December 2, 2024
West Chester, Pa (November 13, 2024) – As the holiday season quickly approaches, the office of state Senator Carolyn Comitta is collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.
“Toys for Tots helps ensure thousands of children in Chester County have brand new presents to call their own during the holiday season,” Comitta said “If you are able, please consider donating a toy to help brighten the holiday of a child in our community.”
Donations will be accepted in the atrium at Senator Comitta’s West Chester district office building at 17 E. Gay Street. The 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 December 11th.
During the 2023 holiday season, Chester County Toys for Tots distributed nearly 41,000 toys to over 16,000 children.
Families seeking a toy from the program must submit a request form online by Friday, November 15th.
For more information on the program, to request information, a full list of donation drop-off locations, and more visit the Chester County Toys for Tots website at: https://chester-county-pa.toysfortots.org/
It is one of hundreds of local Toys for Tots campaigns that are conducted annually in over 800 communities covering all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
Since 1947, the United State Marine Corps Reserve has operated Toys for Tots, a nonprofit charity, to help distribute toys to families facing financial hardship.
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December 2, 2024
Malvern, PA —State Senator Carolyn Comitta, state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, and Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that more than $31,000 in unclaimed property has been returned to Willistown Township.
“We are thrilled to see these funds returned to the people and taxpayers of Willistown Township,” Sen. Comitta said. “Our office regularly works to identify local municipalities, school districts, nonprofits, and others who have unclaimed property and connect them with the Pennsylvania Treasury. I thank the Treasury and its staff for their work and encourage more people to check the online database to see if they are owed any unclaimed property.”
“Returning these funds to Willistown Township will significantly benefit our community,” Rep. Shusterman said. “These resources can enhance local services, support essential projects, and ultimately improve the quality of life for our residents. Additionally, the Treasury website has made returning unclaimed property more efficient, and I encourage organizations and residents of my district to contact my office for assistance in claiming any funds.”
“I’m pleased that we’re getting this money back to Willistown Township so it can be used to benefit township residents,” Treasurer Garrity said. “I appreciate working with Sen. Comitta and Rep. Shusterman to return these funds. At Treasury, we want to get unclaimed property back in the hands of the rightful owners – so I encourage everyone, including government agencies, businesses and nonprofits, to check our website regularly to see if any money is available for them to claim.”
The $31,652.08 returned to Willistown Township includes 11 individual properties ranging in value from $20 to $28,788.18. The oldest property dates back to 1998, while the most recent is from 2020. Properties returned include funds from accounts payable checks, a dividend check, escrow accounts, a matured life policy fund, and an unclaimed check/official check. How the funds are spent will be determined by township officials.
Treasurer Garrity has returned more than $17.7 million to nearly 100 local government agencies, including counties and municipalities.
Treasury is working to return more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property to its rightful owners, including more than $126 million owed to Chester County residents. More than one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, and the average claim is worth about $1,600.
Unclaimed property can include dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policies, contents of forgotten safe deposit boxes and more. State law requires businesses to report unclaimed property to Treasury after three years of dormancy.
Treasury keeps tangible unclaimed property for at least three years before it is auctioned. Auction proceeds are kept in perpetuity for owners to claim. Military decorations and memorabilia are never auctioned.
To learn more about unclaimed property or to search Treasury’s database to see if any money is available for you to claim, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.
November 22, 2024
West Chester, Pa (November 22, 2024) – Safe Harbor of Chester County will receive 20 laptops to support financial and computer literacy training programs for people recovering from homelessness, state Senator Carolyn Comitta and state Rep. Chris Pielli announced today.
The laptops were awarded through the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority’s Digital Connectivity Technology Program. They will support the non-profit organization’s mission to provide emergency housing, food, and support services in a structured environment to unhoused single men and women in Chester County.
“This grant is a powerful step in addressing homelessness by providing the residents at Safe Harbor with the tools they need to rebuild their lives. These laptops will enable access to financial and computer literacy training, giving individuals the skills and confidence to secure housing, employment, and lasting stability. We are profoundly grateful for this investment in hope and opportunity,” said Jessica Chappell, Executive Director of Safe Harbor of Chester County.
“I want to thank the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority and Senator John Kane, who serves on the board, for making this investment in our community. Thanks to these laptops, some of our most vulnerable neighbors and community members will now have access to learning the digital skills that are fundamental to a productive life and a prosperous career in the 21st Century,” Comitta said.
“I’m very pleased that Safe Harbor of Chester County has received this essential technology. Safe Harbor is a greatly valued community organization offering comprehensive services for individuals who experience homelessness. These laptops will help bridge the digital divide which disproportionately impacts our most vulnerable residents,” Pielli said. “I applaud the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for offering this grant program to enable digital access for individuals seeking employment, education, health resources, and ultimately, long-term self-sufficiency.”
