Online Editions

Our E-Update, Calendar of Events and E-Update Resources

TM
, along with
supplemental updates of information, during the week now are available at
www.facebook.com/TransformationIni

You do not have to be a Facebook user to access the Page but do need to be a user
to access other than basic features.



PRIMARILY FREE EVENTS AND TRAININGS IMPACTING AREA INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES
Week of October 26, 2014

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.

To unsubscribe, please send a message to bps461@msn.com
with the word Unsubcribe in the Subject line.

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.
Special 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.
Day Trip Destination Sites: Free admission sites for individual and family outings.
E-Update Resources
TM
: Accompanying Information About Services, Including
Employment Resources, for Individuals and Families.

- 2 -

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)
American Revolution History Events King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Parent Community Connections Pottstown.
From Bach2Rock For Youngsters Berwyn.
Painted Country Views Art Exhibit Malvern.
From Isolation to Collaboration Art Exhibit Malvern.
Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations.
PA CareerLink and Job Search Services Area Counties.
Fall Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Absentee Ballot Request Deadline Pennsylvania Counties.
Community Caf West Grove.
Biz Expo Downingtown.
Transitioning From High School Presentation for Those With Special Needs West
Grove.
Rosie the Riverters Presentation Exton.
Family Finances Workshop Exton.
Family Fall Festival West Chester.
Time of King Arthur Author Presentation Berwyn.
Post-Adoption and GrandFamilies Support West Chester.
Scary Stories Author Presentation Exton.
Beating the Job-Seeker Online System Workshop Media.
Return of Absentee Ballots Deadline Pennsylvania Counties.
Storytime in the Barn for Kids Glenmoore.
Hotel Transylvania Family Movie Spring City.
Halloween Safety Check Berwyn.
Landscapes and Structures Photography Workshop King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Train Day King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Mexican Holiday Celebration Kennett Square.
Silent Movie with Live Organ Music New Holland.

Updated: Next Weeks Calendar of Events Activities (Found in Calendar of Events)
American Revolution History Events King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Parent Community Connections Pottstown.
From Bach2Rock For Youngsters Berwyn.
Painted Country Views Art Exhibit Malvern.
From Isolation to Collaboration Art Exhibit Malvern.
Look Good Feel Better for Women Multiple Locations.
PA CareerLink and Job Search Services Area Counties.
Fall Reading and Children Programs Area Libraries.
Daylight Savings Time Ends Most of United State and Canada.
Teen Writing Workshop Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Underground Railroad in Quilts? Presentation Norristown.
White-Tailed Deer Walk Norristown.
Meet the Grantmakers Panel Exton.
- 3 -
Women Veterans Tea Coatesville.
General Election Local Polling Places.
Family Book Bingo Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Veterans Week Interfaith Service Coatesville.
Writers Workshop Exton.
Lukens German Band Concert Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Patrick Henry Portrayal King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Grief and the Holidays Presentation New Holland.
Adult Book Bingo Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Shale Gas Presentation Exton.
Veterans Week Gospel Concert Coatesville.
Bird Walk Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Education Loans and Grants Workshop Exton.
Child Author Presentation Exton.
Sensory Storytime for Children Paoli.
Veterans Services Orientation Coatesville.
Home Purchase Meet the Realtor Workshop Exton.
Author Presentation Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Motown Concert Coatesville.
Veterans Week Parade Coatesville.
German Language Storytime Paoli.
Veterans Week Flag Raising Coatesville.
Putting the Animals to Bed for Children Glenmoore.
Moon Stroll Newtown Square.
Landscapes and Structures Photography Workshop King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
The IEP Process Workshop for Parents of Children with Special Needs West
Chester.
Personal Document Shredding Paoli.
Veterans Finance Conference Philadelphia.
Autumn Trail Running Atglen.
Veterans Day Observance Elverson.
Wedding on a Budget Presentation Exton.

