Comitta Announces Funding to Support, Restore Clean Streams and Waterways

December 28, 2022

West Chester, Pa (December 28, 2022) – Efforts to support clean streams and waterways in Chester County will receive more than $280,000 in state funding, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.

The funds were awarded to the Chester County Conservation District to help reduce nutrient and sediment pollution and restore the health of local streams, rivers, and waterways.

“Protecting and restoring our streams and rivers is a matter of public health, environmental health, and economic health,” said Comitta, who serves as minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “Clean waterways support local wildlife and biodiversity, they’re a vital source of drinking water, and they’re crucial to tourism and outdoor recreation, like fishing and swimming.”

In addition to supporting these investments, Comitta also supported the passage of a Clean Streams Fund in this year’s state budget. The fund allocated $220 million from federal American Rescue Plan dollars to clean up rivers and streams damaged by non-point source pollution, including agricultural runoff.

Agricultural runoff is a leading cause of sources of water quality impairment in Pennsylvania, impacting more than 6,400 miles of waterways statewide, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) 2022 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring Report.

Nutrient pollution and eroded sediment enter streams, rivers, and lakes from wastewater treatment and a range of human activities on land, including using too much fertilizer, plowing and tilling farm fields, stripping away trees and vegetation, and expanding concrete and paved surfaces.

The grant funding comes as part of $12.2 million in total funding awarded to support pollution reduction programs in 34 counties in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. It comes through DEP’s Countywide Action Plan Implementation Grant program, a key part of Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake Bay Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan.

“In every county, local leaders and partners in agriculture, conservation, and other areas are carrying out measures they’ve determined will have the biggest impact in reducing pollution and bringing the benefits of a healthy watershed to their communities,” said DEP Acting Secretary Ramez Ziadeh. “DEP is committed to doing everything it can to support this unprecedented grassroots action and progress. The 2023 CAP Implementation funding will enable teams to build on their previous years’ successes and launch new projects, accelerating Pennsylvania’s Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan.”

The plan empowers county teams to take control of local water quality improvement, with state and other partners providing as much data, technical assistance, funding, and other support as possible. It encourages and equips counties to develop strategies and projects that will benefit their communities and farmers, municipalities, businesses, and other landowners, while restoring the environment.

Projects and initiatives include not only stream restorations, streambank tree plantings, and livestock crossing installations, but also scaling up forest land conservation, programs that rent no-till equipment to farmers for low or no cost and using repurposed-timber mats to keep cows from compacting muddy areas.

The Chesapeake Bay Watershed spans half the Commonwealth and includes over 12,000 miles of polluted streams and rivers. Like the other jurisdictions in the watershed — New York, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia — Pennsylvania is mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to lower its nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) and sediment pollution levels by 2025. Pennsylvania is required to reduce nitrogen by 32.5 million pounds and phosphorus by 850,000 pounds.

Comitta Announces Funding to Support Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice Services

December 28, 2022

West Chester, Pa (December 28, 2022) – Three Chester County municipalities will receive more than $150,000 in total state funding to support local law enforcement and help prevent crime, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.

The grant funding, which comes through the Local Law Enforcement Support Program, was recently approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). Funding for the program was allocated in this year’s state budget, which Comitta supported.

“The quality of life in our communities depends on a strong system of public safety. Investments in effective policing, an efficient criminal justice system, and important services to prevent crime, support survivors, and assist those with behavioral health needs are essential for residents, children, families, and businesses throughout Chester County,” said Comitta, who previously served as Mayor of the Borough of West Chester, overseeing the West Chester Police Department.

The grants are as follows:

• Oxford Borough will receive $77,000 to integrate LiveScan booking capabilities into the department’s local operations and to support the cost for officers to participate in crisis intervention, mental health crisis response, active shooter, and other critical officer training.

Being in the southernmost portion of Chester County, Oxford police face greater challenges accessing critical support services – including having to travel greater distances for fingerprinting and to provide support services to residents facing mental health or other crises.

“Having Life Scan technical capabilities at our station will save time and resources for our department,” Oxford Borough Police Chief Samuel Iacono said. “It will also allow us to share important information with state, county, and regional agencies leading to better outcomes and a safer community.”

• South Coatesville Borough will receive $30,000 for a new CODY record management system. The new system is more advanced and more efficient. It will allow the department to take advantage of the latest in technology to enhance records management capability while alleviating redundant tasks, like manual data entry.

