Community Shredding Event
Saturday, April 11
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Malvern Fire Company
424 E. King St, Malvern
Earth Day Festival
Saturday, April 18
10 a.m. — 1 p.m.
Upper Main Line YMCA
1416 Berwyn Paoli Road, Wayne
Community Baby Shower
Friday, May 8
4 p.m. — 6 p.m.
Gordon Early Literacy Center
351 Kersey St, Coatesville
West Chester, Pa (March 21, 2025) – Expectant mothers and families with babies and young children are invited to join state Senator Carolyn Comitta and the Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County (MCHC) for their second annual Community Baby Shower on Friday, April 11 from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Gordon Early Literacy Center in Coatesville.
The free event will help connect children, parents, and guardians with over 25 community organizations and the resources available to Chester County families.
“As a mother and grandmother, I know that navigating the challenges of parenthood is not always easy. Thankfully, our region is home to many community partners dedicated to supporting families and ensuring healthy, successful outcomes for children and parents,” said Comitta. “I encourage all expecting mothers, parents of young children, or those thinking about starting a family to join us.”
The event will feature free activities for children and raffle prizes, as well as the distribution of free diapers and other baby supplies collected by the Maternal and Child Health Consortium.
“Maternal and Child Health Consortium (MCHC) is proud to partner with Senator Comitta’s office to host the second annual Community Baby Shower, reinforcing our commitment to supporting families in Chester County. For over 33 years, MCHC has connected parents with vital resources to help them start healthy, stay healthy, and succeed in school,” said Milena Lanz, Executive Director of MCHC.
“Recognizing the disparities in maternal and infant health in our county, we are expanding our home visiting services countywide to include a new Doula Initiative. Research shows that doula support improves birth outcomes, reduces complications, and strengthens maternal well-being. Through this initiative as part of our Family Center program, we aim to ensure that every mother and baby in our community has access to the care and advocacy they deserve,” she added.
The event coincides with the start of Black Maternal Health Week, a national week of action to raise awareness and work to address the health disparities faced by pregnant women and mothers in communities of color.
Comitta, who serves on the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus and the Black Maternal Health Caucus, remains a strong supporter of protecting and investing in maternal health, reproductive health, and the overall health, well-being, and growth of children and young people in the Commonwealth.
In the Senate, she worked to expand Medicare coverage for mothers to one year postpartum, helped pass legislation to extend coverage to doula services, voted for a new law to help moms with postpartum depression, secured state funding for MCHC’s doula program, supports efforts to modernize regulations governing midwives, and remains dedicated to ending racial disparities in maternal healthcare.
The Gordon Early Literacy Center is located at 351 Kersey Street, directly across from Ash Park in Coatesville.
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West Chester, Pa (March 19, 2025) – The Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance will kick off its community cleanup and receive a statewide honor for its downtown beautification efforts on the morning of Saturday, March 29.
The alliance, which is also celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, is set to receive the Community Pride Award from Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful at a special event at 10 a.m. at its office at 228 East Lincoln Highway in the city’s downtown.
Immediately afterward, the organization will host a day-long community cleanup in Coatesville. Residents, families, business owners, and others are invited to volunteer to clean up litter along city streets, sidewalks, parks, and public places.
“With the arrival of spring, it’s a great time to show our community pride by coming together to clean up and beautify our downtown business districts in Coatesville and throughout Chester County and Pennsylvania,” said state Senator Carolyn Comitta. “As the city’s community revitalization continues to grow, working to ensure the downtown is clean, safe, and welcoming is pivotal to attracting visitors, driving investment, and preserving its character and sense of place.”
“Keep Coatesville Beautiful represents more than just a cleanup effort—it’s a movement to foster pride, resilience, and unity in our community. We’re dedicated to creating spaces where residents feel empowered, inspired, and connected. Through collaboration and grassroots action, we can ensure Coatesville reflects the strength and beauty of the people who call it home,” said Shakira Davis, Keep Coatesville Beautiful Affiliate Coordinator.
Comitta, who serves as minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said she nominated the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance for the award because of its leadership in continuing to promote, harness, and inspire community pride in Coatesville.
The Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Community Pride Award recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship by an individual, school, community organization, or civic group that makes a commitment to litter control, recycling, or general beautification.
“Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful congratulates and commends 2nd Century Alliance and Shakira Davis, Coatesville Community Coordinator and Keep Coatesville Beautiful Coordinator, for fostering a sense of community stewardship. Their efforts in bringing together state agencies, businesses, local organizations, and government officials led to a successful cleanup of Route 82 and Lincoln Highway, the main corridor through Coatesville. We are grateful to Senator Comitta and Representative Williams for recognizing and awarding their hard work. This nomination is a testament to the positive difference they continue to make in the community,” said Shannon Reiter, Executive Director of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “We encourage all public officials to recognize the essential work and the dedicated individuals who coordinate local programs that keep our communities clean and beautiful with a Community Pride Award.”
For 35 years, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has worked in all 67 counties to support community beautification efforts and properly dispose of over 155 million pounds of waste.
The Coatesville community cleanup coincides with Pick Up Pennsylvania and the month-long Great American Cleanup. Interested participants should register in advance with the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance here. Gloves, safety vests, and trash bags will be provided free of charge through PennDOT and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.
The 2nd Century Alliance is a public-private partnership dedicated to driving economic and community development in the City of Coatesville. For more information on the alliance and how you can help, visit 2ndcenturyalliance.org.
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West Chester, Pa (March 19, 2025) – A Chester County-based nonprofit organization that assists grieving children and teens will soon be able to serve more young people and families thanks to state funding secured by state Senators Carolyn Comitta and Katie Muth.
A Haven, which helps young people and families navigate the grieving process through free counseling and group sessions, will use the funding to expand programs, partner with schools, offer community grief education, and update its counseling space in Exton.
“The loss of a family member or loved one can have a significant impact on one’s life, especially during their formative years,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. “In Chester County, we are fortunate to have A Haven offering free professional services to help guide children, parents, and families through the grieving process in a way that is safe, healthy, and mindful.”
“As someone who lost their mother at a very young age, I know the importance of a strong support system and how having someone to talk to can help you get through the darkest of days – and A Haven provides those critical supports for so many grieving children and families,” Muth said. “This organization is such an important and caring asset for Chester County families, and I am grateful that Senator Comitta and I were able to successfully advocate for grant funding to expand their reach and assistance to more children and families.”
“On behalf of A Haven, I want to sincerely thank both senators for their support in helping us secure the $50,000 grant. Their advocacy and commitment to our mission have made a meaningful impact, and we are truly grateful,” said Betty Silfa, Development Director. “This funding will allow us to expand services, support school group programs, provide grief education, and assist more grieving children and their families. The senators’ dedication to serving our community does not go unnoticed, and we deeply appreciate their efforts in making resources like this available to A Haven.”
Dedicated to helping grieving children and families through support, community outreach, and education, A Haven provided on-site services to dozens of families last year, educated more than 100 community members in grief support, and held 23 school groups across 19 schools in 6 school districts.
For more information about A Haven, visit www.ahaven.org.
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WEST CHESTER, PA (March 19, 2025) – Good Will Fire Company is getting a new backup generator to power its firehouse thanks to state funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
The 100-percent-volunteer fire company will use the backup generator to support its live-in program, bay door operation, key fob system, and other important building functions during electrical outages.
“This is something we have needed for several years,” said Senior Firefighter Steve Crum. “With the help of Senator Carolyn Comitta we are receiving a $100,000 grant to help defray the cost of a new backup generator with installation.”
Comitta, a former West Chester Mayor, secured the funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
“When our region faces severe weather, including high winds and flooding, emergency response services are vital. This investment will help ensure our firefighters and emergency first responders can continue to provide strong, reliable services, even in the face of electrical outages,” she said. “I want to thank all of our volunteer firefighters at Good Will, the West Chester Fire Department, and throughout Chester County.”
This investment is one of several that Comitta secured this spring for local fire companies, including: $520,000 in state funding for a new tanker truck for Modena Fire Company and $100,000 for blocking equipment for the West Chester Fire Department.
In addition, she supports important public safety investments in Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget plan, including $30 million in grant funding for fire companies statewide to purchase equipment, recruit and retain firefighters, and meet additional needs.
Organized more than 190 years ago, Good Will Fire Company serves the communities of West Chester, West Goshen, Westtown, Birmingham, East Bradford, and Thornbury.
It is one of three volunteer fire companies that make up the West Chester Fire Department and has been awarded a 100 percent certification level from the PA State Fire Commissioner’s Office.
For more information on Good Will Fire Company and how you can volunteer or support it, visit www.goodwillfireco.org
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West Chester, Pa (March 12, 2025) – More Lincoln University students who are interested in careers in special education will have access to accelerated certification programs, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced today.