New: Future Weeks Events and Activities (View in Calendar of Events)
Hopewell Big Woods Historical Resources Presentation Elverson.
Getting Started with Astrophotography Demonstration Elverson.
Veterans Day Commemmoration King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Veterans Day Ceremony and Luncheon Pottstown.
The Anonymous People Film Viewing South Coatesville.
Veterans Expo and Job Fair Lancaster.
Landscapes and Structures Photography Workshops King of Prussia (Valley Forge).
Night Hunters Owl Walk Pottstown (Warwick).
FBI Spying Author Discussion Exton.
Financial Fitness Workshop Downingtown.
Fall Concert Souderton.
Reading Revival Barbershop Quartet Concert Chester Springs (Ludwigs Corner).
Storytime in the Barn for Kids Glenmoore.
Waterfowl Watch Green Lane.
Continental Army March-in King

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
- 4 -
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: Database Developed for Parents of Children with Substance-
Related Issues
The Support Group Project of the Treatment Research Institute and Hope for Addiction has
developed an online database of support groups for parents of children struggling with
substance-related issues.

A recent survey conducted by Faces and Voices of Recovery found that nearly two-thirds of
all families are affected by addiction, but parents often feel alone in dealing with the issue.

Further information and the database are available at www.supportgroupproject.org.


NEW THIS WEEK: Parents Helping Teen Driving Safety
Program Available
Safe Roads Alliance has developed The Parents Supervised
Driving Program to help improve teen driver safety that includes
a 70-page parent assistance guide and a RoadReady mobile app.

Driving Through the Eyes of Teens, a 2012 study conducted by the Children's Hospital of
Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance, found that drivers whose parents are highly
involved were 50% less likely to crash, 71% less likely to drive intoxicated, two times more
likely to wear seat belts and 30% less likely to use a cell phone.

A 2010 study, Parents, Teens and Learner Stage of Graduate Licensing, conducted by the
AAA Foundation found that only four percent of parents use any resource when teaching
their teen to drive and parents stop the supervised driving process early and over-estimate
time spent in supervision.

Further information on the Safe Roads Alliance program is available at
www.theparentssuperviseddrivingprogram.com, the 2012 study at
https://teendriving.statefarm.com/system/article_downloads/State_Farm_Teen_Driving_Dri
ving_Through_Eyes_of_Teens_Closer_Look.pdf, and the AAA study at
https://www.aaafoundation.org/sites/default/files/ParentsTeensReport.pdf.


NEW THIS WEEK: Downingtown Opens Pocket Park
Downingtown has opened a new pocket park in front of Roberts Automall at the intersection
of Pennsylvania and Wallace Avenues.

A joint effort of the Borough of Downingtown, its Main Street Association, the car
dealership, Denron Signs and a number of individuals, the park includes two benches with
slate tops that were used as curbing on Borough streets more than 20 years ago.
The slate, which had been stored by Dane Dcor, now has been polished and prepared for
use as part of the seats.
- 5 -


NEW THIS WEEK: Processing Fee Dropped for Donating Deer Hunters
Hunters who donate extra venison to the Hunters Sharing the Harvest (HSH) program that
provides ground venison to food banks, soup kitchens and needy families no longer will pay
a $15 processing fee to do so.

The charge has been dropped, with contributing hunters also receiving a S.P.O.R.T.
measuring tape as a reward for contributing.

Since 1991, HSH has had an annual goal of delivering 100,000 pounds of donated venison
that can provide more than 750,000 meals to those in need.

Further information on the program and the changes are available at
www.sharedeer.org/535/hsh-to-offer-new-donor-incentives-for-2014-season or (866) 474-
2141.


NEW THIS WEEK: Dozens of Area Dangerous Dogs on State Registry
Over 75 animals in area counties are posted on the Pennsylvania Department of
Agriculture's Dangerous Dog Registry.

Two dozen dangerous dogs, defined as ones that have attacked, inflicted severe injury to,
or killed a human being or a domestic animal without provocation while off an owner's
property, are located in Lancaster County, with 18 each in Berks and Montgomery, 13 in
Delaware and five in Chester counties.

