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PRIMARILY FREE EVENTS AND TRAININGS IMPACTING AREA INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES

Week of February 15, 2015

Helping to Bridge the Gap Between the Wealth of Available Resources

and the Poverty Associated With People Not Knowing About Them ___________________________________________________________________

In an attempt to aid reader searches, new items added each week are highlighting in yellow. As always, we are interested in receiving feedback in regard to how we might improve our publications, content and convenience of use.

E-Update periodically reports ways in which subscribers use our publications to aid their families or organizations. If you have a short description that might be helpful to others and their uses, we would like to hear about them. Please forward two or three sentences that provide specific uses of benefit to bps461@msn.com. _________________________________________________________________________________

Activities are subject to change without notice; participants are encouraged

to use contact information to confirm times and dates.

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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.

Sections Available in the attached Calendar of Events: UPDATED THIS WEEK: Special Activities: Upcoming primarily free activities

listed by day over the next several months. Ongoing Scheduled Activities: Primarily free activities held regularly each week

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

Celebrate Recovery, Mending Hearts.

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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. 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. After School Art Teachers Exhibit Reading. 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. George Washingtons Family Presentation for Kids Stafford. Census Data Workshop Exton. Get Unstuck Now! Presentation Exton. Inside Data for Businesses Workshop West Chester. Veterans Services and Budget Workshop Coatesville. Parenting Strategies Presentation Pottstown. Youth Stressors Community Discussion West Chester. Civil Rights Author Discussion Malvern. Veteran Legal and Finances Assistance Coatesville. Student Education Placements Chat-n-Chew West Chester. Dynamics of Dementia Presentation for Families Boyertown. Long Term Care Presentation Phoenixville. Civil War Music Exton. The Anonymous People Film Showing Malvern. Childrens Dental Health Day Phoenixville. Red Rose Chorus Concert New Holland.

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

After School Art Teachers Exhibit Reading. 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. Community Bands Festival Souderton. Parkinsons Coping and Caring Forum New Holland. Overlooked Tax Deductions Workshop Phoenixville Spaghetti Community Caf Luncheon West Grove. Nutrition and Vision Presentation Kennett Square. Pardons and Expungements Workshop Coatesville. Preventing and Overcoming Tennis Maladies Presentation Strafford. Ten Keys to Healthy Eating Presentation Berwyn. Disabilities Job-Seeker Workshop Phoenixville. Veteran Benefits Applications Presentation Phoenixville.

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Old-Time Gospel Concerts New Holland.

New: Future Weeks Events and Activities (View in Calendar of Events)

Certified Master Composter Training Exton. Self-Care and Grief Presentation New Holland. Widowers Breakfast New Holland. The Good Book - Movies with a Message Screening New Holland. Obtaining a Checking Account Workshops Coatesville. Wellness Fair Boyertown. Keep Your Kids Safe From Child Abuse Parent Seminar Paoli. Pottstown Celebrates Young Children Family Day Pottstown. Pardons and Expungements Workshops Coatesville.

Activities Submission - Organizations are encouraged to submit information about ongo-ing 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: Gov. Wolf Moves to Expand Medicaid Provisions Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has moved to transition the Healthy PA Medicaid program, implemented by his predecessor, Tom Corbett, to a traditional Medicaid expansion plan. In directing the state Department of Human Services (DHS) to submit a letter to the federal government withdrawing the low-risk health care package known as the Healthy option, the governor said it would negate "a complicated process and (ensure) hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians have greater access to the health insurance they need". No timetable was given for the transition. No action is required by currently covered individuals and families who will be notified of any additional actions when they are determined. Further information on the action is available at www.pa.gov/Pages/NewsDetails.aspx?agency=PAGovNews&item=16496#.VNkGvi6090w. In the meantime, Healthy PA Medicaid Expansion is open for low income individuals and families, with no application deadline. Further information and enrollment are available at www.dhs.state.pa.us/healthypa/index.htm. Earlier, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services 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://mlsvc01-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/442d356b001/0dafb2a1-5d0f-44ea-b92b-2da5f9f869cd.pdf.