The CODY system will streamline the department’s ability to generate the required monthly National Incident-Based Reporting System reports to the FBI. It also aligns with the Chester County Department of Emergency Services’ tentative decision to utilize the CODY system for dispatching and maintaining their reports and dispatch records. In addition, the CODY system interfaces with South Coatesville’s body camera system, as well as its automated citation system.

“The CODY system will truly enhance our ability to serve the public more efficiently and increase our visibility on the road by enabling our officers to spend more time patrolling and less time on station typing reports,” South Coatesville Borough Police Chief Kevin Pierce said.

• West Goshen Township will receive $43,200 for an Automated License Plate Reader System.

In addition, the PCCD approved funding to support victims’ services through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act and the Federal Victims of Crime Act. The funds are as follows:

• The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County will receive $55,000 to provide services to survivors of domestic abuse.

“The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County is extremely grateful for the generous grant,” said CEO Dolly Wideman-Scott, Ed.D. “This will assist with sustaining the critical legal services for survivors and increase our outreach and strengthen our partnership with the District Attorney’s office. It takes a community response to address and end domestic violence.

• The Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County (CVC) will receive $698,000 in annual recurring funds to support its operations.

“We are so grateful for this funding that we receive annually to support our work on behalf of victims and their families in Chester County,” said CEO Christine Zaccarelli, Esquire.  “Our victim advocates provide critical services including notifications to victims of their rights, accompaniment to legal proceedings, and support throughout the criminal justice system through our collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office, Chester County Adult Probation and Chester County Juvenile Probation. Our focus continues to be on providing counseling, advocacy, resources and education to our community.”

And the Chester County Commissioners will receive $449,000 in state funding through the Gun Violence Investigation & Prosecution Program to support equipment for and the operations of the coroner’s office for two years. The commissioners will also receive $47,000 in state funds to support a Children’s Advocacy Center assistant.

Comitta Announces $100,000 for Friends Association’s Women’s Reentry Program

December 21, 2022

West Chester, Pa (December 21, 2022) – A program that helps women impacted by incarceration reenter their communities with housing and other support services will receive $100,0000 in state funding, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.

The funding, recently approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), will support the Friends Association’s NIA House Program, which provides holistic re-entry services and transitional and long-term housing options to women impacted by incarceration. 

“Women and their families face unique challenges upon returning to their communities after incarceration,” Comitta said. “This investment will not only pay dividends in reducing recidivism and preventing homelessness, but it will also have an invaluable impact by assisting them on the pathway to long-term healing, empowerment, and economic success. I want to thank the Friends Association for being a leader in implementing this and other forward-thinking programs over its 200-year history.”

The NIA House Program provides a variety of services targeted to address the key factors impacting successful reentry including economic empowerment, long-term housing, trauma-informed support services, peer support, therapeutic experiences, and family reunification. 

“We are grateful for Senator Comitta’s support in securing this grant through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency,” said Jennifer Lopez, Executive Director of Friends Association. “This grant will not only impact the women who arrive at NIA House, it will also produce a positive ripple effect on their families, local communities, and Chester County’s workforce and economy that is nearly impossible to measure.” 

The Friends Association is one of 21 recipients statewide to receive $2 million in total funding through PCCD’s Women’s Reentry Services Initiatives Grants program. The program was first announced in September to help fund non-profit organizations to provide holistic reentry support services to prevent recidivism. 

“By aiming resources at addressing the dynamic risk factors associated with reincarceration, this initiative will help begin the healing process,” PCCD Executive Director Mike Pennington said.  “Reducing recidivism can help stabilize not only the women directly impacted but their families as well. This could result in less crime and victimization overall, which leads to safer communities.”

Eligible program activities and expenses for the $2 million grant program included, but were not limited to, supportive housing; workforce development services and employment assistance; job readiness support services; access to childcare; transportation assistance; access to effective treatment for healthcare, substance use disorder, mental health, and trauma; access to identification documents essential to obtaining employment, housing, and other government assistance such as driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and social security cards; peer supports and mentoring; and family reunification services.

Comitta also recently secured $50,000 in state funding for important renovations and upgrades to the Friends Association’s emergency shelter.