A $500 licensing fee, plus an administrative cost, is charged to dog owners annually for the
life of the animal.

Further information and registered locations throughout Pennsylvania are available at
www.agriculture.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_24476_10297_0_43/A
gWebsite/ProgramDetail.aspx%3Fpalid=61%26.


NEW THIS WEEK: Over $1.1 Million in State Highway Safety Funds Allocated for
Area Counties
Over $1.1 million in state Automated Red Light Enforcement funds are being allocated to
11 traffic safety projects in Berks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster and Montgomery counties.

The highest awards are:

Caln Township in Chester County: $290,083 to add signals to the synchronized signal
system on Reeceville Road and U.S. 322 within the township.

East Donegal Township in Lancaster County: $212,000 for safety improvements and
upgrades to the traffic signal at the intersection of River Road and Market
Street/Marietta Avenue.

A full list of the $6.6 million in awards state-wide, involving 37 municipalities, is available at
www.dot.state.pa.us/Internet/pdNews.nsf/8c5bc4e349ab4db6852576c800678468/4856a30
6f6a01b8485257d7a0062fb23?OpenDocument.

- 6 -

UPDATED THIS WEEK: Southern Chester County Ride For Health Expansion
Materials Available
The Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC) and the
Phoenixville Community Health have created new materials explaining the Ride for Health
Initiative (RFHI) in Southern Chester County that include free transportation for human and
social services needs.

The service provides taxi or public transit trips for eligible residents of Avon Grove, Kennett,
Oxford and Unionville-Chadds Ford school districts to health and human and social services
sites, including those in Kennett Square, West Chester and Coatesville.

Information on both the Southern Chester County and a similar Phoenixville area initiatives
are available at www.tmacc.org/public-transportation/ride-for-health-initiative.


NEW LAST WEEK: Health Officials Advise on Ebola Epidemic
Pennsylvania and local health officials are updating families about the Ebola epidemic,
including how it is transmitted, its prevention and other information at these web sites:

Pennsylvania:
www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1904738&mode=2

Chester County: http://chesco.org/index.aspx?NID=2837

Montgomery County: http://www.montcopa.org/index.aspx?NID=1889

Chester and Montgomery have two of only six county health departments in Pennsylvania.


NEW LAST WEEK: Chesco Human Services Develops
Consumer Maps for Services
Chester County Department of Human Services has developed a
series of services maps for its departments to aid consumers in
finding how and where to access services.

Maps include Aging, Drug and Alcohol, Intellectual Disabilities,
Mental Health for both adults and children, early childhood
learning intervention, child care, children, youth and families, juvenile justice and five
information and referral sites.

The primary, clickable map is available at http://chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/19237.


NEW LAST WEEK: Coatesville VA Opens New Facilities
Coatesville Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center has opened a new $13.4 million Specialty
Care, Urgent Care and Diagnostic Service Center.

Specialty care, including dermatology, infectious disease, neurology, neurosurgery,
orthopedics, pulmonary and urology along with pain management, and compensation and
pension exams are being provided in the news space, with urgent care, optometry,
podiatry, radiology and laboratory services expecting to transition to the new facility during
the rest of the year.
- 7 -

The Veterans Administration has been increasing outreach efforts to veterans, spouses and
family members to acquaint them with eligibility for veterans medical benefits due to
thousands of potentially eligible area veterans being unaware of available services.

Veterans can contact an eligibility and enrollment specialist for a personal appointment at
(610) 384-7711 x5008 or can attend regular eligibility workshops.

Veteran Service Office partners also will schedule individual appointments at (610) 384-
7711 x4239 with veterans already enrolled for VA healthcare to help them file claims with
the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), such claims often being related to education,
compensation and pension, and home loans.

Veterans are encouraged to complete an application to determine eligibility, with further
information and an application form, available at
www.coatesville.va.gov/patients/eligibility.asp.

