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Monthly News & Updates
December 2023
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Dear Kristyn,
We wish you a joyful and peace-filled holiday season, and look forward to serving and working with you in 2024!
As we get closer to ending this year and preparing for the next, we share this reflection and hope: “Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all. Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all. Let each know that for each the body, the mind and the soul have been freed to fulfill themselves.” - Nelson Mandela
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,
Kristyn DiDominick, Executive Director
Payal Mohan, Associate Director
Board of Directors
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Coming up with the Collaborative! | | |
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1/23 Leveling Up: From Building Intercultural Competence to Practicing Cultural Humility
All are welcome at this second session! Attendance at the first session is not a pre-requisite. We will share session one materials in advance.
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2024 B-JEDI Series!
Belonging - Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
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Thank You to our Sponsors and Funders! | |
Bucks-Mont Collaborative Sponsors | | |
Bucks-Mont Collaborative Funders | | |
Montgomery County Commissioner Jamila H. Winder shares her holiday wishes with you! Enjoy this holiday message and wish for a joyful season and a happy New Year! | |
Upcoming Community Events | | |
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Nonprofit Law: Year in Review
Wednesday, December 13th
1:30 - 3:00 PM
Join Nonprofit Issues® editor Don Kramer for his annual review of key developments in nonprofit law, one of their most popular webinars of the year. There have been a string of important developments affecting the sector, including updates on IRS activity, issues for Officer & Directors, charitable solicitation updates and more.
Learn more and sign up!
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Board Chair Online Forum
Tuesdays | January 9, February 13, & March 12, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
So, you’ve landed yourself in the Board Chair seat. Now what? Whether you’ve just begun in this role, have been doing it awhile, or are the Chair-Elect, you are sure to have questions. Your governing board has ultimate corporate accountability, yet only meets for a limited number of hours each year. How will you do it all and do it well?
Learn more and sign up!
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RSVP: New, User-Friendly Website!
RSVP Volunteers launched its new website on November 16, 2023. The website is a fresh, user-friendly source for community members to find information about volunteering, free public programs, and more. The new website provides easy navigation for various audiences that RSVP Volunteers serves. An accessibility badge helps visitors use the website with features like contrast settings, a screen reader, a text magnifier, and more. Check out this new site, and connect with RSVP for volunteer opportunities throughout the region!
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Share-A-Ride rogram
Check out the Share-A-Ride program for travel options, greener travel and how you can access the Emergency Ride Home program. Options such as carpools, vanpools, public transportation, biking, walking and telecommuting options help improve air quality, and you can earn rewards by tracking your trips. Learn more!
Thank you to the Partnership TMA of Montgomery County for sharing!
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National Low-Income Housing Coalition
Post-Disaster Equity Guide for Local Officials Rebuilding Communities
FEMA has released its first-ever Post-Disaster Equity Guide for Local Officials Rebuilding Communities. The publication provides guidance for local officials working to understand and prepare for disaster recovery efforts, with an emphasis on promoting equity and accountability. The guide is organized around eight goals and addresses approaches for engaging with and identifying the needs of communities to ensure an accessible, inclusive, and equitable recovery. Read more!
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Literacy Council of Norristown's Digital Navigator Program is up and running!
This program helps the community get access to basic tech support, computer classes, educational programs, telehealth, and so much more! Learn more.
There are two easy ways to get connected:
• Call the toll-free hotline: 2-1-1
• Walk in during their Digital Navigator Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00am - 8:00pm. You’ll meet their new Digital Navigators, Jonatas and Alex!
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The nINA Collective are the amazing trainers of our region’s Racial Equity Learning Community, administered by Bucks-Mont Collaborative, Interagency Council of Norristown, and Tri-County Community Network. Check out these book recommendations if you, your team, and/or organization are seeking a book club or reading circle focused on equity and/or justice-related topics!
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The College Student Basic Needs Program announces its inaugural Executive Director, Wendy Gaynor, effective January 1, 2024!
“Wendy is a seasoned professional with a broad background in food and housing insecurity with a passion for the programs CSBNP has already developed and plans to launch to support under-resourced college students,” said John Kepner, CSBNP’s Senior Project Advisor, who headed up the Search Committee, working with Dunleavy & Associates.
The College Student Basic Needs Program helps under-resourced college students experiencing food and housing insecurity and lacking other resources to meet basic needs to stay in school, succeed academically, graduate, and obtain better paying employment. Learn more!
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Coalition Against Hunger
Household Food Insecurity Rates in the U in 2022
“In October 2023, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released their report, Household Food Insecurity Rates in the United States in 2022. The results are sobering and show that food insecurity rates have increased significantly. 44.2 million individuals lived in households experiencing food insecurity in 2022. The overall food insecurity rate rose to 12.8%, up from 10.2% in 2021. Food insecurity among households with children also rose, and there continue to be stark racial disparities among households, with American Indian or Alaska Native, Black, Hispanic, or multiracial families experiencing substantially higher food insecurity.
These alarming trends are consistent with the poverty data released in September, which showed poverty rising sharply in 2022 compared to 2021. These trends are likely driven by the end of Pandemic-related policies and programs that helped families put food on the table including the expanded Child Tax Credit and flexibilities that allowed many schools to provide free meals for all students. Despite the enormous upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity remained steady in 2020 (10.5%) and 2021 (10.2%). This data shows us the effectiveness of programs enacted during the pandemic and the consequences of allowing them to expire. Poverty and food insecurity are policy choices.”