Lincoln was one of 14 postsecondary institutions across the Commonwealth awarded more than $1 million in state funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)’s Accelerated Special Educator Certification Program.
The program, now in its second round, aims to expand accelerated certification programming to prospective special educators – helping Pennsylvania schools train more qualified special educators, faster. This year, PDE announced that it produced its first cohort of 142 new special educators.
“It takes a special kind of person to work in special education,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee. “I’m thrilled to see that this program is working to help college students at Lincoln University and beyond accelerate their careers to meet the growing demand in special ed classrooms across the Commonwealth.”
Under the program, grants are made available to colleges and universities with approved PK-12 special education certification programs to partner with at least one school district, approved private school, career and technical center, charter school, cyber charter school, or intermediate unit to provide individuals who hold bachelor’s degrees with summer field experiences, mentoring, and coaching by experienced special educators during the school year, and deliver a postbaccalaureate program for PK-12 special education teacher certification within 18 months.
Programs are to provide a combination of in-person and virtual options for flexibility and support to the accelerated program participants working full-time and ensure a minimum of 12 weeks of student teaching.
“Pennsylvania’s educator workforce shortage will take flexibility, innovation, and creativity to solve, and initiatives like the Accelerated Special Educator Certification Program demonstrate how thinking outside of the box can produce critical and much-needed results for the Commonwealth,” said Acting Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. “Between the 142 new special educators poised to enter classrooms across Pennsylvania and the hundreds of additional individuals who will also take advantage of this opportunity, we are making real and meaningful progress toward getting more high-quality educators in our schools.”
Lincoln University was awarded $50,000 in state funding in this round of the Accelerated Special Educator Certification Program. In the initial round of funding, both Lincoln and West Chester University were awarded nearly $100,000.
The grant funding is part of an ongoing effort to recruit and retain teachers in the Commonwealth.
The governor’s budget proposal calls for $1.4 billion in funding for K-12 schools, a $5 million increase for student-teacher stipends, and a $50 million increase in special education funding (on top of the $100 million secured last year).
In addition, Comitta, who began her career as a public school teacher in the Octorara School District, is also reintroducing legislation to build a robust teacher pipeline through a Grow Your Own Educator program. The program offers a proven method to recruit and retain educators from within their own communities by developing additional pathways and resources to receive a teaching certification.
As of the 2023-2024 school year, Pennsylvania’s teacher workforce stands at 123,190 educators, with the largest shortages in Grades 4-8, Special Education PK-12, Mathematics 7-12, Life & Physical Sciences 7-12, and Career and Technical Education 7-12. The United States Department of Education has designated these areas as critical shortages, and currently, Pennsylvania needs 1,670 special educators
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West Chester, Pa (March 7, 2025) – To help ensure that babies and toddlers have essential health and sanitary supplies, state Senator Carolyn Comitta is supporting the Maternal and Child Health Consortium’s Diaper Drive.
“Every child deserves a healthy start and that begins with the necessities that keep them clean, dry, and comfortable. And every parent knows that those costs can add up, especially in today’s economy,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. “If you are able, I encourage you to donate diapers and other infant and toddler supplies to help children and families in our community.”
Donations of new diapers of all sizes, as well as other new baby supplies like wipes, onesies, bottles, bibs, burp cloths, hats and socks, and bath supplies, are appreciated.
Items can be dropped off in the atrium of Senator Comitta’s West Chester District Office building at 17 E. Gay Street in downtown West Chester or at the Maternal and Child Health Consortium’s Coatesville office at 1001 E. Lincoln Highway, Suite 104. Comitta’s office is open during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The final day to drop off donations is Tuesday, April 1.
“Many parents in Chester County struggle to afford essential baby supplies, with research showing that nearly 1 in 3 U.S. families experience diaper need,” said Alma Vidal, Director of Programs at Maternal and Child Health Consortium (MCHC). “Without enough diapers, parents may be forced to stretch usage, leading to health risks such as diaper rash and infections. Initiatives like this diaper drive are critical in bridging this gap and ensuring families have the essentials to keep their babies healthy. Senator Comitta and her team’s dedication to this effort will have a meaningful and lasting impact in our County.”
The average newborn baby uses 8-12 diapers a day and up to 84 diapers in a week. However, nearly half of U.S. families struggle to afford diapers, according to the National Baby Diaper Network. That may lead to some not changing their babies as often as they would like. Clean diapers and baby supplies are a necessity to raise healthy babies and prevent infections, discomfort, and diaper rash.
