Comitta Secures Funding for Upgrades at Safe Harbor of Chester County

February 11, 2025

West Chester, PA (February 11, 2025) – Safe Harbor of Chester County will soon renovate its bathroom and shower facilities, thanks to state funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.

The $50,000 grant, which comes through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Keystone Communities Initiative, will support repairs and upgrades to the emergency homeless shelter’s men’s bathroom and shower facilities to increase accessibility, enhance privacy, and provide a more comfortable environment for residents.

“Safe Harbor is a important community asset and this investment will help ensure it can continue to provide facilities that promote the health, wellness, and dignity of every person,” Comitta said. “I want to thank the staff, supporters, and volunteers at Safe Harbor for furthering the non-profit organization’s mission to provide emergency housing, food, support services, and hope to people in our community.”

The project calls for removing outdated fixtures, upgrading to ADA-compliant sinks and partitions, enhancing ventilation, installing new flooring, and ensuring the facility adheres to current sanitary safety, health, and hygiene standards.

“We deeply appreciate this support, as it represents a crucial investment in the well-being of those we serve. Safe Harbor is committed to providing a safe and dignified environment, and these renovations will significantly enhance the daily lives of our residents,” said Ruby Abouraya, Safe Harbor’s Senior Director of Finance and Growth.

For 30 years, Safe Harbor has been providing vital support services to help adults experiencing homelessness gain self-esteem, access stable housing, achieve independence, pursue job and career advancement, and lead overall happy, healthy, and productive lives.

Comitta has a strong record of supporting and securing investments in Safe Harbor and other non-profit organizations working to prevent homelessness, address housing insecurity, and helping people in need.

In November, she announced federal funding to provide 20 laptops to support financial and computer literacy training programs at Safe Harbor. Earlier this year, she announced state funding to support 150 Safe Harbor residents annually with individualized plans connecting them to healthcare, job training, and housing resources.

For more information on Safe Harbor of Chester County and how you can help, visit safeharborofcc.org

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Comitta, Kane Secure Funding for Family Promise of Southern Chester County

February 10, 2025

West Chester, Pa (February 10, 2025) – A nonprofit organization working to alleviate homelessness was awarded state funding to help families achieve sustainable housing and stability thanks to the work of state Senators Carolyn Comitta and John Kane.

Family Promise of Southern Chester County will use the funds to support its 6 Promise Houses, which offer families that are experiencing homelessness housing in a safe, apartment-like setting for up to 120 days. In between stays by guest families, the Promise Houses routinely need to be outfitted with new supplies like bedding, towels, cleaning supplies, kitchen supplies, and occasionally new appliances.

“As families in our region continue to face a shortage of affordable housing, Family Promise of Southern Chester County helps prevent homelessness by providing meals, shelter, resources, and mentorship to help them get back on their feet,” Comitta said. “I’m proud to support this organization because every child deserves to know they can come home to a warm bed and a safe, clean, and healthy place to live.”

“Every family deserves a place to call home,” said Senator Kane. “When I see parents and children struggling with housing insecurity in our communities, it breaks my heart. This funding isn’t just about buildings and supplies – it’s about giving our neighbors hope, dignity, and a foundation to rebuild their lives. When we strengthen families, we strengthen our entire community, and I’m committed to ensuring that every family in Southern Chester County has the support they need to thrive.”

“We are deeply grateful to State Senators Carolyn Comitta and John Kane for their incredible support and commitment to our mission. This $50,000 grant will provide essential supplies for our Promise Houses, ensuring that families with children experiencing homelessness have the resources they need to achieve stability and a brighter future. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in Southern Chester County,” said Carol M. Lowe, MSW, LSW, Executive Director of Family Promise of Southern Chester County.

Now in its 10^th year, Family Promise of Southern Chester County offers shelter and case management services while helping families experiencing homelessness transition to stable housing and self-sufficiency.

Last year, the group provided more than $5,000 in rental assistance and 1,279 nights of shelter to families experiencing homelessness while serving 60 families in its core programs.

According to recent data, more than a quarter of households in Chester County are currently dedicating more than 30 percent of their income solely to housing costs, which is considered a critical point where housing becomes financially unsustainable for most families. 

