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PRIMARILY FREE EVENTS AND TRAININGS IMPACTING AREA INDIVIDUALS AND

FAMILIES

Week of May 17, 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. _________________________________________________________________

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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.

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.

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Area Ministries for Those Who are Struggling.

GriefShare, DivorceCare, Celebrate Recovery, Mending Hearts. Day Trip Destination Sites: Free admission sites for individual and family outings. E-Update ResourcesTM: Accompanying Information About Services, Including

Employment Resources, for Individuals and Families. UPDATED THIS WEEK: Calendar of Events - Please Submit Additions Today

Upcoming Activities The following items are detailed in the accompanying Calendar of Events and are in addition to those described within this E-Update. They will be occurring during the current two-week period or are newly listed as part of the longer term Calendar. These activities are provided for both personal use and printing out and sharing with others through suggested posting on public and employee bulletin boards, hard copies or e-mail. Updated: This Weeks Calendar of Events Activities (Found in Calendar of Events)

Personal Finance Classes Pottstown and Norristown. Camp Cadet for Youth Various Pennsylvania Locations. Congressional Art Competition Show New Holland 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. Spring Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries. Downsizing for Seniors and Empty Nesters Presentation Exton. Obtaining a Checking Account Presentation Coatesville. Medicare 101 Seminar Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner). Electric Violin Concert Phoenixville. Medal of Honor Grove History Presentation Phoenixville. Business Continuity and Disaster Preparedness Summit South Coatesville. Pennsylvania Rep. Toepel Veterans Outreach Gilbertsville. Job-Seeker Expo Coatesville. Puppets and Pizza Malvern Re-scheduled from Prior Week. Photography Workshop Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner). Home Purchases: Financing Workshop Exton. GrandFamilies Support West Chester. Pennsylvania Rep. Gillen Veterans Expo Reading. Family Finance Workshop Exton. Pennsylvania Rep. Hennessey Open House Pottstown. Public Sidewalks Study Workshop Phoenixville (Schuylkill Township). Caring for the Caregiver Presentation West Chester. BYPASSED Share Your Story Documentary Forum Coatesville. Third Thursday Celebration Kennett Square. Knee Pain Seminar Phoenixville. Musical Tribute to the Civilian Conservation Corps Exton.

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Memorial Day Parade West Grove. Digital Device Clinic Exton. Summer Concert Series Quarryville. HMS Pinafore Performance New Holland.

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

Personal Finance Classes Pottstown and Norristown. Congressional Art Competition Show New Holland 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. Spring Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries. Downsizing for Seniors and Empty Nesters Presentation Exton. Memorial Day Parades West Chester (Marshallton-West Bradford Township);

Downingtown, Pottstown, and Kennett Square. Trappe-Collegeville Memorial Day Parade and Collegeville Community Day. Individualized Education Plan Workshop for Parents Phoenixville. Health Care for Special Needs Workshop Lancaster. Choral Concert New Holland. Natural Beekeeping Presentation Exton. Lets Talk Conversations for Parents Pottstown. Photography Workshop Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner). Home Purchases: Meet a Realtor Workshop Exton. Pennsylvania Rep. Steve Barrar Town Hall Meeting Chadds Ford. Main Line Train Stations Presentation Berwyn. Government Employment Job-Seeker Workshop Phoenixville. Brain Attack Stroke Presentation West Grove. Strawberry Festival Coatesville. Sugar Busters Presentation Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner). Walk and Bike Pottstown Plan Forum Pottstown. Pennsylvania Rep. Greiner Eggs and State Issues Breakfast Leola. Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Blue Bell. OABEST Expo Atglen.

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

Symphony Ensemble Concert Berwyin. Lets Talk Parents Conversation Pottstown. Strawberry Festival Coatesville. Myths and Facts on Problem Gambling Presentation Exton. Summer Concert Series Quarryville. Longs Park Summer Music Series Lancaster. Building Butterfly Gardens Author Discussion Exton. Evening Bird Walk Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner). Movies in the Park Downingtown (West Bradford Township). Farm Explorer Growing and Cooking Presentation Chester Springs (Ludwigs

Corner). Farm Focus Book Discussion - Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner). Feria Latina Festival Phoenixville. Kids Nights West Chester (West Bradford Township).

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

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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. NEW THIS WEEK: Public Service Loan Forgiveness May be Available for Some

Student Loans Individuals working in governmental organizations, some charitable organizations and some organizations providing specific services such as public education or health may be eligible for a broad, employment-based forgiveness program on qualifying student loans. Further information on Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is available at www.ed.gov/blog/2015/04/how-to-qualify-for-public-service-loan-forgiveness-2 and www.studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#page.

