Free Income Tax Preparation Site - January 29th to April 15th
CAADC will be operating a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. The free site will operate out of the Wesley House located at 701 Madison Street in Chester, PA 19013. Volunteers that have been certified by the IRS as Volunteer Tax Preparers will be assisting with completion of returns. The site will begin operation on January 29th and continue through April 15th. Days and hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday from 2 PM – 7 PM and on Saturdays from 9 AM – 1 PM.
This VITA site is targeting assisting people eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC). There are a limited number of slots open to the public. Assistance will only be available by appointment. Please contact Jennifer Levy at (610) 891-6327 to schedule an appointment.
National Community Action Month - May 2008
May is National Community Action Month. In recognition of it, CAADC is partnering with Brodeur's on State Street (in Media) to help the homeless of Delaware County.
Tuesday May 6th: Happy Hour 5-7 p.m. For every drink sold, Brodeur's will donate $1.00 to help the homeless. There will be drawings, Quizzo games and prizes.
May 12th-16th: Purchase any soup or dessert and Brodeur's will donate $1.00 to help the homeless.
May 19th-23rd: Purchase any appetizer and Brodeur's will donate $1.00 to help the homeless.
Friday May 30th - Join us for a special business lunch and Brodeur's will donate $1.00 to CAADC for every lunch purchased that day.
There will also be donation canisters at the PA Wine and Spirit Stores.
Flags will also be on display on the streets of Media.
Swarthmore Charity Fun Fair - Sunday April 20, 2008
The Swarthmore Charity Fun Fair is a community event in the village of Swarthmore that includes a parade, entertainment on three different stages, a food court, plus booths raising money for charities. It is on Sunday April 20th from 1-5 p.m. CAADC will have a booth for the fourth year in a row.
Life Center Programs
6:30 - 8:30 PM Meal Program each night for residents and the community.
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Shower Program Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for individuals that are homeless.
National Community Action Month Kick-off Event: May 6, 2008
MEDIA, PA – Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC) will begin celebrating National Community Action Month on Tuesday May 6th with a kick-off event at Brodeur’s on State Street (1 West State Street in Media, PA 19063). The event is from 5 PM – 7 PM and over 150 guests are expected. In addition, there will be many great prizes given away including Phillies tickets. National Community Action Month is meant to highlight the over 1,000 Community Action Agencies nationwide that are helping people and changing lives and to increase national visibility of the country’s largest anti-poverty network.
“Our National Community Action Month event has several purposes – we are celebrating our success stores, but we also want to call attention to the ever growing problems of poverty,” said Edward T. Coleman, Chief Executive Officer of CAADC. “We take pride in what we’ve accomplished offering much needed services to Delaware County’s low-income families, but many of our neighbors do not realize poverty is a problem here. We want to show local residents that poverty is, unfortunately, a very real part of life for some families, but with programs like ours, these families can achieve financial stability.
CAADC, a non-profit corporation, has been Delaware County’s designated anti-poverty agency since 1979. This past year, the agency provided a wide range of services aimed at encouraging self-sufficiency for over 7,500 economically disadvantaged individuals. CAADC’s website is www.caadc.org.
Several corporations are partnering with CAADC to support National Community Action Month. They include Comcast, Commerce Bank, ConocoPhillips, Crozer-Keystone Health System, DNB First Bank, First Keystone Bank, Fischer Cunnane & Associates, Inc., The Henderson Group, Kimberly- Clark Corporation, and PECO. Brodeur’s on State Street will also sponsor a series of events donating a portion of their receipts to CAADC throughout National Community Action Month.
Comcast and Local Corporations Volunteering at Shelter and Childcare
Delaware County – Employees from local corporations will be volunteering their time at the Wesley House Shelter and Kidz First Early Childhood Learning Center as part of Comcast Cares Day. On Saturday May 3rd from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., over 150 volunteers are expected to help plant flowers/shrubbery and clean up in and outside of these facilities. Employees from the Comcast family of companies, Crozer-Keystone Health System and ConocoPhillips will be participating. The Wesley House Shelter is a 68-bed emergency shelter facility for homeless families in Delaware County. The Kidz First Early Childhood Learning Center focuses on the special needs of families from homeless shelters and transitional housing facilities. Both entities, located at 701 Madison Street in Chester, are part of Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC).