The PBDA is also partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and PA CareerLink to introduce program participants to SkillUp™ PA, which offers no-cost online job skills training to the public.
The laptops for Safe Harbor come as part of 9,122 laptops awarded to community institutions across 42 Pennsylvania counties for use by residents who do not have access to digital technology.
Through the Digital Connectivity Technology Program, the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority is investing $20 million to provide laptops to eligible public-facing institutions such as libraries, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and other community anchor institutions.
“The community organizations receiving these devices will help ensure that individuals needing to use a laptop to access high-speed, reliable internet will have that important access,” said Brandon Carson, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. “Each organization has outlined a clear and effective plan to make these laptops available to individuals in their communities so they have better health, education, and economic outcomes.”
Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the Digital Connectivity Technology Program aims to increase access to technology devices where affordability has been identified as a barrier to broadband adoption and use. The program helps ensure that all Pennsylvania communities can access high-speed internet on reliable internet enabled devices so they can enjoy education, career advancement, and telemedicine benefits.
The full list of approvals can be found on the PBDA website. A second round of laptop applications through the Digital Connectivity Technology Program will open in 2025.
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November 21, 2024
West Chester, Pa (November 21, 2024) – West Chester University was awarded $60,000 in state funding to address student hunger on campus, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced.
The funding comes through the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Hunger-Free Campus program, which supports colleges and universities that set up or expand free food pantries on campus and take other steps to meet students’ nutritional needs.
“Too many college students do not know where their next meal is coming from and about one-third report missing meals due to food insecurity,” Comitta, who serves on the Senate Education Committee said. “While we continue to work to make higher education more affordable, I hope these investments help ensure that no student must go hungry to get a degree at West Chester University and other colleges and universities across the Commonwealth.”
Based on legislation introduced by Comitta, the Hunger-Free Campus Initiative was established in the 2022-23 state budget and has since allocated $3 million to eligible Pennsylvania postsecondary institutions to fight food insecurity on their campuses.
This funding for West Chester University (WCU) comes as part of nearly $1 million in PA Hunger-Free Campus grants awarded to 31 institutions of higher education and private licensed schools across the Commonwealth.
This is the third cohort of grant awardees since the program’s creation. Grants are awarded to help schools address food insecurity on campus, including expanding access to food options, creating awareness initiatives, and upgrading facilities.
Previously, WCU was awarded $54,000 and $60,000 through the Hunger-Free Campus program.
“The Shapiro Administration has demonstrated its commitment to keeping students of all ages healthy and fed, and the Hunger-Free Campus grants enable postsecondary institutions to expand access to food and critical services on their campuses,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “By sharing best practices and resources, the Hunger-Free Campus coalition is ensuring that learners across the Commonwealth are safe, supported, and cared for while they’re at school.”
Awardees can be found on PDE’s website. Grant funds may be utilized until December 31, 2025.
WCU is a recognized leader in addressing food and basic needs insecurity on campus. All undergraduate and graduate students can access its Resource Pantry, which offers non-perishable food, fresh produce from the campus gardens, personal care items, school supplies, and more.
Last year, WCU’s Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact utilized the grant funds to expand pantry services through online ordering; increase options for students to access food during evening and weekend hours through online order pickup via locker access; increase access to healthy and allergy-friendly food; support the expansion of the Resource Pantry at the WCU Philadelphia location; build upon resources to support students in applying for benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); and increase students’ access to off-campus resources.
To be eligible for grants, Pennsylvania institutions of higher education must receive the Pa Hunger Free Campus designation. Applications are accepted on a quarterly basis. The deadline to apply is December 31, 2024. Apply online.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus Initiative, contact RA-EDHUNGERFREECAMPUS@pa.gov.
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November 18, 2024
West Chester, Pa (November 18, 2024) – Six projects that aim to protect watersheds, preserve natural spaces, and expand opportunities for outdoor recreation with new and trail upgrades were awarded state funding, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced.
“These investments mean more opportunities for Chester County residents, families, and visitors to get outside, stay active, connect with nature, and enjoy the many parks, trails, waterways, and environmental treasures that our region has to offer,” Comitta, who serves as minority chair of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said. “Furthermore, investments in parks and outdoor recreation not only benefit our health and well-being, but they also help drive economic growth.”
The projects, funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2), are as follows:
- $1,050,000 for West Whiteland Township for the further development of Exton Park, including pedestrian walkways, an internal loop trail, a multipurpose field, playing courts, a pavilion, new play equipment with safety surfacing, ADA access, a parking area, landscaping, signage, and stormwater management measures.