Further information on the new facility is available at
www.coatesville.va.gov/COATESVILLE/features/Open_to_Serve.asp.


UPDATED LAST WEEK: Open Enrollment for Medicare and Health Insurance
Underway Through Sunday, December 7; Insurance Marketplace and Healthy PA
Medicaid Expansion Coming Up Saturday, November 15 and Monday, December 1
Officials are encouraging individuals in Medicare and Affordable Health Care insurance plans
to check coverages and premiums during open enrollment periods this and every year due
to potential changes.

Open enrollment for Medicare health and prescription drug plans is available through
December 7.

For individuals in a Marketplace Qualified Health Plan, open enrollment starts November 15
and continues through Sunday, February 15. Individuals also may qualify for special
enrollment periods at other times if they experience certain events.

In addition, several hundred thousand Pennsylvanians will be able to join an expanded
Medicaid program starting Monday, December 1.

Further information about Medicare coverages is available at www.medicare.gov/find-a-
plan/questions/home.aspx or (800) 633-4227. Free information and individual
consultations are available through the Pennsylvania APPRISE volunteer assistance program
by contacting county Area Agencies on Aging or at
www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=616587&mode=2 or (800) 783-
7067.

Additional information about the Health Insurance Marketplace is available at
www.healthcare.gov or (800) 318-2596. Local assistance sites also are available at
https://localhelp.healthcare.gov.

Initial information on Healthy PA Medicare expansion for low-income persons is available at
www.healthypa.com. However, results of next months gubernatorial election could result in
program changes due to differing candidate positions on the program.

- 8 -

Penn State Extension Develops Online Health Insurance Marketplace Assistance Site
Penn State Extension has developed an online Health Insurance Literacy Link to assist consumers in
understanding healthcare provisions and initiatives established by the federal Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how to buy health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Further information is available at www.extension.psu.edu/health/insurance. Open
enrollment starts Saturday, November 15, and continues through Sunday, February 15.


Chesco Holding Free Public School of Government Series Through Tuesday,
October 28
Chester County is hosting a six-week School of Government for county residents at the
Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton.

The Tuesday night classes, running from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. through October 28, are
designed for citizens wanting to know more about county services and the responsibilities of
Chester County government in relation to municipal and state governments.

Chester County elected officials and department directors will present information on the
Countys budget process, as well as courts and the justice system, human services, health
and environmental health, emergency services, community development, planning, parks
and trails.

Further information and reservations for limited seating are available at
www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/19298, schoolofgovernment@chesco.org or (610)
344-6100.

Highlights of county government, presented in the first session, are available at
http://chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/20295.


UPDATED THIS WEEK: Poverty Simulation to Educate Public Thursday,
October 30
A Poverty Simulation, to acquaint the public in regard to real issues facing those in poverty,
will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. October 30, at St. Paul's Baptist Church, 1
Hagerty Boulevard, West Chester, hosted by the Chester County Departments of
Community Development, Health, and Human Services and the United Way of Chester.
Further information is available at (610) 344-6900.

A descriptive video of the Poverty Simulations is available at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEsjpMfMEPs.

An online exercise, developed by Urban Ministries of Durham, N.C. and providing an idea of
what individuals in poverty face in making daily decision, is available at
http://playspent.org.


UPDATED THIS WEEK: Learning from Ferguson Community Leaders Forum
Thursday, October 30
Building One Pennsylvania will host forums on Learning from Ferguson, Organizing in
Support of Our Diverse Middle Class Suburbs, in Media and Jenkintown at which local
elected, faith and civic leaders will call for action on regional, state and federal policies they
- 9 -
see as being needed to support inclusive, sustainable and economically prosperous
communities throughout the region.

The 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. sessions will be held October 23 at Second Baptist Church, 400 East
State Street, Media, and October 23 at Salem Baptist Church, 610 Summit Avenue,
Jenkintown.