Edward T. Coleman, Chief Executive Officer of CAADC, stated “This is an amazing effort by these corporations to help homeless families and shows that they truly care about the communities in which they operate.”
Comcast Cares Day is a day of service organized by Comcast for its employees, families and friends. This is part of a company-wide initiative to benefit the community. Employees from the Comcast family of companies that will be participating at these sites include Ed Stefanski, President and General Manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, and Jon Litner, President of Comcast SportsNet.
May is National Community Action Month - April 24, 2008
MEDIA, PA - Flags will be flying on State Street during the entire month of May as the Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC) celebrates National Community Action Month. The observance begins with a kick-off party hosted by Brodeur’s on State Street in Media on May 6th from 5:00 pm – 7 pm. Edward T. Coleman, Chief Executive Officer of CAADC hopes that throughout the month-long festivities, “the public will keep in mind the folks CAADC serves.” He added, “ Many people may not realize the economic uncertainty their neighbors are facing, so this is a time for fellowship and to learn how we can all work together to fight poverty.”
CAADC, a non-profit corporation, has been Delaware County’s designated anti-poverty agency since 1979. This past year, the agency provided a wide range of services aimed at encouraging self-sufficiency for over 7,500 economically disadvantaged individuals. CAADC’s website is www.caadc.org.
Several corporations are partnering with CAADC to support National Community Action Month. They include Comcast, Commerce Bank, ConocoPhillips, Crozer-Keystone Health System, DNB First Bank, First Keystone Bank, Fischer Cunnane & Associates, Inc., The Henderson Group, Kimberly- Clark Corporation, and PECO.
Brodeur’s on State Street will also sponsor a series of events donating a portion of their receipts to CAADC throughout National Community Action Month. In addition, Pennsylvania’s Wine and Spirit stores Delaware County will have donation canisters at their registers for CAADC all during May. Contact Deborah Lamborn at 610-891-6326 for more details.
Program Matching Dollar for Dollar Receives More Slots - April 8, 2008
Delaware County -The Family Savings Account Program (FSAP), operated by the Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC), was recently renewed for 35 additional slots for residents of Delaware County. Edward T. Coleman, Chief Executive Officer of CAADC, hopes that by saving through this program families can work toward their dream of a college education or home ownership. Furthermore, he said, “A really nice part of the FSAP is that it matches the amount that a family saves dollar for dollar.”
The FSAP is an innovative initiative designed to promote self-sufficiency for lower income residents. To date, 54 participants have successfully graduated from the program. A limited number of new slots are now available. Benefits of the program also include the opening of a bank account, financial workshops, budget counseling, and technical assistance specific to an identified goal.
Delaware County residents, that meet the income guidelines, will develop an “Approved Plan” that includes their goal for savings. Goals must be eligible uses such as education, purchase of a home, purchase of a car, participation in an entrepreneurial activity, enrollment of a child in day care to enable participation in job training, and other work-related activities.
Participants must save a minimum of $10 per week for at least one year. The FSAP matches dollar for dollar up to $1,000 per year. Savers can remain in the program for two years so there is a potential match of $2,000. Participants have up to three years to spend the money.
For a confidential screening to find out if you qualify please call Terrance Capers, Monday through Friday, at 610-874-8451. Mr. Capers is also available to speak to community groups about the program.
The FSA Program is a key component of the Governor’s Project for Community Building and is funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. CAADC, a non-profit corporation, has been Delaware County’s designated anti-poverty agency since 1979. The Agency provides a wide range of services aimed at encouraging self-sufficiency for low-income individuals. The Agency’s website is www.caadc.org.
Program Putting Food on the Table Reaches Milestone - March 20, 2008
Delaware County - There are many families in Delaware County that cannot afford to sufficiently provide a healthy and nutritious diet for their children. These families often do not realize that even though they are working that they may be eligible for Food Stamps. The Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC) continues to help these families through the Food Stamp Participation Project.
The Food Stamp Participation Project recently reached a milestone as it has now helped over 2,500 people enroll in the Food Stamp Program in Delaware County. The Project is an outreach program to assist low-income individuals, including seniors, and families in understanding and applying for participation in the Food Stamp Program.