NEW THIS WEEK: Area Said to be a Hot Spot for

Human Trafficking The Philadelphia area is a hot spot for human trafficking, including sex and labor trafficking, according to 2014 statistics from the National Human Trafficking Resource Center. Over 30 percent of cases involved children and youth. Further information about the numbers and recognizing signs

of trafficking is available at www.traffickingresourcecenter.org/sites/default/files/2014%20Minors%20Trafficking%20Report_FINAL.pdf and www.polarisproject.org. Additional information about some area cases and impacts is at www.facebook.com/chestercountyantihumantraffickingcoalition. NEW THIS WEEK: Pennsylvania Gears Up Against Bird Flu Poultry and other avian competitions will be absent from this year's state-approved

agriculture fairs due to the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or H5N2, that has intensified nationally. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

has suspended the competitions to minimize risk of the disease spreading from other states and the estimated $13 billion in total economic activity in the state's poultry and egg industry. Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is said to be "very contagious" and can make domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, quail, pheasants, guinea fowl and turkeys, very sick or even cause death. It rarely affects humans, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and in those cases usually follows direct or close contact with infected poultry, resulting in mild to severe illnesses.

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Further information from the Department of Agriculture is available at www.agriculture.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pennsylvania_department_of_agriculture/10297 and from the CDC at ww.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/avian-in-humans.htm. NEW THIS WEEK: Some Area High Schools Achieve Top Rankings Several high schools in the region have been listed in top rankings by U.S. News & World Report, including Radnor at fifth, Great Valley in Malvern seventh and Unionville in the Kennett Square area at eighth. A full list, including applicable national rankings, is available at www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/pennsylvania/rankings?schooltypepublic=y&int=9acb08&schooltypemagnet=y&state=PA&schooltypecharter=y. NEW LAST WEEK: Researchers Say Escaping Poverty is Easier in Area Counties If you want a poor family to have the best chance of upward mobility out of poverty, a new study indicates in Southeastern Pennsylvania they should live in Bucks County, followed by Chester and Montgomery. Lancaster, Berks and Delaware counties also are OK, just not as good. Harvard University researchers Raj Chetty and Nathaniel Hendren, in a new The Impacts of Neighborhoods on Intergenerational Mobility report, also found that the sooner young children move to these new surroundings the better the results over their lifetimes. In addition to the story and report links, an interactive map of Eastern Pennsylvania, along with accompanying statistics and analysis, are available at www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/05/03/upshot/the-best-and-worst-places-to-grow-up-how-your-area-compares.html?abt=0002&abg=0. NEW LAST WEEK: Free Online Training Available for Health Care Professionals

Aiding Veterans Health care professionals now have a free online course developed by the federal Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Defense (DoD) to help serve veterans and service members. The eight-hour Military Culture: Core Competencies for Health Care Professionals training covers a variety of topics through interactive features, video vignettes, case examples and treatment planning scenarios. Each of the four modules within the course was developed using research, surveys and extensive interviews with service members and veterans. Information and registration for the training, along with other military culture-related materials, are available at www.deploymentpsych.org/Military-Culture. Free General and Youth Mental Health First Aid Classes Being Offered 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.

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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. Free GSK Science in the SummerTM for Kids Registration Underway Registration is underway for GSK Science in the Summer for elementary grade students in June and July at local libraries in the Greater Philadelphia area. The two-hour-long, four days of activities, held in partnership with The Franklin Institute, provides a focus this year on bioscience in Bucks County, simple machines in Chester, chemistry in Delaware, oceanography in Montgomery and physical science and electricity in Philadelphia. Experiment-oriented courses are taught by certified teachers to two classes of students, those entering second and third grades and fourth through sixth grades. Further information and online enrollment for limited seating are available at www.scienceinthesummer.com/greater_phila/index.html. Free Disaster Spiritual Care Credentialing Training Tuesday-Wednesday, May 19-

20

Pennsylvania Disaster Spiritual Care Network will provide training toward faith-based volunteers becoming credentialed as Spiritual Care Providers from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 19 and 20 at the Lancaster County Firemen's Association, 632 East Oregon Road, Lititz. The designation is part of a new state initiative starting July 1 to address emotional needs of disaster victims. Further information and required registration are available at www.pdscn.org.

Free Business Continuity and Disaster Preparedness Summit Wednesday, May 20 United Way of Chester County and Chester County FIRST will host a Business Continuity and Disaster Preparedness Summit from 8:30 a.m. to noon, May 20, at the Public Safety Training Facility, 137 Modena Road, South Coatesville. Sessions will educate organizations, including small businesses, faith-based organizations and others, about the disaster response cycle and the role that each can play. Further information and required registration for the event, that include breakfast and lunch, is available at rslater@chesco.org or (610) 344-5022.