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UPDATED THIS WEEK: Measles on Health Radar Screen; Flu Season May Have Peaked Measles, including alarms in both Lancaster and Montgomery counties that were determined not to be measles, continue in the health concerns spotlight. In the meantime, weekly Pennsylvania Department of Health statistics indicate that seasonal flu cases in the state may have peaked last month, although potential continues. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 102 people in 14 states were reported to have measles in January, some 20 percent of the total number for all of 2014, which had set a record for the past 20 years. Measles had been declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. The agency is recommending that individuals who have not been vaccinated against the disease do so. Information from a CDC telebriefing is available at www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2015/t0129-measles.html with information on measles, a highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause death, at www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html. Information on the Lancaster case, originally termed likely, and other state activities is available at www.health.pa.gov/Pages/default.aspx#.VNjR6S6090w. Information on the Montgomery County case is available at www.montcopa.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1149. Meanwhile, 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/I-L/Pages/20142015-Influenza-Season.aspx#.VLGxk3u090w. 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.

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

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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 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. 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.468031103259613.106123.142873902442003/813804245348962/?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.

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

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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-employment-support, 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: Free General and Youth Mental Health First Aid Classes Being Offered February and March Several eight-hour Adult Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid classes are being held in February and March in West Chester and Coatesville. The courses, being presented in full-day and two, four-hour sessions, are designed to acquaint participants with the risk factors, warning signs and impact of mental health issues. Schedules and locations 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. 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. 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

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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. Free Tax Preparation Assistance Available Through Wednesday, April 15 Taxpayers, including those having refunds or taxes due as a result of the Affordable Care Act, have two free personal tax preparation opportunities. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $53,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. VITA also focuses on the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) that many individuals who worked during the year are eligible for but dont claim because they werent required to file a tax return. Those making up to $46,997 ($52,427 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children may be eligible for a tax rebate of up to $6,143, even if they didnt pay that much in federal taxes.

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Eligible taxpayers who didnt claim the credit in prior years can obtain credits by filing or amending up to three years of tax returns. Information on the credit is available at www.irs.gov/Individuals/EITC-Income-Limits,-Maximum-Credit--Amounts-and-Tax-Law-Updates. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS. Free File, which makes brand-name tax software products and electronic filing available to most taxpayers for free also is available. A database of VITA and TCE sites is available at www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers. Information on Free File is available at www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/Free-File-Launches-Today;-Helps-Taxpayers-with-New-Health-Care-Law. 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-awareness-week?utm_source=govdelivery and the IRS at www.irs.gov/uac/Tax-Scams-Consumer-Alerts. Information on general identify theft is available at www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft, and tips for veterans at www.va.gov/identitytheft/protect.asp and senior citizens at www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud. Pottstown Opens New Homeless Intake Center Location; Other Homeless Services Changing Through Thursday, April 30 Ministries on Main Street, which provides winter homeless sheltering at community churches, has opened a new intake center at Trinity United Church of Christ (UCC) -rear entrance, 60 North Hanover Street, Pottstown, after its former center at St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church closed. The Center will open for registration at noon weekdays, with pre-registration requested at (610) 970-2444. Individuals will be housed nights during the remainder of January at Zions UCC at 209 Chestnut Street; starting Saturday, February 2, at St. Johns UCC at

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111 South Price Street; starting Saturday, March 2, at St. Pauls UCC at 927 North Franklin Street; and April to be determined. Further information is available at www.ministriesatmainstreet.org. In addition, the Pottstown Recovery & Education Center, which has been located at 249 East High Street, is relocating this week to the First Methodist Church at 414 High Street and only will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Trinity UCC is seeking volunteers to staff an 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays Drop-in Center at its facility. Further information is available at http://www.trinityuccpottstown.org/saturday-drop-in-center-for-the-homeless.html or (610) 326-2243. Further information on the daily center is available at (267) 507-3525. UPDATED THIS WEEK: Community Organization Networking Connection Meetings (Regular Meeting Dates are Subject to Change)

Coatesville Area Resource Network (CARN) meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month, except August and December, in the fourth floor conference room at Brandywine Health Center at 744 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville. On February 18, no meeting will be held due to an unexpected facilities scheduling conflict. Representatives of community organizations exchange information about current and upcoming activities and 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 one-stop, 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. 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 March 5, the group will meet at the Kennett Area Senior Center, 427 South Walnut Street, Kennett Square, with a presentation on Southern Chester County Family Promise, a homelessness mitigation

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initiative. Further information is available from Joan Holliday at dochollisv@aol.com or (610) 717-2180. 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. COSECHA (Harvest) meets from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of the month from September through June 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. 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.