For more information on the Friends Association and the NIA House Program, visit www.friendsassoc.org

Comitta Announces State Funding for West Chester Storefront, Alleyway Improvements

December 20, 2022

West Chester, Pa (December 20, 2022) – Business owners in West Chester’s historic downtown will have additional opportunities to update storefronts and façades thanks to $50,000 in state funding, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced today. 

The funding will support the West Chester Business Improvement District’s (BID) Façade and Alleyway Improvement Grant Program. The program helps businesses and commercial property owners make necessary updates and improvements to their existing storefronts and exteriors. 

“As a former borough Mayor, I continue to work to support our downtown business districts and ensure they remain vibrant and sought-after destinations for both residents and visitors alike,” Comitta said. “I am proud to support this funding to assist small business owners in maintaining their storefronts. Together, we can keep historic downtown West Chester thriving as an economic and cultural center.” 

The West Chester grant is one of 51 projects to be awarded funding through the Keystone Communities Program. The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, encourages the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors to revitalize and improve local communities. 

“We are thrilled to be awarded this grant that will give our local property owners the opportunity to preserve the beauty and aesthetic of Downtown West Chester, said John O’Brien Executive Director of the West Chester Business Improvement District. “The pandemic has been a difficult time for our small business owners and this grant will give them the ability to make needed repairs to historic buildings throughout the downtown area.” 

The West Chester Business Improvement District was established in 2000 to help enhance the economic vitality of downtown West Chester through public and private partnerships. Thanks to their efforts, West Chester was awarded the 2017 Great American Main Street Award and a 2021 Townie Award from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center for their work in creating a prosperous and thriving small business district. 

The West Chester BID’s Façade and Alleyway Improvement Grant Program is a matching grant program that covers 50 percent of the costs of a project up to $500.

For more information on the West Chester BID, visit www.downtownwestchester.com

 To learn about the Keystone Communities Program, go to www.dced.pa.gov

Six Chester County Organizations Awarded $137,000 in State Funding for Security Upgrades

December 14, 2022

West Chester, Pa (December 14, 2022) – Six Chester County nonprofit organizations that serve diverse communities and those more frequently targeted by hate crimes were awarded more than $137,000 in total state grant funding for important safety and security upgrades, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said today.

The funds, approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) today, are as follows:

• $25,000 for the Bethel AME Church.
• $23,500 for Chimes Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems.
• $25,000 for the Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in West Chester.
• $25,000 for the Episcopal Church of the Trinity in Coatesville.
• $13,700 for the Islamic Society of Chester County.
• $25,000 for St. Paul’s Baptist Church in West Chester.

The Pennsylvania Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program was established by the legislature in Act 83 of 2019 to provide grants to nonprofit organizations that principally serve individuals, groups, or institutions that often face bias and hate crimes. Eligible grant projects include a variety of measures to enhance security ranging from equipment and technology upgrades to planning, threat awareness, and response training

Comitta, then a state representative, voted for the legislation (House Bill 859) that created the program.

“As many of our faith communities prepare to celebrate major religious holidays this month, it’s important that we continue to value and uphold our right to worship peacefully and without fear of threats or violence,” Comitta said. “Chester County has long been home to a strong and supportive interfaith community. I hope these investments will help bolster our ongoing efforts to stand together in support of religious freedom, tolerance, and community safety.”

“Considering the incidents of violence against places of worship throughout the country, we are pleased to receive this $25,000 grant that will enable Episcopal Church of the Trinity to improve our facility’s safety and security. We plan to add exterior lighting, among other improvements to our historic building, as added measures for our community’s safety. We greatly appreciate and thank Senator Comitta for her advocacy in obtaining this grant,” said the Rev. Sherry Deets of the Episcopal Church of the Trinity.

“During these unprecedented times, unfortunately, there is a dire need for this grant. We are grateful for Senator Comitta’s commitment to the community and sacred places. We look forward to using this grant for the betterment of our church and community,” said the Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft, Sr. of St. Paul’s Baptist Church. 

The Chester County recipients come as part of more than $3.9 million in funding awarded to churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and other nonprofit organizations statewide.

PCCD selects awardees in consultation with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and the Pennsylvania State Police. Eligible applicants are included within a bias motivation category for single bias hate crime incidents as identified by the FBI’s Hate Crime Statistics publication. The categories include race/ethnicity/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender, and gender identity.

