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Monthly News & Updates
January 2023
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Greetings!
A reflection for today: “You are a part of me I do not yet know.”
- Valarie Kaur, See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love
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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Join Us! In-Person Networking and Collaborative Connections
January 26, 8-9am
The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center, 1286 Veterans Hw, Suite D-6, Bristol, PA 19007
Collaborative Connections is a new, quarterly networking series to dedicate time to connect with one another in-person. Come ready to catch up, share updates and needs, and simply be together!
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B-JEDI Training Series
Belonging - Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
February 14, 10am-12pm, Zoom
Constructive Conflict in High-Performing Organizations with trainer: Dr. Quaiser Abdullah, CPC
This series is co-hosted with ICN and TCN, and is free and open to this region due to the generosity of the Series Sponsor, the United Way of Bucks County. Thank you! Each workshop will deepen your learning as a standalone training, with greatest impact through series participation.
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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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See more from Joan Garry here.
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New Season of Talking Data Equity Has Kicked Off!
We All Count
There are so many working on different aspects of embedding equity in our data work but it can also make you feel alone or overwhelmed. Talking Data Equity is a free, informal live session held most Fridays where they either discuss a specific topic or have a special guest share their expertise. Folks joining include beginners, experts, researchers, data consumers, and everything in between. Learn more and add this series to your calendar!
Here’s what’s coming up:
January 20th: Bayesian methods and data equity. Heather will share some beginner examples of what Bayesian analysis is and then move into some of the more advanced aspects of how to use these tools.
January 27th: Data equity and measuring disparity. The pros and cons of looking at “gaps” in outcomes, what it means to set a group as the default comparison group, and more disparity measures.
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Breaking Biases: Building Bridges for Inclusion
1/19 10:30-11:30am
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Conversation: Community Health Needs Assessment
1/24, 9:00-10:00am
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Is My Non Profit Ready for Corporate Sponsorship?
2/2, 10-11am
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Prospering Through Change: Management, Mindset and Motives
2/21 11:00am-Noon
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Next-Level Storytelling Tactics for Nonprofits
3/15 10am-11am
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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the REAL ID enforcement date by 24 months, from May 3, 2023, to May 7, 2025.
As of May 7, 2025, you will need to present a federally accepted form of identification to board a commercial domestic flight or visit a secure federal building that requires ID at the door. Federally accepted forms of identification include a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, or a military ID.
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6 Digital Marketing Trends to Prepare for in 2023
Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce: RevLocal
2023 will bring digital marketers new opportunities and new challenges unlike years past. Read on to learn how to equip your organization for success in the new year!
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Population and Clinical Database Resources
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
The NIDCD Epidemiology and Statistics Program team has compiled a list of databases that may be useful to investigators interested in NIDCD mission areas. Epidemiological studies and surveys provide a wealth of data related to the prevalence, incidence, risk factors, and preventive interventions for diseases related to hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, or language. Much of the data from these studies are publicly available for scientists to leverage as a part of their own research.
Check out NIDCD’s new Population and Clinical Database Resources webpage to browse example databases by topic, read about the study cohorts for each dataset, and learn how to access the data for your own research. Explore the databases. Thank you to ICN for sharing!
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SEPTA Key Tix
SEPTA is launching SEPTA Key Tix, which is a mobile ticketing pilot program that offers riders an easy-to-use option to purchase tickets for one or more people using a smartphone. Learn more about join the beta program! |
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Major Nutrition Program Changes
Coalition Against Hunger
The federal spending bill ( Consolidated Appropriations Act), signed into law in late December 2022, includes several important provisions that will impact many in our region.
1) SNAP Emergency Allotments are ending in February 2023
2) SNAP Skimming Fix
3) Permanent Summer EBT beginning summer 2024
4) WIC Cash Value Benefit (CVB) Increase Extended
5) Medicaid Continuous Coverage Ending
Please note this important message by the Coalition, with a “hear, hear!” by the Collaborative: “One of the major provisions in the bill creates a permanent Summer EBT Program, starting in summer 2024. While this is a win for children, who miss out on school meals in the summer months, this program is partially paid for by prematurely ending Emergency Allotments, the extra SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) payments that families have been receiving in the second half of each month. We are incredibly disappointed by the premature ending of Emergency Allotments, which have served as a lifeline for families throughout the pandemic, and we know this cut will result in hardship for SNAP participants. While we are excited by the creation of the permanent Summer EBT program, anti-hunger programs cannot be funded by cuts to other existing anti-hunger programs. Taking money from SNAP to pay for a Summer EBT program will not ultimately solve the issue of food insecurity.”
– Coalition Against Hunger, January 13, 2023
Thank you to the Coalition Against Hunger for these updates! Read more here.
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The Homes For All partnership is asking for feedback from voters and taxpayers on issues of housing affordability.
