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The Delaware County Weekly
Bringing Delco news and information directly to our residents!
—— March 22, 2024 (113th edition) ——
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Fair Acres Geriatric Center Unveils Major Renovation | |
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Delaware County Council was thrilled to join Fair Acres Director William D’Amico and his team, and local elected officials for a ribbon cutting to unveil major a renovation project at the Fair Acres Geriatric Center in Lima on March 21.
The $15 million project included a full renovation of the top three floors of Building 8 of the facility.
“We are extremely proud of this renovation,” said Fair Acres Director William D’Amico. “It allows us to provide a beautiful, safe, and healthy environment for our residents and also our staff who provide exceptional care of the residents they serve each day.
The renovation included:
- A total of 110 beds were renovated
- New HVAC controls, call bells, and televisions were installed
- The fire alarm and sprinkler system were upgraded
- Card access controls were added
- Construction upgrades included flooring, wainscoting, handrails, doors, plumbing and fixtures, electric, paint, and lighting
- All rooms have brand-new furniture, pull curtains, and beds
The renovation also included new resident rooms, resident lounges, nurses’ stations, medical rooms, offices, and employee break rooms.
“This was no small undertaking,” said Council Member Christine Reuther. “It takes planning, strong leadership, a skilled workforce, and it takes money. A project of this magnitude doesn’t just happen. It takes leadership to understand that in order to be successful- we need to invest in the infrastructure and the people.”
Fair Acres is an extraordinary facility. It is the largest skilled nursing facility in Pennsylvania and can accommodate up to 774 residents at any given time.
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America’s Best Nursing Homes for 2024
Recently, they were named one of “America’s Best Nursing Homes for 2024” by Newsweek.
Out of 12,273 nursing homes analyzed across the country, Newsweek selected the top 750 for recognition.
Performance data, peer recommendations, the handling of COVID-19, the facility’s accreditations, and resident satisfaction were taken into consideration.
And Fair Acres ranked 26th among Pennsylvania nursing homes.
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Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, Delaware County Board of Health Chair Rosemarie Halt, and State Senator Tim Kearney check out the refurbished 11th floor of Building 8 | |
Newly refurbished rooms throughout the top three floors of Fair Acres's Building 8 | |
Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer and State Rep. Lisa Borowski tour the space | |
Fair Acres Director William D’Amico and Delaware County Public Works Director Danielle Floyd cut the ribbon to officially open the space for residents! | |
Delaware County Council Recognizes March as National Social Worker Month | |
March is National Social Work Month. It’s a time to recognize, celebrate, and thank those in the field of social work and highlight the countless positive contributions they make in our communities.
The primary mission of social work is to enhance human well-being and help meet both the basic and also the complex needs of all people.
Social workers work with some of our most vulnerable residents- children, people living in poverty, seniors, those who are oppressed, people who have mental health conditions, victims of crimes, abuse survivors, people who are incarcerated, and others.
It takes not only a strong skill set and training but also being empathetic, patient, ethical, dependable, and persistent.
People become social workers because they have a strong desire to help others. Their dedication and work ethic are driven by their compassion and drive to help and empower people. That is truly commendable.
Social workers are on the frontlines of change. Through advocacy, leadership, education, and policy- social workers are dedicated to improving lives, transforming systems, and advancing social justice in all settings.
They are absolutely vital to our communities and the need has become greater and greater.
Social work is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It predicts nearly 800,000 people will work as social workers in the United States by 2032, an increase of seven percent over the decade.
Our county has a team of social workers who work around the clock to ensure that the residents we are serving have the highest quality of life. Their jobs require them to go above and beyond on a daily basis. And they do so with immense dedication.
County Council thanks and commends Delaware County’s team of social workers and also those who work in the field of social work throughout our county.
You are truly changing lives each day and we are grateful for you!
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Rumors About the Former Don Guanella Property Housing Immigrants Are False | |
Recently, rumors about the future of the Don Guanella property in Marple Township have been shared that have absolutely no truth to them. The rumors, shared on a blog, claim that the building on the former Don Guanella property will be converted to house immigrants in Delaware County.
The County is NOT planning to convert the Don Guanella property into a facility to house immigrants.
There is absolutely no truth to this rumor. Rumors and misinformation can fuel immigration paranoia, spread hate, and create fear and we encourage residents to be cautious of rumors that circulate on blogs and social media.
