April, 2019

It Was A Bowling Boom!

The Bowling Party Fundraiser, held at the Downingtown Bowling Palace on March 15, received rave reviews and raised almost $900 for the 2019 Self-Determination Luncheon. Click for more photos .

Chester County Recognizes Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Chester County's Commissioners showed their support for individuals with developmental disabilities on Tuesday, March 19. As part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the Commissioners issued a Proclamation that said, in part, "Chester County ... strives to support and empower individuals with developmental disabilities to find employment, foster relationships, pursue dreams, and live fulfilled lives as valued and contributing members of their communities." Deputy Administrator of Chester County MHIDD, Bridget Thrash, recalled the days when people with developmental disabilities were institutionalized and noted the contrast to today, where the are "more a part of their community than ever." photo caption, L to R: Commissioners Terence Farrell and Michelle Kichline, Jodi Dill from the Arc of Chester County, Gerald Wheaton , Bridget Thrash, Commissioner Kathi Cozzone.

Chester County's Human Services Block Grant Public Hearings for Public Comment April 8th at 1 PM in Coatesville and April 9 at 4:30 PM in West Chester Click here for flier with details.

Free Screening of the documentary Resilience, the Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope Wednesday, April 24, 6:30 - 8:30 PM at the Fusion Academy, Malvern Click for information and registration.

Next Steps into Adulthood Workshop and Resource Fair From Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Autism Research Center Saturday, April 13, 9:00 - 1:30 Click for information and registration.

Join us for the next SNAP Pizza Fundraiser 291 Main Street, Exton Thursday, May 16 from 5 PM until 9 PM Email Sue Berg at sberg@chesco.org for a printable flier to present when you pay for your meal. SNAP Pizza will donate 50% of proceeds to the 2019 Self-Determination Awards Luncheon.

Sunday, May 19, 2019 Click for information and registration.

What is your vision of a good life? Throughout our lifespan, we all strive for more than just health and safety.  Our conversations need to reflect that. We need to talk about our vision of a good life! Sometimes we start by naming things we don’t want to happen, and then begin to dream about the things we do want to happen. By looking at our own day-to-day experiences, we can quickly see which direction they are leading us. Is it to our vision of a good life? For more information — www.lifecoursetools.com or www.myODP.org , or contact Darcy Elks, Chester County Family Advisor, PA Family Network at delks@visionforequality.org  or call 1-844-PAFAMILY, or 484-459-0538.

Resources & Training Opportunities There are several other county departments who send out community newsletters and announcements just like this one. If you're interested, sign up here . Child and Family Focus offers Behavioral Health Respite services. PA Care Partnership is developing systems that care. Visit their website for training opportunities and resources. Mental Health First Aid classes are being offered in Chester County - Check out the fliers at our website. Refer Web - Chester County's source for human services

Chester County Department of Mental Health / Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities 601 Westtown Road, West Chester, PA www.chesco.org/mhidd Chester County Commissioners Administrator: Linda Cox Deputy Administrator: Bridget Thrash