West Chester, Pa (Abril 8, 2025) The LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County will offer mental health programs, workshops, and support groups thanks to a state investment secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
The Equality Alliance, a nonprofit organization, will use the $50,000 in funding to support programs that address the unique mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, promoting resilience, self-acceptance, and a sense of belonging.
The majority of the grant money will go towards a new program, the Mental Health Shortfall Fund. This fund will help cover the costs for members of the LGBTQ+ community who need mental health care services but cannot afford the premiums. The grant, which was secured through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, will also allow The Equality Alliance to offer mental health support groups in other parts of Chester County, beyond the group that is already hosted in its Phoenixville office.
“At a time when members of the LGBTQ+ community are facing increasing threats, intolerance, and discrimination in our communities, state legislatures, and court system, I hope these programs will help people heal and reinforce the message that ‘you are here, you are welcome, and you are valued Chester Countians and Pennsylvanians,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus.
“The Equality Alliance could not be more thankful to Senator Comitta and her office for fighting for this grant. Proper mental health care is crucially important for the LGBTQ+ community, and this grant will help us expand and enhance our mental health programming in Chester County,” said Carrie Stare, Board President.
“The Equality Alliance is honored to receive this grant, which will enable us to expand our support groups and resources for LGBTQ+ individuals in Chester County. With LGBTQ+ individuals facing suicide rates 3 to 6 times higher than the general population, these initiatives will provide crucial support by fostering community, reducing isolation, and connecting individuals to life-saving resources,” said Cailey Crusemire, Board Member.
As a member of West Chester Borough Council in 2006, Comitta helped lead the effort to make West Chester the first municipality in Chester County — and among the first in the Commonwealth — to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
In the state senate, Comitta continues to be a strong supporter and vocal advocate for legislation to ensure that all LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians are treated with respect, fairness, and equal rights under the law. That includes measures to protect LGBTQ students from discrimination, protect LGBTQ parents from discrimination in the foster care system, update our laws to reflect the rights of same-sex couples to marry, and more.
Founded in 2015, LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County fosters inclusivity, well being, and social justice for the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy and provision of safe, supportive spaces. For more information on LGBT Equality Alliance of Chester County, visit www.lgbteachesco.org.