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Delaware County Launches Innovative School Based Assessment Program to Strengthen Behavioral Health Support for Students
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Delaware County has launched its groundbreaking School Based Assessment Program (SBAP), the first program from the County’s Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools initiative designed to provide early identification and intervention for behavioral health* issues among Delaware County students. SBAP accomplishes this by providing crucial support and access to mental health and substance use resources, promoting strong collaboration among schools, families, and students.
Soft-launched in September of 2023, SBAP is a joint initiative by District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Delaware County Council, and the Delaware County Department of Human Services as part of an effort to radically improve the delivery of proactive, preventative mental health and substance use services for school-aged children.
Delaware County understands the value of connecting with students and families in environments where they feel at ease. By deploying an SBAP Program Coordinator for in-person assessments and support directly within schools, throughout the community, or at the students' homes, the initiative fosters a highly personalized and approachable model of care. This ‘Warm Hand Off’ strategy moves beyond conventional boundaries, ensuring that the diverse needs of students are addressed with sensitivity and flexibility.
“Our focus is on proactive and preventative intervention and support,” said Shannon Fitzpatrick Thomas, Court and Community Connections Administrator for the Department of Human Services who also oversees the Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools initiative. “Having a behavioral health professional during school hours that can meet with concerned families and school staff helps remove the stigma associated with seeking help and creates a culture of well-being within our educational institutions and our communities.”
SBAP’s dedicated Program Coordinator, a behavioral health professional, is available Mon. through Fri., 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition, the program also provides treatment linkage, education, support, and resources after hours. Calls are coordinated by the MVP Recovery 24/7 Peer Support Team, ensuring continuous assistance for students and families outside the regular schedule. MVP Recovery’s School Based Assessment Program and their 24/7 Peer Support Team number is 1-855-MVP-2410 (1-855-687-2410).
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First Program from the Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools Initiative
“In the depths of the pandemic we reached out to school superintendents to ask about their most pressing concerns. They were unanimous in pointing to the deteriorating mental health of their students, and the attendant behavioral challenges. Poor attendance, violence, substance abuse – no school was immune from these concerns,” said District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. “With that in mind, we launched the Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools initiative, which is now bearing fruit and providing critical support for our youth. I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone whose contributions have led to this amazing program.”
"We’re excited to see this program take shape,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “As the pioneering effort to emerge from the discussions between Council, District Attorney Stollsteimer, and the many contributing stakeholders under the umbrella term 'Healthy Kids, Healthy Schools,' we are hopeful that it will enable countless young people to access the support and services that can empower them to thrive."
MVP Recovery to Lead Program
MVP Recovery, a Delaware County-based behavioral health provider recognized as one of the most comprehensive state licensed recovery programs in the region, is responsible for the program’s implementation. Over the past several months, MVP Recovery has already begun connecting numerous school-aged youth to immediate inpatient drug and alcohol treatment, mental health treatment, and community supports such as Big Brothers / Big Sisters.
"The SBAP program aims to cultivate a community where behavioral health is at the forefront, ensuring assistance is readily available," Brian Corson, Founder & CEO of MVP Recovery, elaborated. "Providing 24/7 access to a Peer Support Team, including certified peer specialists, will offer substantial recovery and mental health support for both students and families throughout the County."
SBAP Continues During Summer Months
Crucially, the MVP Recovery 24/7 Peer Support Team will continue its operations during the summer, guaranteeing that students requiring behavioral health services can find help even when schools are not in session, thereby maintaining an uninterrupted support system all year round.
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Delaware County Controller’s Office Recognized for Excellence in Financial Reporting | Controller Joanne Phillips and staff awarded prestigious recognition for governmental accounting | |
The Delaware County Controller’s Office, under the leadership of County Controller Joanne Phillips, has been awarded the prestigious “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for their Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022.
The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is considered the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and attainment of the award represents a significant accomplishment for the Delaware County Controller’s Office. Delaware County was 1 of just 14 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties to achieve this honor.
Phillips and her staff have earned the GFOA Certificate of Achievement each year since she took office in 2018. The report is filed annually with securities regulators and assists users of the report, such as investors and rating agencies, to have information needed to make their assessments.
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“Receiving the GFOA's Certificate of Achievement for the 29th consecutive year is a testament to our team's hard work and expertise in accounting principles," said County Controller Joanne Phillips. "Each year, the bar is set higher as new governmental accounting standards are added to make sure the financial reporting reflects the evolving complexities of modern government. It's our commitment to the taxpayers and residents of the County that push us to meet these high standards and present a comprehensive view of our County’s financial health.”
The GFOA commended the Delaware County Controller’s Office, noting their hope that Delaware County’s example would encourage other government officials in their efforts to achieve and maintain an appropriate standard of excellence in financial reporting.