Comitta and Kane both support important investments in housing and affordability in Governor Shapiro’s state budget plan, including $1 billion in property tax relief, $10 million for first-time homebuyers, $50 million to repair our housing stock, raising the minimum wage to $15/hour, and a $10 million increase for the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement.

Family Promise of Southern Chester County is one of over 200 nationwide Family Promise local affiliates.

For more information on Family Promise of Southern Chester County and how you can help children with families that are facing homelessness, visit familypromisescc.org.

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Comitta Secures Funding to Protect Firefighters at Roadside Emergencies

February 4, 2025

West Chester, Pa (February 4, 2025) – Firefighters and emergency first responders in the West Chester area will soon have access to additional equipment to keep them safe when responding to roadside emergencies.

State Senator Carolyn Comitta secured $100,000 in state funding for the West Chester Fire Department to purchase “blocking equipment,” a large piece of equipment or apparatus that is utilized at emergency sites to block vehicles from getting to the emergency scene. It is especially important in protecting emergency first responders from passing vehicles on highways or other heavily traveled roads.

“As a former Mayor of West Chester, I had the opportunity to witness the heroic and selfless work of our firefighters and emergency first responders time and time again. They deserve the tools and equipment they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, without having to risk being struck by a passing vehicle,” Comitta said. “This is an investment in protecting the people who protect our communities.”

The grant, which comes through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, will help the department obtain blocking equipment that will be used by its three 100 percent-volunteer companies: First West Chester, Good Will, and Fame.

“We are very thankful for Senator Comitta and her unwavering support to ensure the safety of our first responders,” said Steve Pelna, past chief of the West Chester Fire Department.

According to fire officials, the Chester County Department of Emergency Services has a piece of blocking equipment but it can take up to an hour or more to mobilize it to the emergency scene, assuming it’s not already deployed to another location.

Without designated blocking equipment, the West Chester Fire Department is forced to use a $1.5-2 million dollar fire truck to block roadside emergency response efforts from passing traffic. Not only is this dangerous to the four emergency personnel staffing the truck, but a vehicle strike can prove costly to the department and result in vital emergency equipment being out of commission until repaired or replaced.

In 2019, an estimated 2,500 vehicles crashed into firetrucks parked as blockers (6.8 crashes every day or 16 percent of all firetruck collisions), according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Studies have also found that secondary collisions account for approximately 15 percent of all collisions and result in 18 percent of all traffic fatalities nationwide, according to the U.S Fire Administration.

The West Chester Fire Department provides fire/rescue services to the citizens of West Chester Borough, as well as West Goshen, East Bradford, Westtown, Birmingham, and Thornbury Townships.

For more information about the department and how you can volunteer, visit wcfiredept.org

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Comitta: Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Now Open to Eligible Seniors and People with Disabilities

January 31, 2025

West Chester, Pa (January 31, 2025) – State Senator Carolyn Comitta reminds eligible seniors and adults with disabilities that they can receive up to $1000 back on property taxes or rent paid last year by applying for the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program.

“The Property Tax Rent Rebate Program helps put more money back in the pockets of our older neighbors and friends with disabilities,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. “I encourage all eligible individuals to apply for this program and please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions about the application process.”

The program is open to seniors aged 65 and older, widows and widowers aged 50 and older, and adults with disabilities 18 and older with no more than $46,520 in household income. Half of Social Security income is excluded when calculating total income.

Thanks to Act 7 of 2023, which Comitta supported and voted for, the program’s income limit is now automatically increased to adjust for the cost of living so that no one loses eligibility due to the annual increase in Social Security payments.

Interested applicants can apply online at PA.gov/PTRR or by completing the PA-1000 paper application. Property owners must submit stamped paid receipts of property taxes paid in 2024 and renters must submit a completed PA Rent Certificate that is filled out by a landlord or property manager along with the application.

Application assistance is available by appointment at Senator Comitta’s district office in West Chester or one of eight satellite outreach hour locations throughout Chester County. To schedule an appointment call Senator Comitta’s office at (610) 692-2112 or go to pasenatorcomitta.com/contact.