Projects that are eligible for funding through the Pennsylvania Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program include:

• Planning, threat awareness, and response training.
• Equipment and technology, such as metal detectors, lighting, surveillance, communications systems, locksets, deadbolts, trauma kits, and antitheft devices.
• Vulnerability and threat assessments.
• Other projects to enhance safety or security.

According to data from the Pennsylvania State Police Uniform Crime Reporting System, Pennsylvania experienced an uptick in hate crimes over the past two years. From 2016 through 2019, Pennsylvania saw an average of 88 hate crimes annually. In 2020, incidents of hate crimes rose by 27 percent to 112. In 2021, there was a 210 percent increase to 347 crimes.

“In addition to supporting these investments in security and safety, we all have a moral obligation to stand against hate by promoting a healthy dialogue, teaching our young people the values of acceptance and inclusion, and ensuring that our communities remain open, diverse, and welcoming places for all people,” Comitta said.

The Pennsylvania Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program, now in its third year, was established in response to the 2018 attack on the Jewish community at the Tree of Life, New Light, and Dor Hadash congregations in Pittsburgh. According to the Anti-Defamation League, it is believed to be the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the history of the United States. 

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Comitta Marks 30 Years of the Pa. Children’s Health Insurance Program

December 13, 2022

West Chester, Pa (December 13, 2022) – This month marks 30 years of the Children’s Health Insurance Program in Pennsylvania, a landmark program that has helped generations of children obtain free or reduced-cost health insurance. 

Signed into law in December 1992, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides insurance coverage to children whose families earn too much to qualify for Medical Assistance but cannot afford to purchase private insurance. 

“Every child deserves access to quality health care so they can have the strong, healthy start they need to learn, grow, and reach their full potential,” said state Senator Carolyn Comitta, who serves on the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Three decades ago, Pennsylvania launched a ground-breaking program to cover all kids. Today, CHIP remains instrumental in keeping our young people healthy while giving parents and families the peace of mind that their children can see a doctor.”

Currently, the CHIP program covers nearly 132,000 Pennsylvania children, including about 4,900 in Chester County, for routine doctor’s visits, emergency care, prescriptions, dental services, eye care, and other vital health services. 

To be eligible children must be under 19, be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national or qualified alien, a resident of Pennsylvania, and be uninsured and not eligible for Medical Assistance. 

While most families receive CHIP coverage for free, households with incomes above a certain limit receive coverage at a reduced cost. 

Pennsylvania’s CHIP program became the model standard for the federal CHIP program which was signed into law in August 1997.  

To learn more about the CHIP program and to apply for coverage, visit chipcoverspakids.com or call 1-800-986-KIDS (5437). 

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Comitta Announces State Funding for Historical Organizations

December 12, 2022

West Chester, Pa (December 12, 2022) – Five Chester County historic organizations have been awarded more than $45,000 in total state funding through the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.

The grants, which come through the PHMC’s Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program, assist the general operations of eligible museums and official county historical societies. They are as follows:

• $16,956 for the Chester County Historical Society.
• $10,454 for Historic Yellow Springs.
• $7,789 for the Wharton Esherick Museum.
• $6,231 for the Graystone Society Inc.
• $4,000 for Historic Sugartown Inc.

“As one of Pennsylvania’s three original counties, Chester County has a long and rich history that’s being preserved thanks to the work of local historical groups and volunteers,” Comitta said. “These investments will continue to support that work so that important records are maintained, stories are shared, and future generations can learn about the history of our communities.”

Under the program, eligible museums must have an annual operating budget exceeding $100,000 (excluding capital and in-kind services) and at least one full-time professional staff person (or approved equivalent). Award amounts are determined using an equation based on a percentage of the eligible museum’s previous year’s operating budget. The maximum any museum can receive is $40,000. All official county historical societies receive a $4,000 minimum grant.

The grant funding comes as part of almost $2 million in total Cultural and Historical Support Grants awarded to 161 eligible museums and official county historical societies from 56 counties across the Commonwealth.

In addition, two other Chester County organizations – the Chester County Archives & Records Services and the Pennhurst Memorial & Preservation Alliance – will receive Historical and Archival Records Care (HARC) Grants to improve the preservation and accessibility of historically significant records maintained by local governments, historical societies, and academic institutions.

The Chester County Archives & Records Services was awarded $5,000 to digitally convert 1,351 sheets of microfilmed criminal indictment papers from the Chester County Clerk of Courts to PDF/A format for long-term preservation and accessibility. The papers range from 1907 through 1928. The criminal papers from 1681-1880 have been digitized and converted to PDF/A files.