A copy of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: State of the Controller's Office - Statistics for 2022 (linked below), along with other financial reports and audits, are available on the Controller’s Office website at DelcoPA.GOV/Controller.
The GFOA established the Certificate of Achievement to encourage local governments to go beyond minimum accounting requirements to prepare comprehensive and transparent financial reports each year. These reports are filed with official agencies overseeing municipal finance and are used by many stakeholders—creditors, grantors, developers, rating agencies and business owners—to assess the county’s financial position.
Congratulations to the Delaware County Controller's Office!
|  | Click to download the "Annual Comprehensive Financial Report: State of the Controller's Office - Statistics for 2022" PDF | The Delaware County Controller's Office staff, pictured left to right, 1st row: Carolyn DiValerio, Bartoe Massaquoi, Judy Drake, Joanne Phillips, Kelly Diaz, Jeff Powers, Tony Aguirre; 2nd row: Carol Mark, Catherine Coyne, Maureen Dillon, Joshua Affainie, Eilleen Ricketts, Rick Megaro, Debi Henderson, Judy Manata; 3rd row: George McKinley, Andrew Waeckel, and Brian Barrish. Not pictured: Diane Bradley and Anthony Grosso Jr. | |
Calling all Job Seekers! PA CareerLink® Delaware County to Host 3rd Annual Spring Job Fair on Thursday, April 11 at Springfield YMCA | |
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The PA CareerLink® Delaware County, in partnership with Delaware County’s Office of Workforce Development, is hosting a job fair on Thursday, April 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Springfield YMCA, located at 194 West Sproul Road, in Springfield, PA.
The job fair will feature 50 businesses located in Delaware County and the surrounding area looking to fill hundreds of jobs, full-time, part-time, and seasonal help. All job seekers will have the opportunity to meet with Human Resources professionals from small and large companies.
Representatives from various industries will be in attendance including healthcare, retail, hospitality, education, manufacturing, transportation and more.
Job Seekers: Bring Your Resume!
Job seekers are encouraged to dress professionally and to bring copies of their resume. On-site interviews and hiring may occur for some positions. Job seekers can also visit the Resume & Resource Table for help with resumes, job search, and interview tips. If your resume needs tweaking, get advice from an expert, and then print a new copy onsite. Workshops on how to succeed at a job fair will also be held during the event. Want to brush up on your skills prior to the event, check out our list of workshops at www.pacareerlinkdelco.org.
Spring Job Fair Details
Date: Thursday, April 11
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Springfield YMCA, 194 West Sproul Rd, Springfield, PA 19064
Employers: Reserve Your Spot!
Space is limited, so employers are urged to reserve a spot now—registration closes on April 1, 2024. Registered employers receive a six-foot display table and two chairs. There is no registration fee for this event. Go to DelcoPA.Gov/PACL to register your company. For additional information, contact Tracy Kleban at tkleban@edsi.com.
Current Slate of Employers Includes:
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- Always Best Care
- American Wood Design
- Chester Community Charter School
- Clinical Renal Associates
- Commonwealth of PA
- Community Integrated Services
- Community Interactions
- CompeerCORP
- CritiCare Home Health and Nursing Services
- Crozer Health Medical Group
- Deery Enterprises LLC
- Delaware County Community College
- Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health
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- Drexelbrook Catering
- Dunwoody Village
- EDSI
- ESS
- Galantino Supply Co., Inc.
- Harrah's Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack
- Home Instead
- Marquis Health Consulting Services
- Monroe Energy
- Mustang Expediting
- My Independence At Home
- New Life Staffing
- Oliver Heating & Cooling
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- PA Department of Corrections
- Partners In Care At Home LLC
- Perfect Choice Home Care
- Pristine Home Care
- SEPTA
- Substitute Teacher Service Inc.
- Trinity Health at Home/Mercy Home Health
- TruVine Homecare & Staffing Services
- Upper Darby SD
- UPS, Philadelphia Airport
- UTCRAS
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About PA CareerLink® Delaware County
PA CareerLink® Delaware County is a proud member of the American Job Center network, working to connect local employers to our well-skilled workforce. PA CareerLink® offers Delaware County residents access to services ranging from career planning to job training to hiring events.
PA CareerLink® Delaware County helps Delaware County employers recruit, onboard, and train great employees. Employers can also learn about programs to prevent layoffs, tax incentives and special government projects or they can connect to peers through an Industry Partnership group.