Comitta Announces Funding for Oxford Stormwater Management Upgrades

January 28, 2025

Harrisburg, Pa (January 28, 2025) – The Borough of Oxford was awarded state funding to develop rain garden bump-outs to better manage stormwater runoff, calm traffic, and beautify a roadway that is due for repaving, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.

The funding, approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Agency, will support the construction of three, 45-foot bioretention bumps-outs on the north side of East Mt. Vernon Street. These basins will be able to capture a total of approximately 1,627 cubic feet of stormwater – equivalent to the runoff generated from approximately 0.5 inches of rain over the entire one-acre impervious area within the drainage area.

Comitta, who serves as minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and on the Local Government Committee, supported the borough’s successful application for $100,000 in grant funding.

“As a former mayor, I’ve seen firsthand just how effective and environmentally friendly these rain-garden bump-outs can be in managing stormwater runoff in both downtown and residential neighborhoods,” Comitta said. “I commend Oxford Borough Council and its staff for doing their due diligence in developing innovative solutions to prevent flooding, reduce pollution from runoff, calm traffic, and keep the borough looking beautiful.”

“This award will enable us to construct three rain garden bump outs along Mt. Vernon Street in the Borough,” said Kathryn Cloyd, Council President, “adding much needed green stormwater infrastructure and helping to slow down vehicles, making Mt. Vernon safer for motorists and pedestrians.”

The bump-outs are expected to address runoff from a drainage area that includes half of East Mt. Vernon Street and a few acres of land north of the street. The project calls for removing the existing sidewalk, grass median, and asphalt before excavating the subgrade, placing aggregate, and bioretention soils within the excavated area, planting the bioretention area, and installing new concrete sidewalks.

In addition, the Mt. Vernon project plans to use a “dig once” strategy that will also include structural repair and repaving of the street, replacement of a water main, and any necessary upgrades to public utilities.

In 2022, the Borough was awarded a $150,000 grant through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Multimodal Transportation Fund Program to support the project’s related road improvements. In 2023, the Borough was awarded a $22,000 grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns program to support the cost of final design and engineering of the bump-outs.

Comitta also commended borough leaders for working to help restore local watersheds and improve water quality, as Oxford is home to four different watersheds, all of which flow into the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

“Stormwater runoff is a leading source of water impairment in the Commonwealth. As we face increased rainfall and impacts related to climate change, it’s vital that local leaders and partners work together to develop proactive and creative solutions,” she said.

Work is expected to take place this year and completion of the project will help the borough meet its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) regulatory requirements.

The project was funded by Act 13 of 2012 (the Marcellus Legacy Fund), which supports stream restoration and maintenance, as well as the planning and development of recreational trails, open space, parks, flood mitigation, watershed restoration, and beautification projects.

Comitta, Pielli Announce Funding for Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements in West Chester

January 28, 2025

Harrisburg, Pa (January 28, 2025) – West Chester Borough was awarded state funding to upgrade its aging stormwater infrastructure, state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Representative Chris Pielli announced.

The funding, approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Agency, will support the repair or replacement of portions of the borough’s existing brick stormwater infrastructure, some of which is more than a century old.

Comitta and Pielli supported the borough’s successful application for $200,000 in state grant funding.

“As we continue to face increased rainfall and precipitation, it’s important that we build a climate-resilient infrastructure to manage runoff, prevent flooding, and mitigate pollution,” said Comitta, who serves as minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and on the Local Government Committee. “These improvements are an investment in the public health, environmental health, and economic health of our West Chester community.”

“Pennsylvania has a multitude of important waterways that run through our communities, supplying millions of Pennsylvanians with clean drinking water, Unfortunately, too many of our waterways are being polluted by untreated stormwater runoff. Infrastructure upgrades are necessary to keep things running smoothly in West Chester,” Pielli said. “If one storm drain fails, it creates a domino effect of bigger problems that range from minor nuisance to major safety hazard. I thank the Commonwealth Financing Authority and state Sen. Carolyn Comitta for making these repairs possible.” 

The project calls for installing an expand-in-place PVC liner in sections of the stormwater system that have surpassed their life expectancy. It will not only prevent future collapses but will also enhance flood control and mitigation and help the system operate more effectively and efficiently.