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NEW THIS WEEK: National Safe Boating Week is Underway Through Friday,

May 22 May 16 through 22 has been designated as National Safety Boating Week, with a concentrated focus on use of life jackets when on the water. Further information, including boating law, tips and other information and links from the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission, is available at http://fishandboat.com/safeboatingweek.htm. UPDATED LAST WEEK: Free Workshop for Health Care for Special Needs Tuesday,

May 26 Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center will present a workshop on Medical Assistance, Waivers and the Affordable Care Act from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 26 at the Arc of Lancaster County, 630 Janet Avenue, Lancaster. Sessions will discuss the most common funding sources for non-educational services and supports for children and adolescents with special health care needs and disabilities, along with program qualifications, coverage, what to do if coverage is denied, and insurance changes in the Affordable Care Act. Further information and required registration are available at www.pealcenter.org/trainings-upcoming.php#commonGround or (866) 950-1040.

NEW THIS WEEK: Walk and Bike Pottstown Plan Forum Scheduled Thursday,

May 28 Borough of Pottstown officials will host a public forum to obtain area resident input in regard to development of a comprehensive walking and bicycling network to connect all ages with schools, parks and businesses throughout the community. The session will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. May 28 at Connections on High Caf, 238 East High Street, Pottstown. Further information is available at www.pottstownschools.org/protected/PrintArticle.aspx?iid=5Y2BYB&dasi=3AII, administration@pottstown.org or (610) 970-6515. UPDATED LAST WEEK: Great American Cleanup Underway in Pennsylvania; -

Through Sunday, May 31 Groups and organizations wishing to participate in public cleanups can obtain reduced or free disposal during Pick It Up PA Days from April 11 through May 4, all part of a broader spring Great American Cleanup in Pennsylvania period through Sunday, May 31. Groups registering for the campaign, that can include cleaning up litter and trash along roadsides, streams, beaches, parks, forests and neighborhoods, along with holding events such as recycling hard-to-dispose of items like tires and appliances, creating or enhancing green areas by planting plants, bulbs, and trees, removing or painting over graffiti that devalues neighborhoods, and other activities that help beautify local communities, can obtain free cleanup supplies such as bags, gloves and vests.

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Further information, registration and already scheduled events are available at www.gacofpa.org/?utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=http%3a%2f%2fwww.gacofpa.org&utm_campaign=Learning+about+Next+Year%27s+Veterans+and+Emergency+Service+Professionals+Climate. Chesco Human Services Grant Hearings Set Tuesday, June 2, and Thursday, June

4 Chester County will host June public hearings in Coatesville and West Chester to receive public comment in regard to expenditure of some $23 million in discretionary human services block grant funds for the 2015-16 state fiscal year starting in July. Hearings will be held at 1:30 p.m. June 2, in the fourth floor Community Room at the Brandywine Center, 744 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, and at 4:30 p.m. June 4 in Room 170 at the Chester County Government Services Center, 601 Westtown Road, West Chester. Comments also can be e-mailed by Friday, June 5, to the County Department of Human Services at cchumanservices@chesco.org. The county is one of 20 counties in the state to implement a five-year pilot process for discretionary funding and is in the fourth year of the process. Further information and a draft of the tentative plan, when posted, are available at www.cheso.org/human or (610) 344-5262. NEW LAST WEEK: Free Chesco Accessing Adult Services Workshop Wednesday,

June 10 A public workshop on Accessing the Adult Serving Systems in Chester County will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 10 at the Chester County Public Safety Training Facility, 137 Modena Road, South Coatesville. Representatives of County human services, adult probation, mental health/intellectual and developmental disabilities, drug and alcohol, aging, health, prison and community development agencies will provide agency representatives and the public with information on services and qualifications and how to access them. Further information and required registration are available at www.chescodhstrainings.com or (610) 344-6640. UPDATED THIS WEEK: Community Organization Networking Connection Meetings

(Regular Meeting Dates are Subject to Change)

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. On May 26, Optum Hospice and The House womens homeless shelter will discuss their work. 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. Chester County Faith Community Health Ministry Network meets from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., on the first Thursday of each month, from September through June to exchange