Most services are provided free of charge to residents and employers of Delaware County. For more information, please visit them online at www.pacareerlinkdelco.org.
| We hope to see you Thursday, April 11! | |
‘Walk Roll Delco’ Map-based Survey Invites Residents to Identify Dangerous Areas and Barriers to Active Transportation in the County | |
Web-based survey open to residents through March 31 | |
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Delaware County Council and the Delaware County Planning Department are reminding residents to take part in a recently launched map-based “Walk Roll Delco” survey inviting residents to help identify dangerous or insufficient roads, sidewalks, trails, and bridges that are a barrier to where they would like to walk, bike, or roll.
Results of this survey will contribute to the Vision Zero Action Plan and the Active Transportation Plan, which aim to create more walkable communities by improving safe and accessible transportation options for everyone, whether walking, biking, or using a vehicle. Creating a modernized, connected, multimodal traffic network with significantly reduced traffic fatalities and injuries will greatly reduce economic costs associated with traffic crashes and will also improve the public health of the community.
One traffic fatality is one too many, and the Vision Zero Action Plan is the County’s commitment to eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries, recognizing that all road users are vulnerable and that we need to design our transportation system to protect everyone.
The Walk Roll Delco Survey is open to all Delco residents and will remain active on the Planning Department website through March 31, 2024.
“We are working hard to enhance the safety and livability of our communities, and we recognize that the insights and experiences of our residents are invaluable,” said Delaware County Planning Department Director Gina Burritt. “The 'Walk Roll Delco' survey represents a critical step toward reshaping our transportation landscape into one that prioritizes the well-being of all who navigate it.”
With less than 10 days until the survey deadline, we welcome your input!
How to Take the Walk Roll Delco Survey
We want to hear which places YOU wish you could walk, bike, or roll, but currently can’t due safety concerns, maintenance issues, or other barriers.
To take the survey, visit DelcoPA.Gov/WRDSurvey, close the splash screen by clicking “Enter,” and zoom to the section of the Delaware County map that you want to report an issue on. Once you have located the area on the map, select "Report Issue" and choose one of seven categories:
- I want to walk, bike or roll here
- I don't feel safe riding a bike, scooter, or other micromobility device here
- There is a maintenance issue here (e.g., sidewalk needs repair)
- There is a barrier or missing connection that prevents me from riding bike, scooter, or other micromobility device here
- There is a barrier or missing connection that prevents me from walking or using a mobility assistive device (like a wheelchair) here
- There is an accessibility issue here (e.g., missing curb ramp)
- I don't feel safe walking or using a mobility assistive device (like a wheelchair) here!
After selecting the category, click “Next” then click the specific point on the map; be sure to be precise! Finally, just enter you name (optional), zip code, and describe the issue in your own words.
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Questions or comments can be emailed to SpahrC@co.delaware.pa.us.
For more information about the Delaware County Planning Department’s Vision Zero Action Plan, including a variety of efforts to engage the community regarding issues of transportation and safety, visit their website at DelcoPA.Gov/Planning.
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Delaware County Department of Human Services Hosting Free Trauma-Informed Care Trainings | |
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The Delaware County Department of Human Services (DHS) is excited to offer three Trauma-Informed Care training sessions over the next couple of months. These free sessions are designed for caregivers, health and human service professionals, educators, and any Delaware County resident interested in learning more about the impact of trauma on individuals and their community.
Trauma can impact anyone, either directly or indirectly, with effects that may linger and deeply influence one's behavior, relationships, and physical health. A better understanding of trauma, its causes, and its effects can empower individuals and organizations to foster environments that promote healing, resilience, and compassionate support.
Each of the three virtual training sessions, accessible via Zoom, will provide key insights and skills critical to enhancing care and support strategies. Gaining knowledge about trauma, its origins, and effects is a critical step towards fostering healing and providing effective support.
Training sessions will last two and a half hours. Two sessions are scheduled for Thursday, April 4, 2024, and one session for Thursday, June 13, 2024.
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Trauma 101 - Overview of Trauma-Informed Care
April 4, 2024, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Kickstart your learning with an interactive workshop that introduces the groundbreaking Adverse Childhood Experience study. Delve into the basics of brain development, the effects of toxic stress, and explore the four foundational components of trauma-informed care. This session is your first step towards understanding and implementing a trauma-informed approach.
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Trauma 102 - Basic Skills of Trauma-Informed Care
April 4, 2024, 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Building upon the insights from Trauma 101, this session expands your knowledge of trauma and equips you with specific skills. These are designed to enhance your ability to interact in emotionally and relationally healthy ways with those affected by trauma. Learn how to apply these skills in your daily interactions and support those in your care with empathy and understanding.
