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Monthly News & Updates
August 2023
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Good morning,
A reflection for today: "Breathe the sweetness that hovers in August.” – Denise Levertov
Please continue to keep us informed of what's happening with you in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. The information here comes from you, with links to our website for more complete information and resources. Send your events and updates to Kristyn: [email protected]. Thank you!
Warmly,
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Coming up with the Collaborative! |
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Save the Date!
The State of Education in PA
September 12
10-11:30am, Zoom
Presenters:
Children First & Education Law Center
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9/20 In-Person Networking
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Thank You to our Sponsors and Funders! |
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Bucks-Mont Collaborative Sponsors |
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Bucks-Mont Collaborative Funders |
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Upcoming Community Events |
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A Photo ID Clinic will be held on Saturday, August 12th from 10 am -12 pm at the Hospitality Center, 530 Church Street, Norristown. Referring organizations are requested to support the fees associated with photo IDs and birth certificates.
If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Williams at 610-945-6398 or [email protected].
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SEPTA Open Data Portal
SEPTA recently launched its Open Data Portal, a catalog of financial, ridership, mapping, and other useful data.
Thank you to TMA Bucks for sharing!
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The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Montgomery County has announced the establishment of the Horsham Business Association (HBA), a new program aimed at fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration among businesses in the Horsham community and throughout the Greater Montgomery County area. Learn more!
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Would you like to learn more about Restorative Practices? Tune in to Restorative Works! with podcasts every Thursday!
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Catalyst Center for Nonprofit Management
Thank you to the Catalyst Center for sharing your recent webinars with all of us on Board Basics of Governance and Understanding Nonprofit Financial Statements! These are available on the Training & Events page of their website and are free to view. They make excellent trainings for board meetings. Either of these workshops can be customized for organizations. Contact Liz Vibber [email protected] for more information.
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Reinventing the E.R. for America’s Mental-Health Crisis, New Yorker Magazine
Empath units are advancing a radically new approach to psychiatric emergencies. It seems to be working.
“…The mental-health unit where Mitlyng works is one of only a few dozen Empath units, short for Emergency Psychiatry Assessment, Treatment, and Healing. Such units, which were invented about a decade ago, vary in size, staffing, and design, but the core concept is that, instead of leaving patients to languish in an emergency room, caregivers offer them a calm communal environment where they can receive a comprehensive evaluation, start therapy, and, if needed, receive medication”… Read more. Thank you to Tend to Hope for sharing!
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The Chronicle of Philanthropy
In July, Meta launched Threads, a new text-based social-media platform. It’s the latest in a parade of social-media apps vying to replace Twitter — now rebranded as X — which some nonprofits quit after billionaire Elon Musk bought it in 2022. Other competitors, such as Mastodon and Bluesky, have so far failed to attract the volume of chatter that occurred on Twitter, and now X. But users’ quick adoption of Threads — 100 million people joined the platform in its first five days — has some wondering if this will be the app to finally supplant Twitter. Read more…
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Continuing Emergency Rental Assistance: How Jurisdictions Are Building on Treasury’s ERA Program
NLIHC and the Housing Initiative at Penn released in July a new report, Continuing Emergency Rental Assistance: How Jurisdictions Are Building on Treasury’s ERA Program. Drawing on survey data and semi-structured interviews, the report examines which components of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s (Treasury) Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program are being retained by state and local jurisdictions, as well as the factors leading to their retention.
The report finds that nearly half of surveyed jurisdictions will continue to provide emergency rental assistance beyond the depletion of Treasury ERA funds. Those jurisdictions not continuing to provide assistance cited lack of a dedicated funding source and lack of staff capacity as barriers. Many jurisdictions that are continuing to provide assistance plan to retain components of their Treasury ERA programs, like flexibilities and court partnerships, in their continuing ERA programs. In PA, treasury ERA programs are open in 40% of counties.
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Stanford Social Innovation Review
Explore their series on power building!