The Pennhurst Memorial & Preservation Alliance was awarded $4,640 to create an archive at the Pennhurst Museum and to provide digital access to the information. The grant will pay for a comprehensive needs assessment that will support the work of interns and volunteers as they begin to preserve, organize, and create physical/digital access to the photographs and documents rescued from the deteriorating Pennhurst site.

That funding comes as part of $200,000 in total Historical and Archival Records Care (HARC) Grants to 37 organizations in 20 Pennsylvania counties.

HARC grants are administered by the Pennsylvania State Archives, a bureau within PHMC. Funding for the awards spans two years. The maximum award one institution can receive is $5,000. Collaborative grants were eligible for $5,000 per institution for a maximum of $15,000.

The grant awards were based on a competitive review of the applications by a subcommittee of the Pennsylvania State Historical Records Advisory Board. The board operates under federal regulations governing the National Historical Publications & Records Commission and serves as the central advisory body for historical records planning in the state.

ChristianaCare West Grove Campus Awarded $2.5 Million from Pa. Department of Human Services

December 7, 2022

Wilmington, Del. (December 7, 2022) –The ChristianaCare West Grove campus has received a $2.5 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services for facility renovation and the development of outpatient services. The grant consists of $1.5 million from the American Rescue Fund Plan Act (ARPA) and $1 million from the Commonwealth.

ChristianaCare finalized the purchase of its West Grove campus (formerly Jennersville Hospital) from Tower Health in June 2022. The hospital has been closed since Dec. 31, 2021.

“We are deeply grateful to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for these generous grants,” said Bettina Tweardy Riveros, J.D., chief health equity officer and senior vice president of Government Affairs and Community Engagement at ChristianaCare. “These funds will help ensure that the West Grove facility can deliver affordable, effective and equitable systems of care to our neighbors in southern Chester County for many years to come.”

The funding was secured through the collaborative efforts of Chester County’s bipartisan state legislative delegation.

“Securing this funding was a team effort and it represents another important step forward in returning vital emergency, preventive and wellness services to Southern Chester County,” said state Sen. Carolyn Comitta. “By bringing in a trusted partner like ChristianaCare and investing in the future of the West Grove campus, we’re working to expand better health outcomes for all, as well as the potential for economic opportunity, increased employment and community investment that come with it.”

“When ChristianaCare announced this summer that it would purchase Jennersville Hospital, we knew that Chester County and its surrounding neighborhoods would instantly benefit from them stepping up and filling the void of patient care in our area,” said state Sen. John Kane. “Given ChristianaCare’s trusted reputation of quality care and reputable values, supporting them with this funding alongside Senator Comitta and my colleagues in the state House and state Senate was a decision that made too much sense not to go all in on. With this funding ChristianaCare can continue to take the steps to open the West Grove campus and further stabilize the public health situation for the folks in Chester County.”

“The closure of Jennersville Hospital has been a serious blow to southern Chester County, so I am extremely pleased to obtain funding, in addition to funding secured by both Sen. Comitta and Rep. Lawrence, to put toward the renovations needed to open this facility,” said state Rep. Christina Sappey. “We have been aligned throughout this crisis and determined to find a solution. I am truly grateful for the partnership of my colleagues in the legislature and ChristianaCare.”

“These funds are a real win for our community and represent the next level of support for ChristianaCare’s efforts to reopen the old Jennersville Hospital,” said state Rep. John Lawrence. “The ChristianaCare West Grove campus will lead the way in meeting the health care needs of southern Chester County for years to come.”

“It’s hard to believe Jennersville Hospital closed its doors one year ago this month. Since then, vital services have been lacking across the board in our community, impacting everyone from seniors to college students at Lincoln University and all ages in between. So much work has been done since then to restore health care services to southern Chester County, but there’s still more to do,” said U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan. “ChristianaCare is working tirelessly to begin to serve patients at the West Grove campus, and these additional federal and state funds will expedite those efforts. Our collaboration with local officials, state officials and health care partners made this possible, and our entire community should find comfort knowing we are all working together to ensure their health and well-being needs are met.”

ChristianaCare is reimagining health care at the West Grove campus and is taking a phased approach to the opening of services. The first phase will be to reestablish emergency services. Planning for the new campus is ongoing, and ChristianaCare hopes to announce final plans within the next few months. ChristianaCare leaders have been actively meeting with community leaders and groups in the southern Chester County community.

