May Meeting Highlights:
Our guest speakers included Hillary Kane and Eden Kainer of https://phennd.org/ who helped us learn about the AmeriCorps programs that can help efficiently add to a non-profit team. Learn more by reaching out to them directly at hillarya@phennd.org or ekainer87@phennd.org and please send anyone interested in volunteering (including retirees and adults of all ages) their way as well.
Next, Dr. Gary Davis of ChesPenn https://www.chespenn.org/ gave us important health-related insights that we can pass along to those we serve, including:
ChesPenn (125 E. 9th Street in Chester) is one of 14 Federally Qualified Health Centers in the area and provides medical and dental services for the un- and under-insured. “You may think you are not eligible, but you are.”
Many families have been delaying care for typical health needs like long-standing childhood immunizations, dental care, cancer screenings, cardiac issues, gynecology, pneumonia symptoms, diabetes management, etc and may be at great risk for bad outcomes as a result. “Preventative medicine is half the ball game. Folks need to put these types of appointments back into their calendars.”
Anyone disinclined to get the COVID vaccine: please consider who will be affected if you got COVID? Please ask your medical provider for whatever information will make you more comfortable in educating yourself about the vaccine, as “getting the vaccine is what we all need in order to get to where we want to be” in terms of ending the pandemic. Many typical questions are addressed on this page and in the video at the bottom: https://www.chespenn.org/coronavirus-information/
“Masks are necessary in any populations that include people who may not have yet been vaccinated.”
Dr. John Alston treated us to a powerful, uplifting performance and informed us that the Chester Children’s Chorus’ wonderful summer program has room for more 2nd and 3rd graders. It includes door-to-door transportation, music, math, dance, science, swim and so much more. View the video at https://www.swarthmore.edu/chester-childrens-chorus for more information. Call 610-348-8234 or email edenofi1@swarthmore.edu to schedule an audition. Please spread the word among the families you serve.
Gerry Gonzalez encouraged us all to attend the June 9 9:30AM meeting of DARN, the Delco Area Resource Network: https://zoom.us/j/9663060386 Email him at wGGonzalez@cgrc.org with questions.
Tina Jackson encouraged us all to attend the June 14 10:30 AM CHIP Chat. Contact her at 267.762.8027 or TLJackson@HPPlans.com with questions.
Our next meeting will be June 15 at 10AM and will feature Steven Williams, Associate Director of Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) www.psaydn.org on American Recovery Plan funding available in collaboration with our work with schools.