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information on promotion of holistic health within faith congregations and communities and to develop additional faith community nurses, also known as parish nurses. On June 4, in the first floor conference room of the Neighborhood Health Agencies building, 795 East Marshall Street, on the grounds of Chester County Hospital, West Chester, Susan Rzucidlo, executive director of SPEAK, a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of the disabled population, educates family members and trains first responders including police, firefighters and paramedics about individuals with disabilities, will discuss needs of those with disabilities, along with the Pennsylvania Premise Alert System that she co-developed. Further information is available from Joan Holliday at dochollisv@aol.com or (610) 717-2180. COSECHA (Harvest) meets from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. the second Wednesday of the month from September through June at the Head Start Center, 380 West Cedar Street, Kennett Square. Further information is available from Elizabeth Garduno at elizabethga@cciu.org or (610) 444-2880 x305. 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 July 8, the annual community potluck picnic will be start the gathering at 6 p.m. at His Mission, 342 East Birch Street, Kennett Square. 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. 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 the third Tuesdays of the month at various 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. Specific topic workshops also are being scheduled in the counties. On May 19, AHEDD will discuss its disability services at Community Rooms A and B of the Berks County Community Foundation, 237 Court Street, Reading. On May 21, the work of Haven Behavioral Hospital of Eastern Pennsylvania and the Community Homeless Assessment and Referral Team (CHART) will be discussed at Juniper Village at Mount Joy, 607 Hearthstone Lane, Mount Joy. Further information is available at http://berkslancasterlebanonlink.org, or from Brian Long, coordinator, at blllink@mail.com or (717) 380-9714. Coatesville Area Resource Network (CARN) meets from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the third Wednesday of the month, except August and December, in the fourth floor conference room at Brandywine Health Center at 744 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville. Representatives of community organizations exchange information about current and upcoming activities and hear presentations from various services providers. On May 20, the group will follow up the Coatesville Area Health Summit, held at the prior meeting in partnership with Coatesville on the Move (COTM), in regard to identifying ways to engage consumers with powerful health messages that help maximize ongoing efforts of participating organizations. 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

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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 Lionville Community YMCA, 100 Devon Drive, Exton (Lionville). On May 19, Laura Obenski of Chester County Advocating for Victims of Impaired Driving (AVOID) will present. 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:

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 June 13, Rod Cohen, chief executive office officer of ME, Inc., will discuss Interviewing Secrets and Techniques. On July 12, Amy Dinning, a senior training and talent development leader, will discuss Youve Lost Your Job Now What? In August, there is no meeting. Further

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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:

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.

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. On June 2, Human resources and career consultant Betty Hirsch will discuss Behavioral Interviewing Tips. 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 May 19, Dana Riker Jackson, founder of Riker Opportunity Institute, will discuss Essential Tips To Know in a job search.

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). Information about the affiliate is available by leaving a message at (610) 873-7117.

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 May 27, Jean Kirkaldie, a Wings for Success volunteer, will discuss the organizations new Kennett Square office that fits women with clothing and job-

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seeking information. 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.

Free Job Assistance Workshops, Job Fairs and Job Openings Report May

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 services and monthly workshops offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor CareerLink at its 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 www.pacareerlinkchesco.org/calendar. Monthly job openings list that lists several pages in the Chester County area is available at www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/25664. 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

Free Certified Nursing Assistant Training Available Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) is enrolling income-eligible individuals for its Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program. Further information is available at (610) 692-2344. PA CareerLink-Chester County Becomes GED Testing Site

PA CareerLink Chester County has become the countys first site for General Educational Development (GED), also known as General Equivalency Diploma testing. The closest testing since new, more difficult tests were initiated over a year ago has been in Media and Reading, although preparatory classes have been conducted at several locations. Testing will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursdays in Suite 500, 479 Thomas Jones Way in the Oaklands Corporate Center, Exton. Additional information and appointments are available from Jacqueline Painter at Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC) at (484) 945-4084.

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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 its monthly, fourth Thursday Job-Seeker Workshop Speaker Series from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. On May 28, a representative of the Pennsylvania Civil Service Commission will present information on state and local government positions. On June 25, Casey Jones Transformation Initiative for Building Healthy Communities for

Healthy Families will present his four-hour 12 Steps Toward EmploymentTM workshop. 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. 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. 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

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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. New Thinking Needed by Governments and Agencies Government and human services agencies are going to have to think differently if they actually are going to be effective in helping to meet the needs of people.

This is the message presented last week by Al Condeluci, chief executive officer of Community Living and Support Services (CLASS) and assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh who writes, speaks, and consults on issues related to culture, community, and social capital. Condeluci told several dozen agency representatives at a

social capital workshop at Shady Maple in East Earl that "we use a flawed paradigm" in addressing individual and family needs, telling people what they need to do to be successful instead of listening to people, actually understanding how various communities operate, and helping individuals build relationships and decide themselves what they need for success. He said government and many agencies focus on people being the problem when statistics demonstrate that government and agencies are the problem due to their faulty mindsets. The session was hosted by the Berks-Lancaster-Lebanon counties Link to Aging and Disability Resources, a coalition of private and nonprofit services providers and persons with needs, including seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans, caregivers and their families. Further information on the speaker and his work is available at www.alcondeluci.com and www.classcommunity.org.