It was also supported by the Chester County Planning Commission and is consistent with Landscapes3, the comprehensive plan for Chester County.

The project was funded by Act 13 of 2012 (the Marcellus Legacy Fund), which supports stream restoration and maintenance, as well as the planning and development of recreational trails, open space, parks, flood mitigation, watershed restoration, and beautification projects.

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Comitta Secures Funding to Repair Storm-Damaged Road in South Coatesville

January 24, 2025

South Coatesville, Pa (January 24, 2025) – An important thoroughfare used by residents and emergency first responders in South Coatesville and the surrounding area will be repaired and reopened to traffic thanks to state funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.

Comitta secured $175,000 in state funding to restore Woodward Road in South Coatesville Borough, which has been closed since sustaining significant damage caused by the remnants of Hurricane Ida.  The road is well traveled by residents in South Coatesville, Coatesville, and Modena, and also serves as a main route for Modena Fire and Ambulance Company. 

“Even years later, our community continues to rebuild and strengthen our infrastructure following the damage caused by Ida,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Local Government Committee. “Repairing Woodward Road in South Coatesville is an important investment to ensure residents and emergency services can get where they need to go efficiently and safely.” 

The grant funds, awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, will be used for engineering and construction costs. 

“Due to the financial situation the borough has encountered in the past few years, the funding was not available to repair the roadway, one of the major thoroughfares through the borough that was also used by the Modena Fire and Ambulance Co,” said South Coatesville Borough Council President Bob Floyd. “With the help of Senator Comitta and her staff, they were able to get the funding needed to repair this critical roadway.” 

With its proximity to the Modena Fire Company, re-opening the road will assist the company’s first responders and their response times to emergency calls. Local officials also noted that it will help reduce traffic congestion on surrounding roads and streets.

The road is expected to be reopened this summer.

Comitta Announces Investments to Support Food and Housing Security, Community Revitalization

January 14, 2025

West Chester, Pa (January 14, 2025) –Three organizations in Chester County will receive nearly $265,000 in funding to improve food security, reduce and prevent homelessness, and revitalize communities, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announce.

The investment was awarded through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), which provides tax credits to businesses that help low-income individuals and improve distressed areas in Pennsylvania communities.

The funding, approved this week by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), is as follows:

• $237,250 for the Chester County Food Bank to address challenges to food access, like rising costs, by distributing more than 4 million pounds of food (at least half of which is fresh fruits and vegetables) to people and families in need.

• $18,000 for the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance for the Coatesville Culinary Collective, an outlet for entrepreneurs from diverse cultural backgrounds to develop their food products and bring them to market. The Alliance aims to foster culinary entrepreneurship, community collaboration, and economic growth by providing an affordable, code-compliant location and access to specialized equipment.

• $9,000 for Safe Harbor of Chester County to support 150 residents annually with individualized plans connecting them to healthcare, job training, and housing resources. The Intensive Housing Case Management aims to help residents achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency by securing employment and stable housing.

“The Neighborhood Assistance Program is a way for businesses to contribute directly to the success, growth, and revitalization of local communities,” Comitta said. “Providing families with access to healthy food, offering people stable housing, and giving entrepreneurs opportunities to pursue their dreams, helps energize growth and support a strong quality of life throughout Chester County.”

The NAP 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 Chester County Food Bank investment came through the CFP. Support for the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance and Safe Harbor of Chester County was provided through the SPP.

The Chester County investments come as part of the $34.3 million in total NAP support awarded to 218 projects across the Commonwealth, including 61 in the southeast region.

“The Shapiro Administration knows that when local communities are healthy and vibrant, Pennsylvania thrives,” said Pennsylvania DCED Secretary Rick Siger.

This year’s state budget, which Comitta supported and voted for, doubled the funding for the NAP from $36 million to $72 million, allowing for two rounds of awards.

In the fall, $65,000 in NAP funding was awarded to Kennett Area Community Service to support the construction of a new facility and $142,000 was awarded to the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance to support the revitalization of the city’s downtown business district.