In this brief survey, respondents will be asked to share a little about themselves and their opinions on the current state of housing in Montgomery County. Topics include what voters and taxpayers think affordable housing is, why they think some people have a hard time finding housing in the county, and their thoughts about the current state of housing in their community.
Those who complete the survey and are willing to participate in a 30-minute interview will receive $50 upon interview completion (if they are selected for an interview). This information and these responses will not be shared with anyone outside the County's research team. Have your voice heard by completing the survey here.
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Your Way Home 2022 Annual Feedback Survey
Your Way Home (YWH) is currently gathering responses to the 2022 Annual Feedback Survey. This survey is designed to collect feedback from YWH clients and people experiencing homelessness in Montgomery County. Please share!
To ensure anonymity, provider agencies should not read the results of collected paper surveys. The client should be handed an envelope with the survey, and the clients should hand the survey back in a sealed envelope. Please collect completed paper surveys by Friday, February 3rd and deliver them to the drop box at the 3rd floor Office of Housing and Community Development at the Human Services Center (1430 DeKalb Street, Norristown PA) by Friday, February 10th, at 2pm.
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PA Health Access Network (PHAN)
If you have given birth to a baby in the past 6 years, PHAN want to hear from you! They’re collecting information from Pennsylvanians about their experiences seeking different types of care following the birth of a baby. This short survey should take about 5 minutes to complete, and by filling it out, you'll be entered to win one of two $100 Visa gift cards that they’ll be raffling off later this month. Your answers and information will be kept strictly confidential. They will only be sharing the information anonymously to influence policy. Take this survey
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Thanks to Jefferson Health – Abington
for sharing these wellness resources with all of us!
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On March 20, Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities will be hosting the Reading Hospital Mobile Mammography Coach.
See flyers on how to register
*registration is required.
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Where are We in the Fight Against Drug Overdose?
Lakeside Blog, Gerry Vassar
“With so many issues like COVID and the mental health crisis flooding our media we can easily find that we have ignored other significant issues like the prevalence of drug overdoses. Many of these overdoses are in our youth community. Statistics like this are not just numbers. They are tragedies, traumas and devastation to those who are impacted by the losses to their family. We have not received statistics from 2022 but the 2021 numbers of deaths due to overdoses rose by 15% from 2020.” Read more. |
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Generations
Financial Counseling
3rd Wednesdays monthly,
1:00pm - 4:00pm, by Appt.
A Financial Analyst with Univest Bank provides a free review of your investments.
The Analyst can also assist with creating a budget that works for you, regardless of your assets. Call for an appointment: 215-723-1930.
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The Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter continues to offer virtual, in-person and on-demand options for community education as well as in-person, Zoom and conference call options for caregiver support groups.
Please see these flyers for their full listing of caregiver support groups and education programs. To register, call 800.272.3900 or use the links embedded in the flyers.
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Check out these in-person programs from the
Greater Harleysville and North Penn Senior Services!
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Strengthening Families Program
Child and Family Focus, Inc
Child and Family Focus, Inc. is bringing a free, award-winning, evidence-based prevention program, Strengthening Families, for parents/caregivers and youth ages 10-14 (SFP 10-14) to Bucks County families back-to-back!
Group 1: Bensalem High School beginning Thursday, January 19, 2023-Thursday, March 2, 2023, from 5:30-8PM Est. Click here to sign up.
Group 2: Virtual via Zoom beginning Saturday, February 4, 2023-Saturday, March 18, 2023, from 9:30-11:30AM Est. Click here to sign up.
This program has been running for nearly 30 years across the world and they are grateful and excited to provide this program to all Bucks County residents. Strengthening Families provides young people with several tools to succeed as they transition through the pre-teen/teen years often associated with many mental, physical, and emotional changes. In this program, while youth are learning and growing amongst their peers, parents/caregivers are learning and growing amongst other parents/caregivers caring for the same aged youth. The World Health Organization named Strengthening Families Program 10-14 the number one prevention program out of 6,000 programs analyzed for long-term effects on substance use and misuse. Program outcomes can be seen on the website, here.
The program is funded by Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission, Inc and is available at no cost to families. Childcare will be provided to younger youth as well for the Bensalem group. They are accepting families on a first come, first serve basis. Interest beyond capacity will be added to a waiting list. Topics covered include peer pressure resistance, reducing stress, finding our family values, better communication skills, problem solving, goal setting, and understanding each other better. Let’s share!
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COVID-19 and Flu Information and Updates |
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Please see this COVID test resource and message
Thank you to the Montgomery County Office of Public Health!
"As higher rates of respiratory illness continue to affect our communities, Montgomery County is pleased to make COVID-19 at-home test kits available for community organizations serving residents at higher risk for COVID and severe illness.
Request Tests: Please use this link to request tests. Tests are packaged 300 to a case. Please request in increments of 300 where possible.