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Death Rates for Falls by Older Americans Increasing Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that age-adjusted death rates from unintentional falls for seniors is increasing.

Data reported at a Falls Prevention Summit convened by the White House Conference on Aging and the National Council on Aging says that death rates for those aged 65 years and over grew from 38.2 per 100,000 in 2000 to 67.9 in 2013 for males and virtually doubled for females, from 24.6 in 2000 to 49.1 in 2013.

CDC also reported a new community guide: Preventing Falls: A Guide to Implementing Effective Community-Based Fall Prevention Programs that focuses on implementation of fall prevention programs, With one in three Americans over age 65 falling each year, CDC says that fear of falling potentially leads older adults to limit their activities which, in turn, can worsen mobility, increase risk of falling and detract from quality of life. The falls prevention guide offers strategies on program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation to help overcome this trend. Further information, including the guide, is available at www.whitehouseconferenceonaging.gov/happening/press-release-2015-04-30.html. Most Area Counties Get an F for Ozone Air Quality Most area counties have been given a grade of F by the American Lung Association for air quality related to ozone levels, with all but Lancaster County doing a little better for particle pollution (soot) rankings. The 2015 State of the Air report, the 16th annual examination of air monitoring information across the United State, gave an F on ozone levels to all but Berks and Montgomery counties, which received a D. When it came to particle pollution, Lancaster still received an F and Montgomery a D, with Berks also dropping to F, but Chester, Delaware and Philadelphia counties rose to a C. The report also provides information as to affected populations and the number of pollution alert days. A searchable database is available at www.stateoftheair.org, with information on the ranking process and impacts at www.lung.org/about-us/our-impact/top-stories/SOTA-2015.html. Department of Veterans Affairs Streamlines Benefits Process The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has streamlined its benefits process which, it says, will make it faster and easier to apply. Standardized forms will be sued to file disability claims and compensation appeals, with a new intent to file a claim process also being implemented.

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Further information is available at http://explore.va.gov/file-claim?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_campaign=claimsandappeals&utm_content=18marchB. Additional information on Veterans Affairs is available at www.va.gov. Fathers Matter Initiative Kicks of in Chester County Fathers Matter, a fatherhood initiative coalition started in Montgomery County last year, has moved south into Chester County. The effort debuted at YMCA Healthy Kids Days in Coatesville and Phoenixville last week, with fathers, grandfathers and child mentors signing a banner and wallet card pledging to be active in childrens lives. The initiative, designed to develop a coalition of individuals and organizations that encourage fathers to take an active role in their children's lives, include a pledge to children that signers will:

-- Love you, teach you and take the time to know what matters to you. -- Be available when you need me, even when it's inconvenient. -- Play with you, listen to you and help you. -- Leave you with memories of a father who values your health, spirituality, education and self-esteem. -- Be a responsible father who considers your well-being in ALL of my actions.

Organizers say the effort started due to a "national crisis of absent and disengaged fathers that is destroying family foundations that children crave and need in order to cope adequately with the ongoing stages and struggles of life. "Although absence may be due to neglect, it also can occur as a result of a father not knowing how to connect with a child, incarceration, or rifts between parents that prevent father involvement and other situations. Fathers also can have a physical presence but be emotionally detached." A purpose of the effort will be to provide information and resources that can be used by fathers to better connect with their children, together with building a coalition of individuals and organizations that are involved in various aspects of strengthening families, both directly and indirectly related to fatherhood. "This initiative" organizers say, "will require support from the entire community including individuals, organizations and businesses who want to help create positive impacts and memories in the lives of families." Additional information is available in the Phoenixville area from Michael Flott of I Can Dads at Michael@icandads.com or (610) 996-8945 and in the Coatesville area and other parts of Chester County from Casey Jones Transformation Initiative for Building Healthy Communities Through Healthy Families at bps461@msn.com or (610) 707-1494.

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Higher Education Planning Site Available

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) provides online resources for students, parents and counselors in regard to choosing a career or college, obtaining student aid, grants, loans and scholarships along with other financial planning tools, making a college visit and mastering standardized tests.