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Trauma 103 - Recognizing Vicarious & Secondary Trauma for Caregivers
June 13, 2024, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Caregivers are uniquely at risk for vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout. This critical session provides participants with the tools to recognize the signs and symptoms of these conditions in themselves and others. Learn how to navigate these challenges while maintaining your well-being and capacity to care.
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How to Register
Please send your name, agency, and selected training sessions to SystemofCare@delcohsa.org. A Zoom link for each session will be provided a week before the training dates, ensuring that participants can join from anywhere with ease.
Explaining Our ‘System of Care’
DHS embraces a 'System of Care' philosophical approach that encourages collaboration across agencies, families, and youth, aiming to ensure that effective, community-based services — especially those with mental health challenges — are tailored to the unique needs of each individual. These 'Trauma-Informed Care' trainings are a pivotal part of this commitment, designed to equip our community and professionals with the understanding and skills necessary to create a supportive, comprehensive care environment.
By participating in these trainings, individuals and professionals across Delaware County can become integral components of a 'System of Care' that prioritizes holistic, informed, and empathetic support services.
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Dr. Monica Taylor Honored as a “SHE-RO” at Bethany Baptist Church in Chester | |
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Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor was honored to receive special recognition as a ‘Delaware County SHE-RO’ at the Bethany Baptist Church in Chester on Sunday morning as part of the Women’s Ministry at Bethany Baptist Church’s annual Women’s History Month celebration.
Church Deaconess and former Delaware County Park Police Lieutenant Pam Sullivan introduced Dr. Taylor, noting that she was being recognized for her transformative work on behalf of County Council, working to improve government services, establish the County’s Health Department, address issues related to homelessness, affordable housing, and the opioid crisis, and much more.
Dr. Taylor’s earlier work to establish community outreach projects to help high school students learn about jobs in the health care industry, and efforts to introduce Philadelphia school students via Early STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) were also noted as significant contributions to our community worthy of recognition.
“Thank you for this honor. I love what we do at the County level, we help so many people all across Delaware County,” said Chair Taylor. “I’m blessed to be in this position, to be able to do the work that I’m doing, and we can’t do that without community members like you helping us to move our mission forward.”
In the same spirit, Dr. Wendy Towle was honored for her contributions to enhancing educational opportunities within the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District.
Thank you to the congregation and leadership at Bethany Baptist, including Senior Pastor Curtis D. Morris, Dr. Kim D. Morris, and to Rev. Etta Baldwin-Davis for her inspiring sermon—as well as the many devoted members of the church for the honor and a wonderful Sunday morning.
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Senior Pastor Curtis D. Morris and Reverend Dr. Kim D. Morris | |
Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor thanks the congregants of Bethany Baptist | |
Pictured, left to right: Honoree Dr. Wendy Towle, Reverend Dr. Kim D. Morris, Honoree Dr. Monica Taylor and Church Deaconess Pam Sullivan | |
Free Mammogram Screenings Available at the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Center at Yeadon | 99 out of 100 people survive breast cancer when it's detected early | |
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The Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) and Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital are bringing breast cancer awareness and screening services back to Yeadon with free mammogram screenings at the Delaware County Wellness Center at Yeadon, located at 125 Chester Ave. in Yeadon, on Friday, April 5, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
These screenings are a vital step in the early detection and successful treatment of breast cancer and underscore the County’s commitment to the health and well-being of Delaware County residents.
"Early detection through mammogram screening is about finding hope," said Delaware County Health Department Director Melissa Lyon. "Through our continued partnership with Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, we aim to build trust in the communities we serve as well."
All women ages 40 and over, with or without insurance, and with no prior diagnosis of breast cancer, are eligible to register. Registrants will also be able to speak with DCHD staff and discuss other health services offered by DCHD to Delaware County residents.
Appointments are limited, and registration is required for this screening opportunity.
How to Register for an Appointment
To register for an appointment, call the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100, or request an appointment via email at DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.
The Importance of Early Detection
Recent data reveals that in Pennsylvania, women 50 years and older face a risk of invasive breast cancer nearly nine times higher than those under 50. However, early detection significantly increases the chances of survival, with 99 out of 100 people surviving breast cancer when it's detected early. As age increases, so does the risk, making mammogram screenings an indispensable tool in maintaining the health of women in our community.
We encourage all eligible women to take utilize this opportunity for early detection. Together, we can make a significant impact on the health outcomes of our community.
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