Category: Uncategorized

Kids’ Update: Learn about Our Government

~ clancygirl1 ~ Leave a comment

2020 is an election year, and that makes it a perfect time to learn more about Our Government. Join Ben Franklin as he takes you on a tour of all the branches of government and teaches you about how they work. Meet Ben at Ben’s Guide to the U.S. Government!

In As Fast as Words Could Fly, Mason is a young man who’s making a difference.

The Youth Services Staff at the Chester County Library and Hankin Branch are presenting Virtual Storytimes beginning April 27th. They will be for three different ages groups — 0 to 2 Year Olds, 3 & 4 Year Olds, and 5 & 6 Year Olds. Registration is required via the Events Calendar at https://chescolibraries.org/. Virtual Storytimes are not registered as multi-week sessions; you will need to register for each storytime individually.

How to Access Benefits during COVID-19

~ lshupp13 ~ Leave a comment

If you lost a job or your hours were cut because of COVID-19, you may be eligible for SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, cash assistance (TANF), or heating bill assistance (LIHEAP).

If you need to apply for benefits or need to apply for additional benefits, please apply online using Compass, by downloading the MyCompass mobile app, or by calling 800-692-7462. All of Pennsylvania’s County Assistance Offices are closed to the public, but they are processing applications.

If you don’t have paperwork from your job (such as pay stubs or a letter about your hours), you should explain your loss of income in your own words. You can do that in the comments section of Compass.

If any of your benefits are cut (Social Security, SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, and / or LIHEAP) or your application is denied, contact Legal Aid of Southeastern PA or call their helpline at 877-429-5994 for free legal aid.

For more information about what is needed to apply, check out this video by Maternal and Child Health Consortium.

LGBTQ+ Youth Support Groups

~ lshupp13 ~ Leave a comment

The Phoenixville and West Chester area LGBTQ+ youth support groups (also known as SPOT and Rainbow Phoenix) are continuing to meet virtually via Zoom! 

These meetings will be primarily for LGBTQIA+ identifying youth ages 14-18 and are facilitated by trained staff and volunteers from Planned Parenthood Southeast PA in partnership with the LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County. If you are interested in joining our virtual meetings or have any questions please contact us at spot@ppsp.org 

Happy Census Day!

~ Jamie ~ Leave a comment

Census DayHappy Census Day!

Has your household completed the Census yet? According to the map below from the U.S. Census Bureau, 46.6% of Chester County residents have responded to the Census so far. Replies to the Census determine the number of seats our state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives, how billions of dollars in federal funding is allocated, and even how your local library receives funding and allocates collection resources. For more information on how the U.S. Census Bureau is handling the Census during the COVID-19 pandemic, and general information on why the Census matters and how to respond, they’ve posted an update on their website here.

You can complete your household’s Census at my2020census.gov using your Census ID from your invitation letter or your home address, or you can call the Census Bureau and speak to a Census representative in the language you’re most comfortable with.

County Dashboard

 

Tour Museums Virtually!

~ lshupp13 ~ Leave a comment

Wish you could get out of the house but know you should stay inside? Why not take a virtual tour of a museum! Below are a few of our local museums that are offering online tours and learning!

Academy of Natural Science Online Exhibits and Science From Home

Barnes Foundation Collection and Take Out (virtual art talks)

Brandywine River Museum of Art Virtual Tours

Elmwood Park Zoo Zoo School Live

Jenkins Arboretum: Jenkins at Home

Longwood Gardens Virtual Garden Tours

National Museum of Natural History Virtual Tours

Philadelphia Zoo at 2 Facebook Live Series

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania Virtual Tours

Valley Forge National Historic Park Virtual Tours

As well as a lot more across the world!

2-1-1 Referral Service

~ lshupp13 ~ Leave a comment

Chester County residents are encouraged to use 2-1-1 for accessing referrals to a variety of services and resources. This includes assistance for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
2-1-1 is a free and confidential service where you can speak to a live person 24/7. There are over 150 languages to choose from and an expert navigator will guide referrals related to:

  • Homeless Services
  • Housing / Shelter
  • Food / Meals
  • Health / Dental
  • Clothing / Household Items
  • Substance Use Disorder Services
  • Disability Services
  • Employment / Income / Financial Assistance
  • Family
  • Mental Health
  • Older Adults
  • Transportation

Make Sure You’re Counted

~ Jamie ~ Leave a comment

Census website banner2

While we’re all at home practicing good social distancing, now is a great time to respond to the 2020 Census. Why does the Census matter? A report from Pennsylvania Health Access Network (PHAN), citing data from a George Washington University study, indicates that should Pennsylvania’s population be undercounted by just 1%, the state would lose $221.8 million, or $1,746 per person, in federal funds each year for the next ten years. According to the study, Pennsylvania is the second most vulnerable state in the country in terms of federal funds that could be lost from an undercount.

You may have already received your invitation letter in the mail with your Census ID; you can use this ID to go to my2020census.gov and fill out your Census response (you can also look up your address if you don’t have your Census ID). You also have the option of responding by phone at 1-844-330-2020.

Please remember that everyone counts in the Census. Regardless of your status, if you are here in the U.S., you should be counted. Help shape our community in the years to come by participating in the Census.