Further information and registration for the Media event is available at
www.buildingoneamerica.org/civicrm/event/info?id=21&reset=1, info@buildingonepa.org or
(215) 681-6213, with registration for the Jenkintown event at
www.buildingoneamerica.org/civicrm/event/info?id=24&reset=1.


NEW THIS WEEK: Chesco Community Health Improvement Plan Forum Scheduled
Friday, December 5
Chester County RoadMAPP to Health will describe its Community Health Improvement Plan
from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. December 5 in the Cafeteria, Government Services Center,
601 Westtown Road, West Chester.

The session will provide an overview of planning activities and discuss the future of
RoadMAPP to Health, including opportunities for individuals and organizations to support the
projectd.

Further information on RoadMAPP to Health is available at
http://webapps.chesco.org/webapps/health/cha/home.html, aorr@chesco.org or (610) 344-
6633, with forum registration at www.surveymonkey.com/s/roadmappCHIP.


Fall Foliage Reports Available
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is posting weekly updates
on Fall foliage, saying that the Commonwealth has a longer and more varied fall foliage
season than any other state in the nation -- or anywhere in the world.

A weekly color report is available at
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/fallfoliage, along with some prime
locations for viewing throughout the state at
http://maps.dcnr.pa.gov/storymaps/fallfoliage/#.

A quick primer on how weather influences Fall colors from the National Weather Service at
La Cross, Wisc., is available at
www.facebook.com/NWSLaCrosse/photos/a.204230859619734.51408.190355777673909/7
75148452527969/?type=1&relevant_count=1.


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 October 28, KenCrest and Southeastern Home Health will
present. On November 25, Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania will provide a broad
- 10 -
background of services information. Additional information about the group is available
from Debbie Dundon at Open Hearth, Spring City, at (610) 792-9282
x201 or at debbie.openhearth@verizon.net.

Community Nurse Network meets from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. the first Thursday of
alternating months 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 November 6, the group will meet at Neighborhood Agencies,
795 Marshall Street, West Chester. 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 various Southern Chester County locations. Paid
and volunteer individuals who work with Chester County children, youth and families share
information and build partnerships for after-school, out-of-school and summer programs.
Further information is available from Laurie Szoke at las7@psu.edu or (610) 696-3500.

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 November 12, the group will meet at PathStone Senior Training and
Employment Services, 421 McFarland Road, 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.

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. Further information is available from
Kathryn Spurlock at ccch@comcast.net or at (610) 380-7111 x16.

Lancaster County 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 for
services cross-trainings and exchange of information on creating a one-stop, no-wrong-door
resource for older adults and adults with disabilities, including consumers, family members
and others, seeking information about local resources. On November20, Carol Yingling of
the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimers Association will present at Conestoga
View Nursing & Rehabilitation, 900 East King Street, Lancaster. On December 18,
Community Action Program (CAP) of Lancaster County will present at Keystone Villa,
100 North State Street, Ephrata. Further information is available from Brian Long,
coordinator, at www.berkslancasterlebanonlink.org/18-2/cross-training-meetings/2014-
meetings, blllink@mail.com or (717) 380-9714.

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.

- 11 -
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. Further information is 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 November 8, Todd Cohen of SalesLeader
will present Selling Yourself: Its NOT an Option. In December, no meeting will be
held. 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
- 12 -
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. St. Francis Room at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2400 North
Providence Road, Media, will be the site for the first Tuesday, with further
information at smmemploy@gmail.com or (610) 873-7117. On November 4, no
meeting will be held due to Election Day. Parish Hall Rear Entrance, St. Laurence
Church, 8245 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, is the site for the second Tuesday.
Hassler Chapel, Media Presbyterian Church, 30 East Baltimore Pike, Media, hosts the
third Tuesday with further information at robinst37@gmail.com.
Downingtown -- 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays, at St.
Joseph's Parish, 338 Manor Avenue (Route 322), in the parish meeting room behind
the school at the back of the property. On October 28, Robin Briggs of CCI
Advisors will discuss Health Care . An Expert Explains It. 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 October 29, Robin Briggs of CCI Advisors will discuss the Affordable
Care Act. 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 - October
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.
- 13 -

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/20333.