- $1 million for the Willistown Conservation Trust to acquire approximately 90 acres along Providence Road in Willistown for a new nature preserve.
- $500,000 for Chester County for design work, including drawings, specifications and documents, related to the rehabilitation of the Downingtown Trestle Bridge on the Chester Valley Trail in East Caln and West Bradford
- $393,000 for Chester County for the acquisition of approximately 5.27 acres on Boot Road in East Caln to provide a trailhead on the Chester Valley Trail.
- $75,000 for Chester County to coordinate and fund the 2025 Open Space Accelerator program to develop open space implementation plans for municipalities in Chester County.
- $50,000 for the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance to plant approximately 6 acres of meadows and 3 acres of riparian forest buffers in the Lower Delaware River and Lower Susquehanna River watersheds.
“Every day, my Administration is focused on getting stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania — and we’re proud to support hundreds of projects across the Commonwealth that not only enhance the quality of life for Pennsylvanians but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Investing in these projects – from improving our parks and trails to planting trees in our neighborhoods to increasing access to our rivers – attracts visitors to Pennsylvania, boosts local businesses, and strengthens our communities.”
The Chester County projects, which amount to more than $3 million in total funding, come as part of 79.4 million in C2P2 grants awarded to 307 projects across 57 Pennsylvania counties. Statewide, the investments will facilitate the development of 25 new local parks, the rehabilitation of 85 existing parks, the protection of over 6,800 acres for recreation and habitat preservation, and $10 million to support trails.
C2P2 supports projects that develop new parks, rehabilitate existing spaces, and protect vital natural habitats. With increased state and federal support, $10.5 million of this funding round will go toward tree planting and lawn-to-habitat conversions statewide.
The C2P2 grant program is funded by a variety of state and federal funding sources. The Chester County projects were funded through the Environmental Stewardship Fund, Keystone Fund, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
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November 14, 2024
West Chester, Pa (November 14, 2024) – High school juniors who are interested in public service, policy, and the legislative process are invited to apply for state Senator Carolyn Comitta’s 3rd Annual Student Advisory Council.
“One of my favorite things about being state Senator is the opportunity to work with and help foster the next generation of leaders and public servants, and that includes extending opportunities for students to learn more about the legislative process,” Comitta said. “I encourage high school juniors with a passion for public service to apply for this opportunity to learn more about state government and local civic engagement.”
The purpose of the council is to bring together students from across Chester County to learn about the roles and responsibilities within a state senate office as well as gather youth perspectives on the most pressing issues facing communities in Chester County and across the Commonwealth.
Sophie Rivell, a Henderson High School senior who participated in the council last year, encouraged others to apply.
“As a now senior, I can confidently say that Senator Comitta’s Student Advisory Council was the most impactful activity I did in high school. I learned so much about being a socially responsible political leader and have gained so many opportunities from my time on the council to continue using my voice for good,” Rivell said. “To be honest, I was very nervous to apply but am so grateful I did, it was truly a life changing experience both personally and professionally!”
Council members must live in the 19th Senatorial District and are expected to be available for a weekly meeting every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. beginning January 29th running through the beginning of April.
Students can apply by going to pasenatorcomitta.com/studentadvisorycouncil2025. Applications are due by December 13th at 5 p.m.
Upon submission of an application, students may be contacted for an interview.
Student applicants will be selected based on their demonstrated passion for service, prior experience and volunteer opportunities, and enthusiasm for progress through public policy.
For questions about the council and the application process, interested applicants can contact Senator Comitta’s Director of Constituent Services, Ethan Shaffer, at ethan.shaffer@pasenate.com
November 13, 2024
West Chester, Pa (November 13, 2024) – Brandywine Valley Active Aging’s Coatesville Campus is renovating its commercial kitchen to offer affordable meals to more senior citizens thanks to state funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
The $100,000 in grant funding, which comes through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, will be used to upgrade the facility’s existing commissary. The improvements are expected to enhance efficiency by an estimated 85 percent.
“Since the pandemic, Brandywine Valley Active Aging has seen a 235% increase in the noon meal program – serving nearly 300 chef-inspired and freshly prepared lunches each day. The funds awarded will see a long-term impact in improving the quality of life for older adults throughout Chester County,” said Bill Pierce, BVAA Executive Director.
To help seniors maintain a healthy weight and access balanced meals, BVAA offers nutritious, reduced-cost lunch options Monday through Friday.
“I appreciate the staff and volunteers who support our older friends and neighbors at Brandywine Valley Active Aging and all our senior community centers throughout Chester County and Pennsylvania,” said Comitta, who serves on the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. “This investment will ensure that more senior citizens in the Coatesville area can access healthy, affordable, and delicious meals for years to come.”