About the At-Home Tests: Tests are recommended for use when a person is feeling sick and needs to know if they have COVID-19. Additional information about at-home tests can be found here. Tests available through the County are Acon FlowFlex, single test to a box, with an expiration date currently listed as February 2023. Please note that expiration dates for at-home antigen tests are sometimes extended. Extended expiration dates are determined by lot number of the test, and can be found by reviewing FDA’s website.
Picking up Tests: Tests will be available for pick-up from the County’s warehouse in Fort Washington on January 24, between 10am and 2pm. Please note: You will receive a confirmation email including (1) the amount of tests available for pick up, and (2) a link to complete a form telling us when your organization can pick up the tests, and (3) address for the County’s warehouse. Please be sure that your vehicle has adequate space to transport requested volume of tests. Please email [email protected] with any questions."
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Get your flu shot yet? It’s not too late!
With flu activity elevated in this region, MCIC is calling for all hands on deck to get out the message that it is not too late to get your flu shot. MCIC has developed social media images to make it easier for you to share this important message with your communities, collaborating with partner organizations to translate the images to four languages, including Chinese, Korean, Hindi, and Spanish. Share and spread the word!
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Provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act that expanded vaccine access for seniors on Medicare drug plans (Part D) went into effect on January 1. For the first time, people aged 65 years and older with Medicare’s prescription drug coverage will pay no deductible and will not be responsible for any cost-sharing for ACIP-recommended vaccines, including shingles vaccine, Tdap, and travel vaccines.
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It’s normal to have questions about vaccines. Voices for Vaccines just launched a free online course where you can learn anything you want to know about vaccines, all at your own pace. Take The Vaccine Quest today.
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MCIC is partnering with Gotwals Elementary School, ACLAMO, Norristown NAACP, Community Hero, Giant Pharmacy & PAIC on a COVID-19 & Flu Vaccine Clinic at the School on January 21. No appointment needed!
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Food, Housing, and Financial Resources |
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Hopeworx, Inc. is looking for ways to support people who are homeless, and is putting together Winter Care Backpacks. Below is a list of items they’d like to include. In addition, notes of encouragement and grocery store gift cards are welcome! You can drop off donations at 1210 Stanbridge St, Suite 600, Norristown, PA 19401. Thank you! |
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Most needed supplies:
Deodorant
Lotions
Bottled water
Gallon / Quart size Ziploc bag
Other necessities:
Hats
Ski mask
Gloves
Hand warmers
Blistex
Travel-size Hand sanitizers
Wipes
Whistles
Other general:
Note of Encouragement
Grocery store gift card
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Non-Perishable Foods needed:
Instant oatmeal packs
Granola bars
Energy bars
Easy Open Pull-Top Lids ready to eat can foods like Tuna, Chicken, Vienna sausage, and sardines
Cracker packs
Trail mix
Raisins and/or Peanuts
Fruit/ applesauce (with spoon)
Gum/hard candy
Hot cocoa/ spiced cider mixes
On-the-go coffee mixes
Tea packets
Beef jerky sticks
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Partnership Grant Program
The United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey (UWGPSNJ)
Through the Partnership Grant Program, UWGPSNJ aims to partner with organizations that can deepen their knowledge of focus areas and the communities that they serve. UWGPSNJ will be offering a funding opportunity opening on January 23, 2023. With their partners, they create bold solutions that break the cycle of poverty. The United Way aims to learn from the funded partners over the course of the grant cycle. The Partnership Grant Program will provide unrestricted grants of $50,000 per year for two years. Between 60 and 80 organizations will be selected in Spring 2023 for the FY24-25 grant cycle. Please visit their website and January’s Common Good issue for more information and to apply in 2023.
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General Operating Fund is Open!
WOMEN’S WAY
Unrestricted funding, up to $10,000/year for 2 years, will be available. Applications will be accepted January 9– February 6, 2023. Decisions will be communicated by mid-March 2023. Priority will be given to organizations that are led by women of color that have budgets of less than $500,000 and those that have not received funding from WOMEN’S WAY between January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022.
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The Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund
HealthSpark Foundation
HealthSpark Foundation is now accepting grant applications to support positive storytelling, leadership development, and community building by and for Black communities in Montgomery County.
The Dr. Frank E. Boston Black Justice Fund addresses the historical exclusion of Black leaders and Black community-serving organizations from tackling the challenges and opportunities facing Montgomery County residents. In honor of its namesake Dr. Frank E. Boston, a Black medical doctor and social entrepreneur who created a hospital and ambulance corps in Lansdale nearly a century ago, the Fund invests in emerging Black leaders in Montgomery County, supports positive storytelling of Black communities across the County, and builds community infrastructure and power in Black communities to advance justice and liberation for all County residents. Learn more and apply by March 17
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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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