The mission of the Food Stamp Program, administered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to ensure that all Americans have access to a healthy, nutritious diet. CAADC is responsible for increasing public awareness and participation in the program. Assistance is given in the application process as well.
Edward T. Coleman, Chief Executive Officer of CAADC, stated, “Many families pay so much towards rent and utility costs that they can’t afford a healthy and plentiful diet. Food Stamps can help them reach this vital goal for themselves and their children.”
Many people who would be eligible for the Food Stamp Program do not apply because they believe that that have to be on Welfare to be receiving Food Stamps or because they do not want to use paper food stamps at a grocery store. However, participants do not have to be receiving Welfare benefits to be eligible. In addition, participants now use a card similar to a bank ATM card instead of paper stamps.
A crucial benefit of the program is an improved healthy and nutritious diet for a family. In addition, Food Stamps can be a valuable addition to a family’s budget when facing economic hardships.
Everyone Must File Tax Return for Economic Stimulus Payment - March 8, 2008
Media – President Bush’s 168-billion-dollar economic stimulus package will provide additional tax-rebate checks for over 130 million Americans. However, many eligible citizens who do not usually file a tax return may not receive the rebate as they are not aware they need to file. Groups such as Social Security recipients and those who receive veteran benefits often do not file tax returns. In 2007, if a person had at least $3,000 from wages, self-employment, Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, veterans’ disability compensation, or pension or survivors’ benefits, they are eligible to receive between $300-$1,200 in non-taxable rebates. However, a tax return must be filed to be eligible. In Delaware County there is free assistance through 5 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites to assist residents with preparing their tax forms. Residents needing assistance should call one of the following VITA sites to set up an appointment:
Chester Education Foundation (610) 364-1212
Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (610) 891-6327
Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (610) 619-7002
North Chester Baptist Church (610) 619-7002
Pathways PA Mobile Site (800) 209-2914
Crozer-Keystone Health System Supports the Life Center - February 26, 2008
Media, PA --- Crozer-Keystone Health System recently donated $5,000 to the Life Center of Eastern Delaware County to support its nightly feeding program. The Life Center, operated by the Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC), is a fifty (50)-bed emergency shelter facility serving homeless individuals in Delaware County. The Life Center’s nightly feeding program 365 days a year provides a complete hot and nutritious dinner to residents of the shelter and other needy persons. Approximately 150-200 persons are given a meal each night (over 70,000 meals per year).
Edward T. Coleman, Chief Executive Officer of CAADC, stated “this generous donation from Crozer-Keystone Health System will help feed homeless individuals and needy families. It shows they truly care about their community. We are very grateful for their support.”
M&T Bank Supports Community Action Agency - February 11, 2008
Media, PA --- M&T Bank has donated $8,500 to the Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC) to support their Case Management Programs. CAADC provides a wide range of services aimed at encouraging self-sufficiency for low-income individuals including emergency shelter, transitional housing, employment and training programs, etc. This contribution will be used to support counseling activities for these low-income families facing a crisis.
Edward T. Coleman, Chief Executive Officer of CAADC, stated “this extremely generous donation from M&T Bank will help families that have become homeless or lost their job as they try to find new employment or to establish a new home. We are very grateful for their support.”
Letter to the Editor - Thank You for the Holiday Season
January 10, 2008
Mr. Phil Heron
Editor
Delaware County Daily Times
500 Mildred Avenue
Primos, PA 19018
Dear Mr. Heron:
Now that the holiday season has come to a close, we at Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. feel it is appropriate to recognize the many donors who helped make this holiday season warm and bright for our less fortunate neighbors.
Through the generosity of over 180 individuals, businesses, faith-based organizations, and schools, we were able to assist over 1500 children, adults and seniors this holiday season. We provided a free Thanksgiving meal to homeless and other needy persons. Over 100 volunteers cooked turkeys, baked pies, and served 636 dinners. For many families, this was the first nutritious, home-cooked meal they had in a long time. Many more dinners were delivered to homebound seniors and families. Our Christmas celebration was equally successful. Through the generosity of over 80 donors, 868 children and their parents celebrated a Christmas that would not have otherwise been possible.