Comitta Secures Funding for Unite for HER

January 13, 2025

West Chester, Pa (January 13, 2025) – Unite for HER, a nonprofit organization that supports individuals battling breast and ovarian cancer, recently expanded their headquarters in Malvern thanks, in part, to state grant funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.

Comitta, who serves on the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus and the Black Maternal Health Caucus, secured $50,000 in funding for Unite for HER, which supports breast cancer and ovarian cancer patients by providing integrative therapies, services, education, and resources at no personal cost.

“Having a strong community that lifts us up is vital, and the Chester County community has consistently demonstrated its unwavering support for our mission and outreach. We are truly thankful for this partnership and the opportunity to continue making a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer,” said Sue Weldon, Unite for HER CEO/Founder. “With this grant, we were able to complete necessary renovations on our new building to ensure Unite for HER has a home in Chester County for years to come.”

“Unite for HER offers wellness services, compassionate care, and a sense of community to thousands of women who are impacted by breast and ovarian cancer,” Comitta said. “Watching this organization grow to fill the vital needs of so many is a testament to the transformative power of its programs. I am proud to secure this state funding so Unite for HER can help even more women, especially those in underrepresented communities.”

Founded in 2009 by Weldon, a breast cancer survivor, Unite for HER aims to enhance the wellness and care of women diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer by helping address their emotional, spiritual, and physical needs. Since then, the organization has grown and expanded to help heal, empower, and restore those impacted by these cancers nationwide.

“We are deeply grateful and honored by the trust and support extended by Senator Comitta and her team in choosing to back our community affected by breast cancer in such a meaningful way. This generous support will have a significant impact, enabling us to expand our programs and meet the growing needs of those we serve at Unite for HER,” Weldon said.

Comitta is a strong and consistent supporter of initiatives to improve the health and wellness of women, mothers, and girls. She supported Act 1 of 2023, the landmark legislation that requires insurers to cover preventive breast and ovarian cancer screenings for high-risk women at no cost. Comitta has also backed investments and legislation aimed at preventing maternal mortality, ensuring access to reproductive healthcare, and expanding access to postpartum care.

For more information on Unite for HER, visit www.uniteforher.org

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Comitta Sworn In to Second Term as State Senator

January 7, 2025

Harrisburg, Pa (January 7, 2025) – State Senator Carolyn Comitta was sworn in today to her second term representing Pennsylvania’s 19th Senatorial District.

“I am grateful to again earn the trust of the voters,” she said. “Over the past four years, I’ve worked to ensure that we have strong schools, healthy and safe communities, a clean environment, and opportunities for families and workers to thrive and prosper throughout Chester County and the Commonwealth. As we embark on a new legislative session, I look forward to continuing that work together as we strive for a better, brighter future for all.”

Comitta, of West Chester, was first elected to serve the 19^th Senatorial District in 2020. In November, she was reelected by a 13 percent margin of victory. She is the first woman to hold the seat.  

Before that she served two terms, beginning in 2016, as State Representative for the 156th Legislative District.

Comitta was first elected to public office as a member of West Chester Borough Council. Later, she became the first woman and first bipartisan-elected mayor of West Chester.

Comitta began her professional career as a public school teacher and curriculum advisor, developing special and gifted education programs for the Octorara Area School District. In the legislature, she’s combined her lifelong passion for teaching and the need to address the climate crisis in serving as both minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and a member of the Senate Education Committee.

In the previous legislative session, she also served on the Aging and Youth, Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Local Government Committee, as well as co-chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Climate Caucus.

The 19th Senatorial District encompasses a large portion of Chester County. It includes the municipalities of Coatesville, Downingtown, Easttown, East Bradford, East Caln, East Fallowfield, East Goshen, East Nottingham, Elk, Highland, Londonderry, Lower Oxford, Malvern, Modena, Newlin, New London, Oxford, Penn, South Coatesville, Tredyffrin, Upper Oxford, Valley, West Bradford, West Chester, West Fallowfield, West Goshen, West Marlborough, West Nottingham, West Whiteland, and Willistown.