“Since the founding of the United States, generations of structural racism and inequity have denied marginalized communities the power to determine the conditions and opportunities that contributed to poverty, inequality, and injustices. ‘Power building’ works to support communities to organize, advocate, agitate, and gain power to influence government, markets, and society. As we’ve explained in ‘Philanthropic Investment in People Power,’ power building ‘presuppose[s] that sustainable shifts in the rights, benefits, and opportunities available to low-income and racial minority communities are possible only when those communities have the power and voice to secure the changes they seek."
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Legislative Leaders Will Not Appeal To The PA Supreme Court In The School Funding Lawsuit
House Minority Leader Bryan Cutler and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward will not appeal Commonwealth Court’s decision finding that Pennsylvania’s public school funding system violates the state constitution. July 2023
“The work of developing and implementing a new system that ensures adequate and equitable funding can begin with the state’s Basic Education Funding Commission. State leaders have promised to develop a plan in time for next year’s state budget process that includes a determination of what level of resources schools need to provide every student with the educational opportunities our constitution promises. We know that our state is currently missing the mark by billions of dollars. And while basic education funding is the state’s biggest responsibility, a remedy must also address special education, pre-K and school facilities.”
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TMA Bucks has partnered with Doylestown Borough and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission to install a “pop-up” bike/pedestrian lane on Doyle Street in Doylestown Borough this September!
This project is made possible through the Travel Options Program by DVRPC which allows TMA Bucks to demonstrate a bike/pedestrian lane where Doylestown Borough residents can safely bike separate from motor vehicles. They need you to get involved if you are bicyclist, walker/runner, trail user or outdoor enthusiast, and let them know your thoughts by taking this quick survey before they launch the event! You will only need a few minutes. Access the survey here.
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PHAN released in late July their new report, Healthcare Networks Inadequate to Serve All: Causes and Solutions in Pennsylvania.
By law, health plans must provide their members with reasonable access to in-network providers and services. Yet many Pennsylvanians face delays of months or even years in scheduling appointments as well as excessively long driving distances to treatment locations.
Their new report discusses what happens when health plan networks are inadequate to serve their members, why this happens, and what the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can do about it. Read this report or review the 1-page summary. |
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CMS Releases First Round of Medicaid and CHIP Renewals Data
On July 28, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its first monthly data report on Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) eligibility renewals. These data will inform the Biden-Harris Administration’s critical work to help ensure eligible people stay covered, and to help ensure people no longer eligible for Medicaid or CHIP to transition to a range of other coverage options, including affordable health insurance through HealthCare.gov and state Marketplaces.
The data detail updates from the 18 states that had completed at least one cohort of renewals by April 30, 2023, highlighting how many people kept their Medicaid and CHIP coverage, as well as the number of people who were disenrolled from coverage. CMS is also releasing data on state Medicaid call centers, including average wait times and the number of people who disconnected before speaking to a customer service representative. In addition, CMS is releasing HealthCare.gov Marketplace data on consumers who were previously enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP that came to the HealthCare.gov and applied for coverage and State-based Marketplaces (SBM) data on consumers who transitioned to SBM coverage following a Medicaid or CHIP redetermination.
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New Videos: SNAP and Medicaid Work for Workers!
To demonstrate the value of SNAP and Medicaid, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) traveled to Pittsburgh and talked to workers, including a cashier, a personal health aide, and several grocery store workers. Their stories carry common themes. The realities of their work—including low wages, unreliable hours, and no paid sick leave or benefits like health insurance—make programs such as SNAP and Medicaid essential to keep them healthy, working, and providing for their families.
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Lawmakers launch bipartisan Pennsylvania Charitable Nonprofit Caucus, June 2023
“State Rep. Abigail Salisbury joined colleagues for a news conference in the Capitol Rotunda on June 21 to launch the Pennsylvania Charitable Nonprofit Caucus – a bicameral, bipartisan group formed to support and promote the commonwealth’s thousands of charitable nonprofit organizations. Salisbury said the new group will help ensure that Pennsylvania’s charitable nonprofits have the legislative support they need to continue their essential work, which strengthens communities and bolsters small businesses.” Learn more!