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The Open Link Introduces their New Executive Director!
The board of directors of The Open Link is excited to announce the appointment of Marianne G. Lynch as Executive Director. Lynch brings a myriad of non-profit experience to the position including serving as the executive director of A Woman’s Place in Bucks County, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties and other human service non-profits. "I am both honored and thrilled to be able to lead The Open Link in this next chapter! As someone who has worked with communities to increase access to food, housing and safety, I hope to bring this experience to the position as we tackle challenges facing the Upper Perkiomen Valley. Needs such as access to affordable and nutritious food, the struggles of our growing senior community, and housing access and affordability are areas where I plan to prioritize our efforts. I am humbled by the community's support of TOL and I look forward to serving the wonderful people who call Upper Perk home."
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Save the Date!
January 24, 2024, 9 - 10:30 am, Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22, Doylestown, PA
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Foundations Community Partnership:
Two Opportunities
Target Funding-General Operating Support Grants range in value up to $50,000 and support non-profit organizations focused on the behavioral health and human service needs of children, young adults, and families in Bucks County, Pa. Click here to learn more about this grant program and its eligibility requirements. Submit your LOI via FCP's online grant management system by January 15, 2024. Only submissions that fully meet the criteria will be reviewed. Questions? Contact FCP.
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As part of the FCP mission to support collaboration and help nonprofits cost-effectively provide services, two meeting spaces are available at their Doylestown office free of charge to current/past FCP grantees and applicants as well as other 501(c)(3) organizations serving Bucks County children, young adults, and families.
Click here for more information about the available spaces, amenities, rental requirements, and to submit a reservation request.
Thank you to Foundations Community Partnership for this resource and opportunity!
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Thanks to Representative Greg Scott for sharing these funding opportunities!
Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program Local Solicitation
Funds for the proposed program shall be used to address gun violence and implement projects that support one or more of the Priority Areas, Objectives, and Proposed Approaches from the PCCD FY 2022-2023 Byrne SCIP Funding Plan.
Funds: $3,524,428 in federal FY 22-23 Byrne SCIP local and Under $10k Share funds are available. PCCD expects to fund approximately 18 grants with budgets not over $200,000 for a 24-month period.
Application Deadline: December 20, 2023
More information: PCCD Website
Department of Community and Economic Development: Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant
Projects must focus on the development and deployment of workforce training programs for individuals with barriers to employment, engage youth or those with barriers in awareness-building activities of manufacturing career opportunities, and advance capacity for local or regional manufacturers to meet the needs of local and regional manufacturers that cannot be met through existing programs such as WEDnet and Industry Partnerships.
Funds: Funds are available on an annual basis and vary based on recommendations and constraints set in the annual budget.
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on an ongoing basis as long as funds remain available.
More information: DCED Website
Department of Environmental Protection: Cooking in Healthy Electrified Commercial Kitchens Rebate
Eligible equipment that is energy star certified and combustion-free (electric), demand control kitchen ventilation systems and induction ranges, cooktops, woks, griddles, and electrical infrastructure upgrades to accommodate additional electrical load.
Funds: Approximately $150,000 is available under this program with a maximum rebate of $8,500 per applicant.
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a first come, first served basis as long as funds remain available, latest December 31, 2023.
More information: DEP Website
Council on the Arts: Entry to Arts Organizations and Arts Programs
This program is the entry point for organizations or programs to enter the Arts Organizations and Arts Programs track. Eligible uses of funds include, but are not limited to, operating, programming or project expenditures.
Application Deadline: Feb. 15, 2024
More information: Arts Website
Council on the Arts: Arts Organizations and Arts Programs
Eligible uses of funds include but are not limited to, operating, programming or project expenditures.
Application Deadline: Jan. 17, 2024
More information: Arts Website
Historical & Museum Commission: Empowered History Micro-Grant Program
Enable communities to preserve and share their history through purchases that capture, preserve or disseminate community history, such as but not limited to, archival boxes, digital projects, educational materials, equipment to improve storage, and more.
Funds: Grants will be awarded in amounts between $100 and $1,000
Application Deadline: Jan. 31, 2024
More information: PHMC Website
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Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter
The holidays are often filled with sharing, laughter and memories, but they can also bring stress, disappointment or sadness. A person living with Alzheimer's may feel a special sense of loss during the holidays because of the changes he or she has experienced. Caregivers may feel overwhelmed by maintaining traditions while providing care and adhering to safety precautions. Read tips and ideas for safely enjoying time with family and friends during the holidays. Read the article here.
And see what events are happening near you:
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Check out these in-person programs from the
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Food, Housing, and Financial Resources | | |
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Thank you to Your Way Home for sharing these financial assistance programs!
LIHEAP: The 2023-2024 LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) application season is open. LIHEAP helps Pennsylvanians with their heating bills in the winter months. If you or someone you know needs help keeping their home safe and warm, visit their website. Applicants must meet income guidelines for 2023-2024.
Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs) help low-income residential customers keep their utility service. CAPs can help lower monthly bills, and may reduce or remove the amount someone already owes. To find out if you are eligible and how to apply, visit their website.
Budget Billing PECO: PECO allows for Budget Billing, in which customers pay a set amount each month no matter the season. Find out more about this billing option.
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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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