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Comitta Announces Funding to Improve Rail Freight Infrastructure

January 3, 2025

West Chester, Pa (January 3, 2025) – A short-line railroad operating in Chester County was awarded state funding to rehabilitate eight bridges and improve rail freight mobility, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.

The East Penn Railroad, which operates 114 miles of track in eastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware, was awarded $455,000 to rehabilitate eight bridges on the Octoraro, Perkiomen, Lancaster Northern, and York branch lines in Chester, Montgomery, Berks, and York counties.

The funding, which comes as part of $55 million in total state funding awarded to 30 rail infrastructure projects statewide through PennDOT’s Rail Transportation Assistance and the Rail Freight Assistance programs, was recently approved by the State Transportation Commission. In total, the investment is expected to create or sustain 344 jobs across the Commonwealth.

“Investments in our rail freight infrastructure help maintain and grow jobs, reduce the number of trucks on our roadways, strengthen our supply chain, and ensure businesses – especially farms and agriculture – can move goods to customers efficiently and smoothly,” Comitta said.

“Expanding and improving Pennsylvania’s rail freight network will support family-sustaining jobs and connect Pennsylvania communities to the global economy while bolstering local economic development,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “These investments will create opportunities for generations of Pennsylvanians to come and will provide key mobility across the Commonwealth.”

Formed in 2007 through a merger of East Penn Railways and Penn Eastern Rail Lines, the East Penn Railroad is owned by Regional Rail. It operates on 9 different lines with a roster of more than a dozen locomotives.

Pennsylvania has 65 operating railroads, which is more than any other state. PennDOT is committed to working with private rail operators and rail-served businesses to construct new rail lines and assist in maintaining and improving Pennsylvania’s roughly 5,600 miles of freight lines.

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Comitta Announces Expanded Satellite Office Hour Schedule

December 26, 2024

West Chester, Pa (December 26, 2024) – To help bring the services of her district office throughout Chester County, state Senator Carolyn Comitta is expanding her outreach office schedule with new locations in Malvern and Oxford.

“Whether in person, over the phone, or online, we’re meeting our neighbors where they are, connecting them with important resources, answering any questions they may have, and working to address the issues directly impacting Chester County communities,” Comitta said. “That’s why I am expanding our outreach office hours to serve even more communities.”

Beginning January 2025, Comitta’s team will offer office outreach services at the Oxford Public Library on the 4^th Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon. Starting in February, outreach hours will be available at the Malvern Public Library from 10 a.m. to noon on the 1^st Tuesday of the Month.

Throughout the new year, Comitta’s office will also continue to host outreach hours at the following times and locations:

1st Wednesday of Every Month
Coatesville Public Library
501 E Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, PA 19320
10 a.m. – noon

2nd Tuesday of Every Month
Brandywine Valley Active Aging – Coatesville
250 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Coatesville, PA 19320
10 a.m. – noon

2nd Wednesday of Every Month
Easttown Library
720 First Ave, Berwyn, PA 19312
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

2nd Thursday of Every Month
West Chester Area Senior Center
530 E. Union Street, West Chester, PA 19382
10 a.m. – noon

3rd Tuesday of Every Month
Brandywine Valley Active Aging – Downingtown
40 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

3rd Wednesday of Every Month
Oxford Senior Center
12 E. Locust Street, Oxford, PA 19363
10 a.m. – noon

Constituent services staff members are available to assist residents with a number of issues, including applying for the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program, SEPTA Key Senior ID Cards, Birth Certificates, Unclaimed Property, and more.

Walk-ins are welcome or appointments can be scheduled by contacting Senator Comitta’s district office at 610-692-2112.

For more information and a full list of outreach hours and events go to pasenatorcomitta.com/outreach

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Comitta: WCU Awarded Funding to Prevent Sexual Assault on Campus

December 16, 2024

West Chester, Pa (December 16, 2024) – West Chester University was awarded nearly $50,000 in state funding to support ongoing efforts to prevent and combat sexual assault on campus, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said.

The funding comes through It’s On Us PA, a statewide program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to support strategies and resources to stop sexual assault and misconduct on college campuses.