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Digital ID Credential Could Help Those With Greatest Need Get Benefits
“The COVID-19 pandemic had few silver linings but one small one might be the advantages of easing access—using telephone and digital processes—for social welfare benefit application and management. Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health researcher Peter Muennig has published a new article making the case for a national digital credential in the U.S. as well as doing some preliminary trials of such a system in New York City during the pandemic.” Read more.
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The America250PA Montgomery County Kickoff Photo Contest has been extended to Tuesday, September 12 th, 2023. Get involved and encourage your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors to get out there and take pictures of wonderful Montgomery County. The contest rules and entry submission information can all be found on this website. |
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Share Your Story with Along the Way
Stories are impactful and connect us to others. Stories stir our hearts and compel us to act. Along the Way asks you to share your story as a vehicle for change. When you share what connects you to their work & mission, you have the power to inspire others & contribute to a societal narrative that caring for each other is important work. Plus, they’ll give you the edited footage of your own public narrative to use as you wish! Learn more and share your story.
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The Research Justice Institute (RJI) at the Coalition of Communities of Color has launched a new series, Community Briefs, which shares their research work beyond dominant institutional partners with all to transform systems. These briefs share important learnings and findings about how to put data equity and data justice into practice through short, accessible, and informative summaries of the work they’ve done. They have launched this series with two briefs.
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Distracted Driving Is More Dangerous Than People Realize, New Research Shows
Thank you to TMA Bucks for sharing!
Multitasking can occupy attention longer than people anticipate. In 2021 more than 3,500 drivers in the U.S. alone died in traffic crashes linked to distracted driving. Using a cell phone is the primary source of distraction, but entering navigational information, trying to eat and performing other such activities can be just as risky. A new study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied suggests that distracted driving is even more unsafe than previously thought. Read more here.
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PANO Message and Opportunity
“Pennsylvania lawmakers and nonprofit professionals relaunched Pennsylvania’s Charitable Nonprofit Caucus on June 21, 2023! Co-chaired by Representatives Abigail Salisbury and Joe Hogan as well as Senators Jay Costa and Lynda Schlegel Culver, this bicameral, bipartisan caucus will help ensure that PA's nonprofit community has the legislative support we need to carry out our critical missions.
What this means is that all nonprofits – regardless of size:
- Will be at the table to develop legislative and regulatory solutions to the challenging issues we are collectively seeking to address.
- Will have the legislative support we need to carry out our missions.
ACTION NEEDED: Because this is an opportunity we don’t want to miss, we are asking you to reach out to your state representative and senator – particularly those who champion your work – to ask them to serve on this important caucus. To find your state senator/representative, click here and type in the address of your organization.
If they have not yet joined, suggested language includes: Because you support the work that we do at [name your organization], we ask that you consider joining your colleagues on Pennsylvania’s Charitable Nonprofit Caucus. This bicameral, bipartisan caucus is co-chaired by Representatives Abigail Salisbury and Joe Hogan, as well as Senators Jay Costa and Lynda Schlegel Culver. We believe that you can help us and other nonprofits in our district to get the legislative support we need to carry out our mission. To join this nonprofit caucus, please reach out to any of the caucus chairs to let them know that you would like to join.”
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PA Broadband Development Authority (PBDA)
PBDA is working towards bringing reliable, high-speed internet for all, along with advancing support and resources to improve digital access and skills to increase economic and social opportunities for all PA residents. As PA seeks to close the digital divide across our state, PBDA is creating a 5-Year Action Plan and Digital Equity Plans for Pennsylvanians.
Your input is needed to provide vital support to the Commonwealth’s strategies. A digital access survey has been created for Pennsylvanians that will help guide where upcoming funding should be focused to meet individual and community needs across the state. Contribute to this survey!
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Wissahickon Valley Public Library
The Wissahickon Valley Public Library is dedicated to providing inclusive and accessible services for everyone in their community. To better understand the needs and interests of their disabled patrons, they are conducting an anonymous survey specifically tailored to gather valuable feedback.