It is available at www.educationplanner.org. Pennsylvania Health Choices Expands Medicaid; Healthy PA on the Way Out Pennsylvania started up its new HealthChoices traditional Medicaid expansion plan for low-income persons last week after transitioning more than 120,000 individuals from the former Healthy PA plan. New applications are being enrolled automatically in the new system. The new plan, said to provide greater health care cover in a simpler and streamlined manner, replaces one implemented late last year by Gov. Tom Corbett. Current Gov. Tom Wolf said that changes put in place today will make it easier for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians to get access to the health care they need and eliminates unnecessary red tape and complex processes that existed in the previous system. The HealthChoices expansion moves Pennsylvania to a single, comprehensive Adult benefit package that provides individuals enhanced coverage for both physical and behavioral health. An additional 137,723 individuals still enrolled in the former Private Coverage Option plan will be transitioned to the new plan over the next few months, officials said, with all transitions to be completed by September 1. Further information, is available at www.HealthChoicesPA.com with a training video at www.pacast.com/players/cmsplayerHD.asp?video_filename=00-HumanServices_HealthChoices4-2015.m4v. Lancaster County Projected as Fast Growing in Pennsylvania Lancaster is projected to become the fastest growing Pennsylvania county, adding nearly a quarter more people over a 30-year period. The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a legislative agency of the state General Assembly, also says in a report, Looking Ahead: Pennsylvania Population Projections 2010 to 2040, that the county will move up from sixth to fifth place in overall population by the end of the period 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.

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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. Uninsured Being Hit Disproportionately by Drug Costs Uninsured cancer patients are paying anywhere from two to 43 times what Medicare would pay for chemotherapy drugs, according to a new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Uninsured patients who did not negotiate the billed amounts could expect to pay $6,711 for an infusion of the colorectal cancer drug oxaliplatin, according to researchers. However, Medicare and private health plans only pay $3,090 and $3,616 for the same drug, respectively. Even higher payment differences were found for drugs that were relatively inexpensive on Medicare. For example, carboplatin was estimated at $26 for one infusion with Medicare, but the estimate for uninsured patients was $1,124. Further information on the study is available at http://uncnews.unc.edu/2015/04/07/price-of-cancer-drugs-varies-widely-based-on-whos-paying. 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. Active Seniors Help With Alzheimers Risk 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.

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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-civic-engagement-may-stave-off-brain-atrophy-improve-memory.html. 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_medium=homepage&utm_campaign=NCAPM15. National Pass IT On Campaign Designed to Thwart Scammers A national Pass It On campaign is designed to help the elderly and others from being scammed.

The Federal Trade Commission has reported to Congress its ongoing education and outreach efforts to combat identity theft, including tax identity theft and Internal Revenue Service imposter scams. Millions of consumers are victimized by identity thieves each year, collectively costing consumers and businesses billions of

dollars and countless hours to repair the damage, the FTC reported. According to the testimony, 2012 federal Bureau of Justice statistics estimated that 16.6 million consumers were victims of identity theft. "The truth is that sharing what you know can help protect someone who you know from a scam," the FTC says. The agency shares protective information on all types of scams and what to do about them, including spreading the word and helping others, at www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0030-pass-it-on. FTC's testimony to Congress is available at www.ftc.gov/public-statements/2015/04/prepared-statement-federal-trade-commission-internal-revenue-service-agent?utm_source=govdelivery. Teen Misperceptions Abound About Everyone is Doing It A Stanford University study finds major misconceptions by teens that may be influencing their own habits related to peer alcohol and drug use, sexual activity, and even study and exercise habits.

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Researchers found that adolescents overestimate the amount of drug and alcohol use and sexual behaviors that many of their peers are engaging in while, at the same time, they underestimate the amount of time their peers spend on studying or exercise. Further information is available at http://news.stanford.edu/news/2015/january/teens-peer-perceptions-010715.html. Free Motorcycle Safety Courses Scheduled Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) is offering all riders from novice to experienced -- safety training for the riding season. In addition, anyone under 18 years of age must take and successfully complete a Pennsylvania motorcycle safety program basic rider course before he or she can receive a motorcycle license. To be eligible to test, youth must have a motorcycles learners permit for at least six months and have 65 hours of supervised riding. Further information about new motorcycling laws effective last year is available at http://dmv.state.pa.us/centers/motorcycleCenter.shtml, with information on PAMSP at www.pamsp.com. PECO Giving Away Over 2,000 Trees PECO Energy is giving away more than 2,000 trees in a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation to help customers save energy and money. The utility says that correctly planted trees can help reduce energy use through summer shading and slowing cold winter winds. Once trees are fully grown, they can lower energy bills by up to 15 to 30 percent, PECO reports, along with increasing property value, reducing carbon footprint, improving air quality and more effectively catching storm water runoff. Customers can reserve a tree at www.arborday.com/peco, with the website also helping customers determine how to plant the right tree in the right place to save energy. Once a reservation is confirmed, a three-foot tall, lightly branched tree seedling will be shipped to a customer's home within two to four weeks. Customers are reminded to dial 811 at least three days before digging to ensure the area is safe for planting. Additional information about the Energy-Saving Trees program is available at www.peco.com/community. Transformation Initiative Becomes Weather-Ready Nation AmbassadorTM Transformation Initiative Building Health Communities Through Healthy Families, an

umbrella initiative for this E-Update, has been designated as a Weather-Ready Nation (WRN) AmbassadorTM by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The endeavor by families and Systems of Care advocate Casey Jones will involve participation in improving the nations readiness against extreme weather potentials