“We’ve been meeting with small groups and with community leaders throughout the fall, and we’ve been gathering feedback that’s proving invaluable in our planning process,” said Douglas Azar, MHA, ChristianaCare senior vice president, Strategic Clinical Integration. “We’re making great progress in our planning, and we’re looking forward to being able to share plans with the community as soon as they’re ready.”

ChristianaCare’s assessment and inventory of the facility indicates that the site requires considerable renovation in key areas, such as information technology and laboratory space. Due to these needs, ChristianaCare currently anticipates that it will take a year or more to build out and open the facility.

ChristianaCare’s West Grove campus also received a $2.5 million ARPA grant from the Chester County Government in October 2022.

The West Grove campus represents a significant expansion of ChristianaCare’s commitment to provide health services to communities in southern Chester County. Since 2020, ChristianaCare has added three primary care practices located in Jennersville, West Grove and Kennett Square. Combined, these three practices are now the “medical home” for 22,000 residents in these communities.

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Comitta Secures Funding for Crime Victims Center Tech Upgrades

December 5, 2022

West Chester, Pa (December 5, 2022) – New technology upgrades are coming to the Crime Victims Center of Chester County (CVC) to better serve victims and their families thanks to State Senator Carolyn Comitta. 

Comitta secured $50,000 in state funding for the organization to acquire a new server, new Wi-Fi switches, improvements to the security cameras at their office, updated laptops for staff, and continued access to their virtual counseling platform. 

“The Crime Victims Center is a trusted advocate and vital community resource for victims of crime and their loved ones,” Comitta said. “By upgrading their technology, the organization can continue to provide compassionate support to victims, educate young people on healthy relationships and safe boundaries, and expand their services to meet the needs of a growing population.” 

“We are so grateful to Senator Comitta for this much-needed funding and her ongoing support for our work.  One of the measurable impacts of COVID at CVC has been a significant increase in our technology costs for both tech support and hardware for our 40 team members.  This grant ensures that we have the funds we need to make critical upgrades to existing technology, maintain access to our virtual counseling platform and replace damaged hardware when needed,” said Christine Zaccarelli, CVC Chief Executive Officer.  

Founded in 1973, CVC is a private, community-based, non-profit 501(c)(3) comprehensive victim services agency that has helped thousands of people over the years.  It is the designated provider of services to sexual violence victims for Chester County, but also serves victims of all types of crime including domestic violence.

CVC provides free, immediate, and confidential crisis response and confidential support to children and adults impacted by sexual violence and other forms of crime. The Center provides assistance through counseling, advocacy, resources, and education and fosters community awareness and understanding through its comprehensive outreach and prevention programs. 

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime and would like to speak with an advocate for support, please call the Crime Victims Center’s 24-hour hotlines. For sexual violence cases dial (610) 692-7273. For all other crimes dial (610) 692-7420. 

For more information about the Crime Victims Center of Chester County and how you can help support victims of crime, visit www.cvcofcc.org.

Comitta: New Law Aims to Help Attract and Retain Junior Firefighters

December 1, 2022

West Chester, Pa (December 1, 2022) – Junior firefighters will now have an earlier opportunity to access the training they need to become full firefighters, said state Senator Carolyn Comitta.

Act 155 of 2022 allows junior firefighters, aged 17, to train on live-burn, interior firefighter modules. Currently, only those 18 and older are allowed to enroll in this training program.

Comitta, who serves on the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, said the measure helps ensure that junior firefighters are immediately able to serve as full-fledged firefighters once they turn 18.

“I hope this law helps bolster the ranks of our volunteer firefighters by harnessing the interest and energy young people have for the fire service and empowering them to hit the ground running once they turn 18,” she said. “Our fire companies continue to face significant challenges in recruiting and retaining volunteers. Allowing young people to access this training earlier is one way we can help ensure they continue serving our communities.”

The bill, sponsored by Senator Pat Stefano, unanimously passed the legislature and was recently signed into law by the governor.

To participate in live burns, junior firefighters would need their parent or guardian’s permission and the local fire chief’s permission. The training would be completed under the instruction of a credentialed Pennsylvania State Fire Academy instructor.