In addition to individuals and faith-based organizations too numerous to mention, we would like to extend a special thanks to the following businesses that made donations, sponsored holiday parties and collected toys:
• ACE INA Foundation
• Allstate
• American Eagle Savings Bank
• Beth Israel
• The Boeing Company
• Brodeur’s On State Street
• Catholic Health East
• The Coffee Station, Morton
• The Coffee Station, Boothwyn
• Comcast
• Community Outreach Project
• Covanta Energy
• Curves for Women
• Delaware County Bar Association
• Delaware County Office of Community Service
• Delaware County Office of Judicial Support
• Delaware Valley Children’s Charity Fund
• Delcora
• Dunkin Donuts
• Fox & Roach Charities
• Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union
• Galantino Supply
• The Henderson Group
• Hollywood Video In Folsom
• Holy Spirit Lutheran Church
• Hope United Methodist Church
• Ice Works
• Keller Williams Real Estate
• The Office of State Representative Thomas H. Killion
• Lansdowne YMCA
• Marple Christian Church
• Media Elementary School
• Morton Savings Bank
• Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church
• New Birth Fellowship Church
• New Hope United Holy Baptist Church
• Ohev Shalom
• Sentry Federal Credit Union
• Springfield Mall
• State Farm
• St. Marks United Methodist Church
• State Farm, Concordville
• Suburban West Realtors Assoc.
• Trinity Lutheran Church
• Wagner Real Estate
• The Way Thru Christ Church
• Widener University
• Worrrall Elementary School
The good news is through the generosity of hundreds of county residents, the total value of this year’s efforts exceeded $100,000. As there is no public funding available for these events, our Agency staff and the community volunteered their time and located the resources necessary to make this a joyous holiday season. This is truly a testament to the caring and generosity that exists in Delaware County.
The bad news is there are over 1500 needy County residents who required our assistance during this holiday season. This represents a 27% increase compared to last year’s holiday season.
We ask that you continue to remember your less fortunate neighbors during the rest of the year and share your good fortune long after the holiday season has faded.
Sincerely,
Edward T. Coleman
Executive Director
Donations Warehouse Needs Help from the Community - January 18, 2008
Media, PA --- The Donations Warehouse, operated by the Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC), has a significant need for furniture donations especially bedroom furniture and dinette sets. The Donations Warehouse, which opened in 1998, picks-up donated furniture and then delivers it to homeless families leaving shelters, fire victims and victims of domestic abuse. The program has now helped over 1,600 families including the delivery of over 19,000 pieces of furniture.
Edward T. Coleman, Executive Director of Community Action Agency, stated, “We are extremely proud of this program and all of the families that have benefited from it. It is truly a community effort. Continued assistance from the community will allow us to keep helping our neighbors in need.”
The Donations Warehouse, located in Folcroft, operates solely on donations from the community. The furniture needs to be in good shape. To make a donation call (610) 522-9611 and leave a message and someone will call you back to arrange a pick-up appointment. All donations are tax deductible.
CAA Running a Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Site - January 15, 2008
Media, PA --- The Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC) will be operating a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site for a second year. The free site will operate out of the Wesley House located at 701 Madison Street in Chester, PA 19013. Volunteers that have been certified by the IRS as Volunteer Tax Preparers will be assisting with completion of returns.
The site will begin operation on January 29th and continue through April 15th. Days and hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday from 2 PM – 7 PM and on Saturdays from 9 AM – 1 PM.
This VITA site is targeting assisting people eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC). There are a limited number of slots open to the public. Assistance will only be available by appointment. Please contact Jennifer Levy at (610) 891-6327 to schedule an appointment.
ACME Markets Supports Community Action Agency - November 29, 2007
MEDIA- The Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC) recently received a $2,000 donation from ACME Markets to support needy families in crisis with food assistance. The Agency will use the donation to purchase ACME Food Certificates which will be used to help CAADC clients such as homeless shelter families, transitional housing clients, fire victims, victims of domestic violence etc. Edward T. Coleman, Executive Director of CAADC, stated “This generous contribution truly shows ACME Market’s commitment to its community and will greatly assist our clients.”