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that can be experienced by residents and businesses throughout the region. The local initiative, already publishing emergency preparedness and alerting information through this E-Update, the accompanying Calendar of Events, the E-Update ResourcesTM guide, and two Facebook pages is partnering with NOAA as part of the federal agencys national awareness focus. The national WRN AmbassadorTM initiative is designed to help unify efforts across government, research, media; the insurance industry; nonprofit organizations and the private sector toward making the nation more ready, responsive, and resilient to the impacts of extreme weather and water events. To be recognized officially as a WRN Ambassador, a designee must be involved in promoting Weather-Ready Nation messages and themes; engage with NOAA personnel on potential collaboration opportunities; and share stories of preparedness and resiliency. Jones, who has served as a public official in both Pennsylvania and New York and as an organizational management advisor for more than a dozen communities and nonprofit organizations, became involved with emergency management while still in high school through mentorship of a county Civil Defense director. He later oversaw emergency management operations, including declaration of several states of emergency during his multi-year tenure as a city mayor, and served as a commander of an award-winning Civil Air Patrol unit that engaged in search and rescue operations for downed aircraft and other operations, twice receiving state public information officer of the year awards. Jones is part of the national SKYWARN spotter network, which provides timely and accurate reports of local severe weather to the National Weather Service, and holds an amateur radio license. Last year he created a social media presence at www.facebook.com/TransformationIni for reporting weather-related events and activities in Chester and adjoining counties that spans portions of two National Weather Service forecast areas. A second site that primarily encompasses weather and emergency preparedness education is at www.facebook.com/TransformationInitiative.EmergencyPreparedness. Jones overall initiative is to develop community-wide Systems of Care, based on life stages, through collaborations among churches, faith-based and community organizations, including governmental agencies, to help meet the needs of families. Emergency preparedness is a critical component for family health, Jones said, saying his community Facebook presence was developed after last years ice storm due to significant voids that were experienced in having quality, broad-based and consistent preparedness and response information available to greater Chester County residents. Although our own capacity is limited to volunteer manpower and minimal equipment, and without in-house meteorologists to provide direct weather forecasting opportunities, our system is designed to consolidate and report in one place information from multiple sources; make adverse weather potential easier to recognize in advance and to understand and track; and provide quick access to resources in event of a weather-related situation, he noted. In addition, we not only try to serve residents of our reporting area, but those who travel into and out of local and nearby locales for work, shopping and other activities.

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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. Montgomery Replaces Chester for Healthiest County Status A national County Health Ratings initiative says that all area counties but Montgomery aren't doing as well this year when compared with 2014 as it relates to health factors, and all but Delaware and Lancaster have dropped as it relates to health outcomes. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, develops the often-heralded report annually to provide a snapshot of "how health is influenced by where we live, learn, work and play" and "a starting point for change in communities." Chester County, which was rated first in Pennsylvania last year for health factors, dropped to third, with Montgomery County rising from second to the top spot. Lancaster County declined from eighth to ninth and Delaware from 14 to 16. Berks County dropped the most, from 21 to 30, moving from the top fourth of Pennsylvania county ratings to the second quarter. Health factors are based on weighted scores for health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and the physical environment. For health outcomes, based on an equal weighting of length and quality of life, Chester County dropped from second to fourth place, with Montgomery from fifth to sixth, and Berks from 16 to 20. Lancaster County rose from ninth place to eighth, and Delaware from 41 to 39, although it still remains in the bottom half of state rankings. Philadelphia was ranked last in both categories. A searchable database for the current and past five years, ratings for each category and methodology is available at www.countyhealthrankings.org. Montco Doubles Community Connections Navicates Resident Assistance Sites Montgomery County has doubled its four current Community Connection sites to assist

residents in accessing services. Navicates (navigator/advocates), currently located in Pottstown, Norristown, Lansdale and Willow Grove, now also will be available in Pennsburg/East Greenville, Souderton, Ambler and Narbeth.