Monthly job openings list that lists several pages in the Chester County area is available at
http://chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/20362. 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 Assistance for Companion Pet Owners
Animal House Project, known as the Chester County Pet Food Pantry, has expanded
assistance from Chester County to pet owners in Berks and Western Montgomery counties.

The organization distributes donated pet food, pet care items, and veterinary vouchers for
spaying/neutering and vaccines, when available, to families in crisis or within 200% of
federal poverty guidelines.

During the first six months of this year, the food pantry reports distribution of more than
12 tons of dry and over 6,000 cans of pet food to owners in need. Distribution is available
one Saturday a month in both Pottstown and through a mobile pantry in Downingtown.
Donation drop-offs are available at several locations.

Further information and applications are available at www.animalhouseproject.org,
info@animalhouseproject.org or (484) 558-0467.


Chesco Library System Launches Free Mobile App
The Chester County Library System has launched a new mobile app for its libraries to
provide easy access to library accounts and many other library services.

The app includes functions such as full account and catalog access to place holds and renew
materials, an ISBN barcode search, Ask a Librarian feature, access to databases and
resources such as the Power Library, Mango Languages and Refer Web for health and
human service information in Chester County, new releases and top recommendations, and
individual libraries social media pages, blogs, and calendars of events.

Mobile users also can access OverDrive directly to download eBooks and eAudiobooks and
read eMagazines through the librarys digital magazine distribution service, Flipster.

Further information and download links are available through www.ccls.org.


- 14 -
UPDATED LAST WEEK: Free Depression Screening Available Online
An anonymous self-test for depression, available online, helps one to determine whether he
or she may need assistance for health issue that affects a significant number of adults and
youth each year and can lead to significant physical health problems.

Help Yourself Help Others information and online test are available at
http://screening.mentalhealthscreening.org/hyho.


Drug Overdose Deaths Escalate in All Areas of Pennsylvania
A new report by The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a legislative agency of the Pennsylvania
General Assembly Drug, finds that overdose deaths have escalated, now impacingt one in
four Pennsylvania families.

Some of the other findings in the report, Heroin: Combating this Growing Epidemic in
Pennsylvania, include:

The epidemic continues to impact both rural and urban communities in every corner
of the Commonwealth.

Approximately 80 percent of people who abused heroin reported abusing prescription
opioids before starting to abuse heroin.

Overdose deaths have increased by 470 percent, rising from 2.7 to 15.4 per
thousand over the last two decades, according to he Pennsylvania Department of
Health.

Heroin and opioid abuse has claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 Pennsylvanians during
the past five years, according to the Pennsylvania Coroners Association. More
Pennsylvania adults ages 20 to 44 are dying from drug overdoses than motor vehicle
accidents.

Increased use of heroin, often having roots in the abuse of prescription painkillers
like Vicodin and OxyContin, has catapulted Pennsylvania to seventh in the nation for
drug-related overdose deaths in the latest federal statistics from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Center reports that mitigation must center around three components: public awareness,
coalition action, and data and evaluation.

The report, which makes more than 20 recommendations, two components of which are
before the Pennsylvania legislature, is available at
http://www.rural.palegislature.us/documents/reports/heroin_report2014.pdf.


Forum Video Explores Local Aspects of Ferguson, Mo.
A local video, "How Do We Take Steps to Keep What Happened in Ferguson, MO, from
Happening in Our Own Backyard", has been posted to the web.

The recording was made during a Building Bridges community forum hosted by St. Paul's
Baptist Church in West Chester last month and appears at
www.3ctvlive.com/building_bridges_forum_8_27_14.cfm.

- 15 -
Dozens of community residents heard from West Chester Police Chief Scott Bohn,
Coatesville Police Chief John Laufer and West Goshen Township Community Relations Officer
Michael Cotter as they answered questions such as:

How should we, as citizens, respond when questioned while driving or walking by law
enforcement officers and what is the normal procedure.