Senator Comitta is excited to host the Second Annual Community Baby Shower with the Maternal and Child Health Consortium on April 11th in Coatesville where the supplies from the Diaper Drive will be given to families in need.
More information about Senator Comitta’s Baby Shower, is available here.
For more information on MCHC and how you can help support mothers, children, and families in Chester County, visit ccmchc.org.
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WEST CHESTER, PA (February 24, 2025) – New state funding is coming to improve Chester County roadways, enhance stormwater infrastructure, and create safer pedestrian walkways, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced today.
“To help our residents get where they need to go and keep our economy moving, we must continue to invest in our community’s transportation network, Comitta said. “That’s why I am happy to support this funding to enhance our road network and help create a safer and more efficient transportation system in several Chester County communities.
The grant funding awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Multimodal Transportation Fund supported projects in five Chester County municipalities.
West Goshen Township was awarded $700,000 for stormwater and pedestrian safety improvements along Montgomery Avenue.
“After years of dangerous flooding at the intersection of Gay Street and Montgomery Avenue, which affected our local high school, hospital, and businesses, I’m happy to have worked with State Senator Comitta to obtain much needed funding for West Goshen Township’s stormwater and pedestrian project,” said state Representative Chris Pielli. “This project will greatly mitigate flooding and increase safety for our local residents and businesses.”
Londonderry Township was awarded $300,000 to repair and improve several roadways within the municipality.
“For too long, Southern Chester County saw very little state funding to address core infrastructure needs,” said Rep. John Lawrence. “I’m pleased that Senator Comitta and I were able to help facilitate this grant to address some of the longstanding road issues in Londonderry Township, and we will continue to work to bring resources to this corner of the county in the days ahead.”
East Fallowfield Township received funding to replace the Mortonville Road Bridge.
“I’m very pleased that East Fallowfield will receive funding from the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program for the Mortonville Bridge,” said state Representative Christina Sappey. “The restoration and repair of our older bridges is equally important for the safety of all residents, and it makes a big difference for commuters, businesses and our first responders.”
Additional funding was awarded to The City of Coatesville for intersection safety improvements at Wagontown Road and State Route 82 and in Valley Township to Lincoln Highway and Walter Johnson Boulevard.
“These investments are crucial to ensuring our roads remain safe and functional for residents, businesses, and visitors,” said state Representative Dan Williams. “By securing this funding, we are not only improving transportation infrastructure but also strengthening our local economy and enhancing quality of life for our communities.”
Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Commonwealth Financing Authority, the Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the Commonwealth.
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Coatesville, Pennsylvania (February 21, 2025) — This week, State Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Rep. Dan Williams were joined by Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger and local leaders to tour businesses and organizations in Coatesville in Chester County that are focused on advancing innovation in the technology sector.
From day one, Governor Josh Shapiro has been focused on spurring economic development through innovation in the Commonwealth, creating the first Economic Development Strategy in nearly two decades. The Governor’s proposed 2025-2026 Budget includes a total of $50 million for the new PA Innovation program, which includes a one-time $30 million initiative to spur life sciences job growth and $20 million to provide annual funding to support large-scale innovation.
“The success of technology and life sciences entrepreneurs is key to Pennsylvania’s economic growth in every region of our Commonwealth,” said Secretary Rick Siger. “Pennsylvania is open for business, and Governor Shapiro’s proposed PA Innovation program will continue to spur economic development, create jobs, and drive world-leading innovation.”
During his tour, Secretary Siger visited businesses and innovation resources including: nth Solutions, LLC, the Chester County Economic Development Council’s Business Resource Center, Made in Coatesville Small Business Incubator, 2nd Century Alliance, and Coatesville City Hall.
“Coatesville is rising and with investments in economic development, job growth, innovation, transportation, and career and technical education, we’re going to keep the momentum building,” said Senator Carolyn Comitta. “I want to thank Secretary Siger for coming to Chester County to see the important work that’s underway and Governor Shapiro for fighting for investments in the future of Coatesville and the people of Pennsylvania.”
“I feel privileged to be a witness to the revitalization of Coatesville here in the 74th district. This city is defined by the hardworking community members that have been the catalyst for this awe-inspiring resurgence,” said Representative Dan Williams. “I see a bright future for Coatesville, and I have an immense sense of gratitude that I have the honor to represent this great city and the entire 74th district in Harrisburg.”