return pets to their owners. When a pet can be quickly matched to its owner, it avoids the expense of housing, feeding, providing medical care, and outplacing or euthanizing the pet.

The Delco SPCA is offering a walk-in clinic, first come-first serve from 12pm-4pm (be in line by 3:30pm). Cash, credit cards and checks are acceptable methods of payment.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Pennsylvania Launches Summer Food Online Locator

Supper set-upFrom our friends at FRAC.  
According to research (pdf) done by the University of Pennsylvania, and headed by Emma Ellman-Golan, a Penn Senior and Fox program fellow working at the Brookings Institution, half of Philadelphia’s eligible children participate in the Summer Food Service Program – three times the national rate, twice Pennsylvania’s rate, and better than the rates of most other big cities.

However, tens of thousands of Philadelphia’s children still face hunger in the summer, and according to a report from the Food Research and Action Center, child nutrition suffers when school is out. In order to make more families and children aware of the availability of free summer meals, the university developed a website – pasummermeals.com – that displays up to 25 summer food sites for children closest to a user’s address, along with operating hours and meal types. Summer sites must be kept open throughout the summer, notes Golan. Most of Philadelphia’s 1300 summer meal sites close in late July or early August. “For all the federal rules and regulations,” writes Golan, “no real consequences follow when summer participation rates in the state drop into single digits (as they did in more than a dozen states last summer).”

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Veterans Information Summit


Veterans Information Summit

Please join us for this important event and learn about the broad array of Veterans Health Administration services and how to access them at the Coatesville VA Medical Center and Springfield Outpatient Clinic.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 11, 2011
TIME: 9 am – Noon
WHERE: Elwyn Campus, Administration Building - Room 317

A continental breakfast will begin at 8:30.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AS SPACE IS LIMITED!

Please call 610.713.2365 by Thursday, May 5th to register.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

The Chester Re-Entry Community Forum

As Part of Mayor Wendell N. Butler's Anti-Violence Initiative,

The H.O.P.E. Commission is hosting The Chester Re-Entry Community Forum

For the 1st time in the City of Chester, Organizations, Business Owners, Ex-Offenders, Faith-based Community and local Government come together to offer solutions to job training and placement, Entrepreneurship, Family support and more!

For Ex-Offenders looking for H.O.P.E
Saturday, March 26, 2011 -10:00 am
Held every fourth Saturday of the Month

Chester City Hall
1 Fourth Street, Chester PA

H.O.P.E. stands for Helping Ourselves and Others Productively Excel

Forums are free and open to individuals and families who seek support through Chester's Re-Entry Community

For more information, call the City of Chester at 610-447-7700

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Project Peace for Teens

Pregnancy test resultDo you need help with education, childcare, welfare benefits, parenting or support? We can help!

The Project Peace Teen Parent Program provides one-on-one support for pregnant adolescents and teen parents.

Project Peace services are available at the MacDade Goodwill Store, 2137 MacDade Boulevard, Holmes PA, from Tuesdays from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Services provided will help you:
  • Complete high school and plan for higher education
  • Become a better parent
  • Obtain appropriate community resources, such as childcare, supportive services, Temporary Assistance for Needy Parents (TANF), life skills training and employment
  • Get in home support
For more information call 610-543-5022 or visit www.pathwayspa.org.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Take Your Family to the Franklin Institute for Free!

Foucault pendulum in the Franklin InstituteThe Franklin Institute is pleased to introduce Target Community Nights at The Franklin Institute, a FREE educational and fun-filled science extravaganza sponsored by Target! Everyone is welcome to join in the fun, and experience The Franklin Institute's exhibitions, special programs, and themed activities. (See schedule below.)

Activities Include*:

  • FREE access to all of The Franklin Institute’s hand-on exhibits, like Sports Challenge and The Giant Heart!
  • FREE tickets to the Tuttleman IMAX Theater!**
  • FREE 3D Shows in The Franklin Theater!
  • FREE awe-inspiring LIVE Science Shows!
  • FREE Fels Planetarium Shows!
  • FREE access to the Joel N. Bloom Observatory!

Target Community Nights are from 5:00PM-8:00PM. You'll be asked to register when you arrive.
The registration desk opens at 5:00PM.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

  • February 16
  • March 16
  • April 20
  • May 18
  • July - Date TBA
  • August 17
  • September 21
  • October 19
  • November 16

Please Note: There is no Target Community Night in June or December 2011.

*Monthly schedule varies. Check program guide upon arrival to see what programs are being offered.
**Note: Not all Community Nights feature free IMAX tickets. Please check at Registration to see if IMAX tickets are free each month. There are no free IMAX tickets for feature length films.

Friday, January 21, 2011

Please Join us for Our Annual Tax Season Kickoff and EITC Awareness Day

Today, Delaware County Asset Development Group, a member of the National Community Tax Coalition, is proud to announce the launch of free tax preparation services as a celebration of the national EITC Awareness Day on Friday, January 28th 1:30pm at their premiere site, Chester Housing Authority’s Booker T. Washington Community Center, 611 Central Avenue in Chester. DelCoAD, sponsored by Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development (PHENND) and the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, is a coalition of agencies, educational and financial institutions dedicated to building the financial health and stability of individuals and families in Delaware County.  Those wishing to attend should RSVP online or by calling Georgia Julius at 610-543-5022. You can see a comprehensive list of sites and hours at www.delcoad.org.

Through the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, volunteers electronically file federal and state tax returns, helping low wage workers access the Earned Income Tax Credit of up to $5,666, making it one of the largest and most effective anti-poverty tools in the United States.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Dining with Diabetes in Ridley

Learning that you have diabetes can be overwhelming at first. There are many new things to learn and it can be difficult to know where to start.

Dining with Diabetes is a program offered by Penn State Cooperative Extension. It will help you to understand some of the most important things you need to know about how to manage your diabetes.

Registered Dietitians or Certified Diabetes Educators will lead discussions addressing:
  • Important numbers you need to know
  • Planning healthy meals
  • Healthy food preparation
  • Physical activity
Classes are offered weekly for four weeks, with a three-month follow-up class. Each class offers food demonstrations and tasting, physical activity and ideas to take home, and discussions regarding important information to help you manage your diabetes.

For more information, please download the brochure.