What are our rights as citizens?

What questions can we ask and what answers can we challenge civilly?

How can we dismantle the fears that some, particularly African American males,
might have when approached by law enforcement officers?

Do your police departments have ongoing sensitivity training?

We are hearing that law enforcement officers are trained to shoot to kill. Can you
speak to this matter?

How can we as citizens build better bridges with law enforcement officers?

The chiefs said that law enforcement officers have similar apprehensions as those
experienced by common citizens to being stopped by police.

Officers indicated that similar forums should take place throughout the county to aid in
better communication between law enforcement and the public.


Third Phase of Chester County Trail Opens
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Ellen Ferretti
and Chester County officials have opened 1.2 miles of the Chester County Trail extending
west from the Exton Park site on Church Farm Lane, off Business Route 30, to Iron Lake
Boulevard and Main Street at the Exton retail area.

The addition brings the total Trail length in Chester County to 13.5 miles. The project
included the rebuilding of approximately half a mile of an unpaved demonstration trail
section between Ship Road and the Exton Park site, and a signalized trail crossing of
Business Route 30 and North Ship Road.

When complete, the final length of the Chester County portion of the Chester Valley Trail
will be approximately 18.5 miles, from County Line Road west into Downingtown, to connect
with the Struble Trail. From County Line Road east, Montgomery County is working to
complete a planned connection with the Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown.

Further information on the addition is available at http://pa-
chestercounty.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/402, with information on the 13.5
miles of current trail, along with an additional extension of five miles, at
www.chesco.org/index.aspx?NID=1239.


- 16 -
Save the Children Rates Pennsylvania Unsatisfactory in Emergency Planning for
Children with Disabilities; Parents, Too
As National Preparedness Month kicks off with a reminder to Be Informed, Make a Plan and
Build a Kit for emergencies for oneself and families, the international Save the Children
organization says that Pennsylvania rates unsatisfactorily when it comes to have a plan to
address needs of children with disabilities and functional needs.

It also says parents also are leaving all children at risk, on average spending five times
more energy on back-to-school than disaster planning with their kids and family.

Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, winter storms and earthquakes are being
highlighted this month by emergency preparedness agencies, along with awareness by
businesses and kids as to what to do if a potential disaster strikes or is about to strike.

Information on the Save the Children report card is available at
https://www.facebook.com/TransformationIni/posts/726811254050795.

More information about the observance, including National Prepareathon Day on Tuesday,
September 30, is available at
http://www.community.fema.gov/connect.ti/AmericasPrepareathon.

Planning information is available at www.ready.gov, including how to prepare a community
and letting others know about the importance of this life-saving focus.

Chester County also has introduced a new website, READY ChesCo, at www.readychesco.org
as part of the observance.


Special Enrollment for Health Insurance Marketplace Available
Although next years open enrollment for federal health insurance coverage under the
Health Insurance Marketplace wont start until November 15, one may qualify for special
enrollment provisions due to special life circumstances.

Qualifying life events for special enrollment include, but are not limited to:
Marriage or divorce.
Having a baby, adopting a child, or placing a child for adoption or foster care.
A change in residence, gaining citizenship, or leaving incarceration.
Losing other health coverage due to losing job-based coverage, the end of an
individual policy plan year in 2014, COBRA expiration, aging off a parents plan,
losing eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP, and similar circumstances not involving
voluntarily ending coverage or losing coverage that doesnt qualify as minimum
essential coverage.
Having a change in income or household status that affects eligibility for premium
tax credits or cost-sharing reductions for people already enrolled in Marketplace
coverage.
Gaining status as a member of an Indian tribe.

Further information, including an online screening tool, is available at
www.healthcare.gov/how-can-i-get-coverage-outside-of-open-enrollment/#part=2, or at
(800) 318-2596.


- 17 -
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.

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:
- 18 -
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.