Comitta, Williams Announce $1 Million for New Office and Retail Building in Coatesville

November 21, 2022

West Chester, Pa (November 21, 2022) – A new office and retail building that will bring investment and jobs to the City of Coatesville will receive $1 million in state funding, state Rep. Dan Williams and state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced today.

The funds, awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, will support the construction of a four-story, 3,200-square-foot office building featuring first-floor retail space at the corner of 3rd Avenue and Lincoln Highway in the city’s downtown.

“This location represents a prime opportunity for revitalization,” said Comitta. “With the new train station under construction and this and several other major investments in the city’s downtown, Coatesville’s future as a destination for employers, businesses, visitors, and families is growing brighter and brighter. I want to thank Rep. Williams and all the partners working to make this happen, including the Chester County Industrial Development Authority, the Coatesville Redevelopment Authority, and Coatesville City Council.”

“Proudfoot has already proven themselves as a strong partner in Coatesville’s revitalization with the building at 190 West Lincoln Highway,” Williams said.  “I’m excited about this project at 3^rd and Lincoln Highway – centrally located and only a couple blocks away from our soon-to-be new train station.  I’m proud to help bring state funding in for efforts like this and will continue to work with Senator Comitta to promote further revitalization of Coatesville.”

Proudfoot Investments has a successful track record in Coatesville, having developed a 30,000-square-foot innovation center and office space for early-stage companies at 190 W. Lincoln Highway. That project, formerly the site of a Lukens Steel Building, was developed as Chester County’s first Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) and represented the first major commercial construction in the city in decades. The building is already 90 percent leased to several tech and early-stage companies.

The building planned for 300 East Lincoln Highway is located just a few blocks from the site of the new train station. It has an 8,000-square-foot footprint and plans also call for at least 65 parking spaces on site.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a state grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. To receive funding, projects must have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. 

Comitta: Support Toys for Tots Now Through Dec. 7

November 16, 2022

West Chester, Pa (November 16, 2022) – Residents, businesses, and families that want to support Toys for Tots this holiday season can make donations at a drop box located at the district office of state Senator Carolyn Comitta.

Now through December 7, new and unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the atrium of 17 East Gay Street in downtown West Chester. The office is open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can also stop by one of Senator Comitta’s mobile/senior outreach offices to drop off their donations.

The donations go to Toys for Tots of Chester and Southern Montgomery Counties, which last year collected and distributed more than 32,500 toys to nearly 15,500 children in our area.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and magic of the holiday season,” state Senator Carolyn Comitta said. “For 75 years, Toys for Tots, along with its volunteers and donors, have been working to make that happen. This year, I am again thrilled to support their efforts. The season of gift-giving is here, and I thank everyone who helps spread the cheer to families in need.”

In addition, donations are accepted and encouraged at any number of Toys for Tots collection sites throughout the area. To locate a collection site or find other ways to support the effort, visit https://chester-county-pa.toysfortots.org/

Donations may include new and unwrapped toys such as:

• Dolls/Barbies
• Stuffed animals
• Art, Jewelry, Nail and Craft Kits
• Board games/Puzzles
• Action figures
• Radio control cars/trucks
• Hand-held electronics
• Sporting goods
• Books
• STEM Science kits
• Legos

Since 1947, Toys for Tots has distributed toys to children from homes that cannot afford to buy gifts for the holidays. In that time 627 million toys have been collected and distributed to more than 281 million children.

Last year alone, 832 Toys for Tots coordinators delivered over 22.4 million toys, books, and games to nearly 8.8 million children in more than 800 communities covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

The program, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve Foundation, is primarily staffed by volunteers, with only a handful of employees at the Toys for Tots Foundation. According to its website, it remains a top-rated charity, with more than 97 percent of donations going directly to its mission of providing toys, books, and other gifts to children in need. The 3 percent spent on support principally covers fundraising expenses

For more information on Toys for Tots of Chester and Southern Montgomery Counties, visit https://chester-county-pa.toysfortots.org/

Comitta, Williams Announce $80,000 to Support Coatesville’s Revitalization

November 15, 2022

West Chester, Pa (November 15, 2022) – The Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance was awarded $80,000 in state funding to support Coatesville’s ongoing community revitalization, state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Rep. Dan Williams said.

The funding comes through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), which promotes community participation and collaboration among nonprofit, business, and residential projects in distressed areas or low-income neighborhoods.