By participating in this survey, you will have a direct impact on helping WVPL to identify necessary accommodations for an inclusive library experience and shape programs that match interests. If you have any questions or require assistance in completing this survey, please feel free to reach out to their friendly library staff. Paper copies are also available at the circulation desk. Take and share this survey here!
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HealthSpark Foundation
Safety Net Initiative
Opening September 5! HealthSpark will be accepting applications to their Safety Net Initiative. This fund will provide general operating support to organizations that are helping to build a better safety net system in Montgomery County.
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Thank you to the Montgomery County Planning Commission for sharing these two grant opportunities!
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Foundations Community Partnership
Partnership in Youth Services Grant
Partnership in Youth Services Grants (PYS) award up to $4,500 to non-profit organizations. This grant program recognizes and supports organizations that are dedicated to helping solve community problems, and enhancing the quality of the lives of children, young adults, and families in Bucks County, Pa. In addition, it gives preference to nonprofits applying to FCP for the first time and those that have not applied in the past 5 years. Applications are due August 15, 2023
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Access mammogram vouchers and the Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program! |
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Take a mindful moment with this “unequal ratio” breathing technique shared by the Campaign for Trauma Informed Policy and Practice. This can help diminish stress and regulate your nervous system. Simply lie down somewhere comfortable and quiet on your back, and bring the soles of the feet together and let the knees open out (reclining butterfly) or spread the feet wider than the shoulders and allow the knees to knock into each other.
#1 Place one hand on your belly and the other over your chest.
#2 Take a full inhale through the nose and then a full exhale out the mouth.
#3Inhale for four counts.
#4 Hold for four counts.
#5 Exhale for eight counts.
#6 Hold for four counts.
#7 Repeat for 10 cycles.
#8 When finished, take several moments to notice the effects of the practice before returning to your day.
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Thank you to NAMI for these articles and information on
“How Culture & Identity Intersect with Mental Health.”
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Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter
View these upcoming education programs, support groups and special events. Registration is required via the link or "register" button, visiting alz.org/crf or calling 800.272.3900. Looking for virtual options? On demand e-learning is also available with options for Spanish language. Want to engage with the Alzheimer's Association? Contact them to host/schedule a program for your community members or staff, become a volunteer, or schedule an awareness presentation.
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In-Person and Virtual Webinars |
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Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
In partnership with the Salvation Kroc Center
4200 Wissahickon Ave. Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, 8/16 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Register
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Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
In partnership with Davisville Senior Apts.
500 Davisville Rd. Willow Grove, PA
Wednesday, 8/16 2:00 to 2:30 p.m. Register
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Healthy Living for Your Brain and Body
In partnership with
Ridley Township Public Library - 100 E. MacDade Blvd. Folsom, PA
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10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
In collaboration with Chester County Hospital
Thursday, 9/21
12:15 to 1:00 p.m.
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Effective Communication Strategies
In partnership with Modern Maturity Caregiver Resource Center
Wednesday, 9/27
1:00 to 1:30 p.m
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Understanding & Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors
In partnership with Modern Maturity Caregiver Resource Center
Wednesday, 9/27 12:00 to 12:30p.m.
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Understanding Alzheimer's & Dementia
In collaboration with Chester County Hospital
Thursday, 9/28
6:00 to 7:00p.m.
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So much is happening at Generations!
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Check out these in-person programs from the
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August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) and the Montgomery County Immunization Coalition (MCIC) has launched their campaign to bring attention to the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages! These NIAM social media images are available in 6 languages - English, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Nepali and Spanish - to make it easy for you to get the word out to your community. Thanks to Jaisohn Center and ACLAMO for their translation! You can also find the social media images and sample text on their webpage. Help share this information with our community! |
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Food, Housing, and Financial Resources |
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Thank you for joining us and for supporting your fellow members.
See you next month!
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Bucks-Mont Collaborative
We produce results-oriented impact on health and human services issues in our community through education, collaboration, and advocacy.
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