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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. 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. Montgomery County Chosen for Cultural and Linguistic Competency Pilot Project

Montgomery, York and Northumberland counties have been selected to participate in a Cultural and Linguistic Competency (CLC) Pilot Project through the PA System of Care (SOC) Partnership to incorporate and improve cultural and linguistic competency at the county level of care. The initiative will run through April 1 and will involve a joint effort between SOC county leadership and community partners to develop programs that address the cultural and language needs of youth and families being served, enabling delivery of services in a more efficient and effective manner. A final report will include best practices and recommendations for future CLC implementation initiatives in other System of Care counties and the Commonwealth. Further information about the Partnership is available at www.pasocpartnership.org or leonardkt@upmc.edu.

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Free Online Spring Disaster Preparedness Videos Available New national Just in Time videos from the Disaster Resistant Communities Group on Spring weather hazards now are available at http://www.drc-group.com/project/jitt.html#winterawareness. Berks County is under Drought Watch Berks and 26 other Pennsylvania counties are under a DROUGHT WATCH due to below-average groundwater levels. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) says that "despite the recent surge of surface water caused by snow melt .... low groundwater levels can cause well-fed water supplies, both private and public, to go dry. "The very dry fall and below-normal precipitation in January and February have contributed to low groundwater levels in the northeast and central portions of the state. The increasing temperatures and melting snow have helped, but groundwater levels may not be back to normal before the summer," it says. A drought watch declaration is the first and least-severe level of the states three drought classifications. It calls for a voluntary five percent reduction in non-essential water use and puts large water consumers on notice to begin planning for the possibility of reduced water supplies. Further information and conservation information are available at www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=20710&typeid=1. Please Note: New and Updated tags refer only to the time of appearance of information

in these E-Updates. Some on-going activities may have been in existence for some time

and are being listed for awareness.

Letting People Know/Making a Difference - Ongoing

Feedback indicates that a lack of communications tools is a primary deficiency in bringing

community services providers and those needing information together.

If you know of an activity designed to have a real impact on families (this includes

individuals and youth) that we should be aware of or might be interested in reporting in

these periodic e-mail updates, please let me know, either with details or a web site link. In

order to maintain its value, this forum currently is a subjective, selective distribution so all

information submitted may not be used.

Also, if you know someone who might be helped by these periodic updates, please forward

all or selected portions as you feel appropriate. If you would like to be added to or removed

from this list, please hit reply and advise by typing "Subscribe" or "Unsubscribe" or

something similar in the Subject line.

Events listed are based on subject matter related to activities impacting families and is

based on information reported to us. No endorsement is made or implied.

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Suggestions for improvements are encouraged. We currently are developing a more

advanced electronic communications method for this type of material that will have more

expansive yet less obtrusive characteristics. Please stay tuned.

To submit materials for publication, please refer to the guidelines that follow.

Blessings Casey Casey Jones Transformation Initiative Building Healthy Communities Through Healthy Families (610) 707-1494 / bps461@msn.com

2009-2015 Casey Jones, Transformation Initiative for Building Healthy Communities

Through Healthy Families. Permission is granted to reproduce for personal or non-

commercial uses only.

Information is designed to highlight activities within the broader community that can help enhance Christian principles relative to development of healthy children, individual and family relationships. Recipients are encouraged to print and post this Calendar to employee and public bulletin boards for benefit of others. Activities included in this publication are gathered from various submissions and other sources. No representation is made as to their accuracy or value. Persons wishing to be included in future e-mailings of updates, should request inclusion by sending an e-mail with Subscribe in the Subject line, along with your name, organization, community and where you heard about the publications to bps461@msn.com.

General Guidelines for Information Submission: Submission up to two to three months prior to the event is encouraged to increase exposure to new subscribers, individuals who only may read the list periodically, and for other organizations that want to avoid scheduling opposite an event or may want to collaborate with others in the area. For annual events, even longer lead times may be appropriate. Our deadline generally is the Friday before the week of publication. A general idea of the information needed (many submit too little for the consumer to understand what actually is occurring and why they should consider attending) can be obtained by perusing the publications or using the following guide: Please use full names followed, if appropriate, by acronyms in parenthesis.

Name of Event: Date(s) - Include both day(s) of week and actual dates: Times (Starting and ending): Location (Including any applicable room number, particularly in a large facility, and a

MapQuest or Google Maps searchable address: Sponsoring Organization(s), if not part of the location address: Participant Eligibility (Ages, gender, etc.): Description of Activities and, as applicable, the presenter and the purpose of the event

(Two to three descriptive sentences with the most appealing information; please avoid superfluous words such as "wonderful", "great", etc.):

Any Fees, including free-will offerings: Contact name, e-mail, telephone, along with any web page that is focused primarily on

the specific activity:

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

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

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

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