“Successful revitalization calls for cooperation and collaboration among community members, businesses, and organizations. As work on the new Coatesville train station continues and more projects are on the horizon, investments like this help support and strengthen the city’s downtown business district,” Comitta said. “I want to thank the 2nd Century Alliance for its ongoing work in the team effort that is driving Coatesville to success and growth.”

“This funding will help continue the hard work we and members of the community are doing to revitalize Coatesville. By improving opportunity and quality-of-life, we can go a long way to building Coatesville back better than before,” Williams said.

NAP projects are designed to improve access to job and economic opportunities, quality education, affordable housing, quality-of-life amenities, and other key factors in building healthy communities.

The program has five main components: The Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), Special Program Priorities (SPP), the Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP), Charitable Food Program (CFP), and the Enterprise Zone Program (EZP). The funding for Coatesville comes through the Neighborhood Partnership Program.

“The NPP tax credit program is a critical source of funding for our downtown initiatives.  We are grateful to Senator Comitta and our private sector donors, Knox Equipment Rental and Bob and Jennifer McNeil, our partners in this program who recognize the vital importance of a sustained, strategic approach to revitalizing Coatesville’s commercial district,” said Sonia Huntzinger, Executive Director of the 2^nd Century Alliance.

In Coatesville, the funds will support the fifth year of the 2^nd Century Alliance’s downtown revitalization plan, focusing on the retention, celebration, and promotion of the existing business base. Specifically, the alliance plans to utilize the funds to support:

• Façade improvements to enhance the existing building stock and entice new businesses to the district.
• Downtown small businesses growth by providing financial assistance to help new businesses launch or existing businesses reach the next level.
• The “Made in Coatesville” Small Business Incubator, which provides a cost-effective, physical location where entrepreneurs can sell and market their goods and services. This initiative aims to provide businesses with the necessary tools that will give them the greatest chance for growth, success, and adding jobs to the community. 

“Pennsylvania’s communities are the foundation of our economic success,” said Gov. Wolf. “The Neighborhood Assistance Program encourages businesses to make impactful investments in worthy projects across the commonwealth, helping to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians. The rewards we can provide through tax credits in this important program advance and improve communities and ensure Pennsylvania remains the best place to live, work, and play.”

The funding for the Coatesville 2^nd Century Alliance comes as part of $36 million in total NAP investments awarded to 220 community revitalization projects across the Commonwealth. More than one-quarter (56) of the projects that received NAP funding were in southeastern Pennsylvania.

NAP encourages private sector investment into projects that will help improve distressed communities by providing tax credits to businesses that donate capital to support projects that address neighborhood and community problems. NAP can be used for projects in categories including affordable housing, community services, crime prevention, education, job training, food access, blight, special population issues, veteran’s initiatives, and long-term community revitalization.

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Comitta Announces $50,000 for Upgrades to Friends Association’s Emergency Shelter

November 15, 2022

West Chester Pa (November 14, 2022) – The Friends Association will receive $50,000 in state funding to support important renovations and upgrades to its emergency shelter thanks to the work of state Senator Carolyn Comitta.

“For 200 years, the Friends Association has been helping our neighbors build stability, financial independence, and resilience,” Comitta, who serves on the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, said. “With this investment, we continue to work to ensure that everyone – every individual, family, and child – has a safe, healthy place to call home and the opportunities that come with it.”

The funds will support critical plumbing repairs at the nonprofit organization’s Family Center, which provides emergency housing for families in six apartment units. The updates will help ensure that families have access to a trauma-informed care environment within each unit.

“We are incredibly grateful to Senator Comitta for this generous funding and her ongoing support and advocacy for Friends Association and the families we serve,” said Jennifer Lopez, CEO of the Friends Association. “This funding comes at a perfect time.  For more than a decade the beloved Family center has provided more than 118,000 nights of shelter for families experiencing the trauma of homelessness.  The monumental effort to restore the aging building will ensure it continues to serve families with dignity for decades to come.”

Comitta announced the funding at the dedication of a mural on the Friends Association’s building on West Chestnut Street in West Chester. The mural, painted by West Chester University sophomore Noah Burns, depicts the organization’s values and service to the community on its 200^th anniversary.

In addition to providing emergency housing, the Friends Association offers a number of services to help prevent housing insecurity, assist people in recovery, address systemic racism and inequity, promote community health and wellness, and empower families and individuals with the skills they need to overcome adversity.

For more information about the Friends Association, visit www.friendsassoc.org

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