Coatesville CTC Community Prevention Board, a body coterminous with the

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

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Support Groups for Unemployed and Underemployed -

Ongoing Several networking/support groups (open to everyone) are available at area churches for persons who are unemployed or unemployed, with each providing its own variety of specific services in support of those who attend:

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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 March 14, Cheryl Bonner, director of Penn State Alumni Career Services, will discuss Job Searching is Bad for Your Health: Tips and Techniques to Stay Sane and Healthy! Further information and required registration are available at http://mycareertransitions.com/new/?q=upcoming-meetings.

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

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

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

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

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

Central Delco Groups at three locations in Central Delaware County now coordinate meetings in Media and Upper Darby at 7 p.m. on the first three Tuesdays of the month. First Tuesday: St. Francis Room at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2400 North Providence Road, Media, with further information at smmemploy@gmail.com or (610) 873-7117. Second Tuesday: The Parish Hall Rear Entrance, St. Laurence Church, 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby. Third Tuesday: Hassler Chapel, Media Presbyterian Church, 30 East Baltimore Pike, Media, with further information at robinst37@gmail.com. On February 17, Darryl Anderson, job market consultant for Lee Hecht Harrison, will discuss how to determine Who Will Hire Me? 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). On Sunday, February 22, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., job-seekers will participate in an annual retreat/education forum, including dinner and childcare, at the Malvern Retreat Center, 315 South Warren Avenue, Malvern, with further

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information and required registration for limited seating at www.eventbrite.com/e/josephs-people-retreat-2015-tickets-15217640372. On February 24, Amy Dinning, a senior training and talent development leader, will discuss Youve Lost Your Job, Now What? 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.

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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-for-aspiring-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. 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.

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Committees and membership information are available at www.legis.state.pa.us. 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. 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 2015-2016 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 low-interest 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.

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The initiative will run through April 1 and will involve a joint effort between SOC county leadership and community partners to develop programs that address the cultural and language needs of youth and families being served, enabling delivery of services in a more efficient and effective manner. A final report will include best practices and recommendations for future CLC implementation initiatives in other System of Care counties and the Commonwealth. Further information about the Partnership is available at www.pasocpartnership.org or leonardkt@upmc.edu. Winter Blues May be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Individuals feeling the winter blues, with sapped energy and moodiness, may want to check out Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, Seasonal Mood Disorder or Seasonal Depression. 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-affective-disorder/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-Issues-Safety-Tips-to-Prevent-Holiday-Home-Fires, and the National Fire Protection Association at http://www.nfpa.org/research/reports-and-statistics/fire-causes/holiday/christmas-tree-and-holiday-lights.

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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_MJ3IprUbI&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-minute-shoppers/?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. 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.drc-group.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

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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. 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 aware-ness.

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.

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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

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

Please use full names followed, if appropriate, by acronyms in parenthesis.

Name of Event:

Date(s) - Include both day(s) of week and actual dates:

Times (Starting and ending):

Location (Including any applicable room number, particularly in a large facility, and a Mapquest or Google Maps searchable address:

Sponsoring Organization(s), if not part of the location address:

Participant Eligibility (Ages, gender, etc.):

Description of Activities and, as applicable, the presenter and the purpose of the event (Two to three descriptive sentences with the most appealing information; please avoid superfluous words such as "wonderful", "great", etc.):

Any Fees, including free-will offerings:

Contact name, e-mail, telephone, along with any web page that is focused primarily on the specific activity:

Any registration requirements:

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

Fund-raising activities generally are not published unless there is a good mixture of free activities also available, including free admission, and a participant has the choice of purchasing incidental items, such as food or crafts.

Church events generally are published only if they are separate from normal weekly worship services.

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