“Stopping sexual assault starts with changing the culture on campus. Through It’s On Us PA, we’re opening a larger conversation about recognizing, identifying, and intervening in situations where consent has not or cannot be given,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “We all have a role to play in ensuring our colleges, universities, and institutions of higher education are safe, healthy, and productive learning environments where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

“As a West Chester University alumna, I commend the university, its staff, and students for being leaders in working to prevent and address sexual assault and misconduct,” she added.

The program brings together education leaders and all Pennsylvanians to be part of the solution in protecting students from sexual violence by raising awareness about sexual assault, teaching participants that assault includes non-consensual sex, advising them on how to identify dangerous situations, empowering them to intervene, and urging them to create an environment of support for victims and survivors.

Modeled on the success of the national It’s On Us campaign, in 2016 It’s On Us PA became the nation’s first statewide campaign to improve campus safety by supporting colleges and university communities in reframing the conversation around sexual violence and empowering them to develop solutions.

“PDE is committed to supporting efforts that keep college students and their campuses safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all students,” said Interim Acting PDE Secretary Angela Fitterer. “All Pennsylvanians deserve a safe learning environment, and the It’s On Us PA grant program cultivates change and provides colleges, universities, and postsecondary institutions with the support and resources necessary to protect learning environments and ensure they are free from sexual assault, harassment, and violence.”

The funding for West Chester University comes as part of more than $1.6 million in It’s On Us PA grants awarded to more than 44 colleges, universities, and other postsecondary institutions across the Commonwealth.

Eligible institutions and schools with 10,000 or fewer students were able to request up to $40,000; those with more than 10,000 students were able to apply for up to $60,000. Private licensed career schools that do not offer specialized associate degrees could request up to $10,000.  

Since 2016, 301 It’s On Us PA grants totaling nearly $8.7 million to 100 post-secondary institutions across the state – including public and private two-year and four-year colleges and universities.

In the past, West Chester University and Lincoln University have received grant funding through It’s On Us PA.

Pennsylvanians are also invited to visit the It’s On Us PA webpage and take the pledge to “recognize that non-consensual sex is sexual assault, identify situations in which sexual assault may occur, intervene in situations where consent has not or cannot be given, and create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.” 

Comitta Announces Funding for Communities that Care of Downingtown

December 10, 2024

West Chester, Pa (December 11, 2024) – State Senator Carolyn Comitta secured $25,000 in state funding to support Communities that Care of Greater Downingtown (CTC), a nonprofit organization that fosters positive mental health and youth development.

The funds, awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, will support CTC’s development, public outreach, and communication efforts, as well as its HYPE (Health Youth Positive Energy) clubs at local schools.

“Communities That Care of Greater Downingtown is grateful to Senator Carolyn Comitta for her partnership and assistance in securing funding for CTC to continue providing prevention programs in the Downingtown community. Senator Comitta’s commitment to healthy communities and youth is critical in our mission to prevent substance abuse, promote mental health, and empower youth to make positive choices,” said Bethann Cinelli, D.ED., CTC Executive Director.

“As someone who grew up in Downingtown and attended Downingtown High School, I am grateful for the work that Communities That Care is doing to support, educate, and inspire young people to make healthy choices that lead to success in school and life,” said Comitta, who serves on both the Senate Education Committee and the Aging and Youth Committee. “I want to thank CTC staff, volunteers, supporters, and all the students working to support each other through its invaluable programs.”

With nearly 80 active members, HYPE students are working to create and promote healthy school communities through advocacy and leadership to prevent substance use and promote positive mental and emotional well-being. They raise awareness and engage youth in prevention initiatives through peer-to-peer messaging, sharing youth perspectives, social media, and sending consistent messages about the power of healthy choices.

HYPE student clubs currently operate with the guidance of dedicated faculty mentors at six Downingtown Area School District schools: the Marsh Creek 6th Grade Center, Lionville Middle School, Downingtown Middle School, Downingtown West High School, Downingtown East High School and the STEM Academy.

CTC is a coalition of organizations, businesses, schools, faith communities, law enforcement and healthcare providers that use evidence-based prevention programs and policies to create a safer, supportive community for youth and strengthen community collaboration in prevention efforts.

For more information about CTC or information on starting a HYPE club at your school, visit www.dtownctc.org

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