Citizen Advocacy of Chester County, Inc. initiates one-to-one relationships
between people in the community who have disabilities and their neighbors.
These voluntary relationships help promote, protect, and defend the welfare and
interests of people who are physically or socially at risk or diminished in
status due to society's response to their disability.
Open Hearth, provides innovative programs to help people end the cycle of
homelessness and achieve financial self-sufficiency. Through its own direct
provision of services, as well as an established network of other nonprofits,
Open Hearth supports and empowers people as they acquire affordable housing, a
means of transportation and financial viability.
Open Hearth has established a highly effective program of transitional
housing to assist those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless,
programs that provide financial education and counseling, and information and
social service referral. We are addressing the need for accessibility by
building accessible housing. Additionally, Open Hearth has initiated an
innovative asset development program for all of Chester County. The Family
Savings Partner Program (FSP) builds saving habits for income eligible
individuals by offering a cash savings match for: Home purchase, Home repair,
Car Purchase or Repair, Business, and Education.
Interested in becoming involved? For more information call Open Hearth at
610-792-9282 or e-mail
OpenHearthInc@verizon.net
Orion Communities, Inc.
Orion Communities, Inc. is working to more fully integrate those community
members who have disabilities or are undervalued by the community as a result
of homelessness, poverty, or self-destructive life choices. Orion is doing this
through an active employment project, developing and supporting community
living arrangements for people with disabilities, offering educational
workshops on diversity, coordinating resources for senior citizens, and serving
as a catalyst to bring diverse community groups together to work on relevant
issues.
Sheltering Arms Family Center provides high quality child care in a warm,
caring, home-like environment. Children can simply be children and grow into
their unique individualities according to their natural development. Offering
parent education and support, scholarships, and a sliding scale are only some
of the aspects of the work done toward fulfilling Sheltering Arms’ mission of
building an economically and culturally diverse community.
The Community Coalition expanded its membership in 2002 to include the
Association for the Colonial Theatre (ACT) – a community theatre project that
brings, historic restoration, economic revitalization and hop to the historic
steel town of Phoenixville. ACT enhances the quality of life in the community
by securing the future of the Colonial Theatre and by planning for a future
community arts center that promotes cultural and civic life through the
presentation of film, live theatre, music, dance and other special events. With
the support of the Community Coalition, ACT is confident that the future for
this historic and cultural community treasure is strong and bright. The
Colonial is currently open seven days a week with art and independent film,
children’s programs, classic film and many special community events. A phased
plan for full restoration is currently in the works.
PAPA firmly believes that every day is an opportunity to change a life,
make a difference and shape the future of a child. Since 1995, PAPA has
evolved from five individuals committed to an idea into a positive, effective
and motivating force in the Phoenixville community.
With extraordinary volunteers and community support, PAPA has touched
the lives of so many Phoenixville residents through the Move Ahead After
School Program (elementary school), Fast Forward After School Program
(Middle School), Academic After School Program (High School), Summer
Activities for Enrichment Program, Father's Day Community Celebration,
Summer Basketball League, and PAPA Claus Holiday Celebration.