In 2021, the Coatesville and Downingtown Senior Centers merged to form BVAA, a nonprofit organization that serves as the leading resource for older adults in the greater Coatesville and Downingtown area and operates campuses in both communities.
In addition to offering meals and supplementary nutrition, BVAA provides opportunities for socialization, exercise, art and educational programs, and other services that aim to enrich and enhance the health, wellness, dignity, and overall quality of the life for older adults.
For more information about BVAA, visit bvactiveaging.org
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November 12, 2024
West Chester, PA — State Senator Carolyn Comitta and Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that nearly $15,000 in unclaimed property has been returned to the Borough of West Chester in Chester County.
“We are always happy to help return unclaimed property to its rightful owners, in this case the people and taxpayers of West Chester Borough. Our office regularly works to identify local municipalities, school districts, nonprofits, and others who have unclaimed property and connect them with the Pennsylvania Treasury to expedite the process,” Comitta said. “We appreciate the Treasury and its staff for their ongoing efforts to reunite people and entities with their unclaimed assets.”
“Working with Senator Comitta to return this money to West Chester was an absolute pleasure,” Treasurer Garrity said. “One of my top priorities is getting the more than $4.5 billion of unclaimed property in Treasury’s vault back to its rightful owners – whether that be individuals, businesses, nonprofits, or local government agencies like the borough. It’s great news that this money can now be put to good use for the residents of West Chester.”
The $14,858.56 returned to West Chester includes 29 individual properties ranging in value from $9.19 to $6,904. The oldest property dates back to 2001, while the most recent is from 2020. Properties returned include funds from accounts payable checks, cashier’s checks, claims payment checks, credit balances, escrow accounts, premium refunds, refunds/rebates, and uncashed checks. How the funds are spent will be determined by borough officials.
Treasurer Garrity has returned more than $17.7 million to nearly 100 local government agencies, including counties and municipalities.
Treasury is working to return more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property to its rightful owners. More than one in ten Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, and the average claim is worth about $1,600.
Unclaimed property can include dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policies, contents of forgotten safe deposit boxes and more. State law requires businesses to report unclaimed property to Treasury after three years of dormancy.
Treasury keeps tangible unclaimed property for about three years before it is auctioned. Auction proceeds are kept in perpetuity for owners to claim. Military decorations and memorabilia are never auctioned.
To learn more about unclaimed property or to search Treasury’s database, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property.
November 6, 2024
West Chester, Pa (November 6, 2024) – The Chester County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CCABVI) is expanding its services to reach more people and community members, thanks to state funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
Comitta recently secured $25,000 in state grant funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services for CCABVI to expand its “library” of vision support equipment that can be loaned to those in need for extended periods of time.
“We offer thanks to the office of State Senator Carolyn Comitta for its guidance and assistance in procuring these funds,” said Tracey Melia, CCABVI Board President.
According to Melia, the nonprofit organization offers a demonstration lab on site with the support equipment as well as a traveling demonstration “kit” that can be used in assisting the homebound. In addition, the funds will be used to hire an occupational therapist who can conduct home visits to its caseload of 480 individuals.
“The Chester County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired has served Chester County for more than 70 years. I am proud to secure this funding to help even more people with blindness or vision loss live safe, happy, healthy, productive and independent lives,” Comitta said.
The mission of the CCABVI is to prevent blindness and vision impairment through public education and improve the quality of life for those experiencing blindness or vision loss through direct service or referral.
CCABVI provides referrals for free eye exams and glasses to those in need and offers employment opportunities to the blind and visually impaired at an on-site textile workshop.
For more information on the CCABVI and its services, visit www.chescoblind.org.
November 1, 2024
West Chester, Pa (November 1, 2024) – Five projects that improve municipal services, support outdoor recreation, expand access to healthcare, and invest in educational opportunities were awarded $3.8 million in total state funding, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced today.
“Strong municipal services and public works, access to world-class healthcare, top-notch educational facilities and programs, and extensive opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors – these are all part of our excellent quality of life in Chester County. As state Senator, I continue to support investments in these community assets, so they can be enjoyed by all people now and for generations to come” Comitta said.
The funds, which were awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), are as follows:
- $1 million to East Fallowfield Township for a new municipal complex. The township has already conducted a feasibility study on the complex, which will combine the police department and administrative offices. The funds will support construction and related activities, including land development, site work, highway occupancy permitting, and an extension for the public water and sewer. Funding will also help purchase equipment for the new municipal complex, like access control, security, and furniture.
- $1 million for Paoli Hospital to add more patient rooms by renovating an existing medical building into a patient care unit. The project, which will result in additional patient rooms, is part of is a short-term strategy to accommodate increased inpatient volume. Longer-term campus master planning is underway with a focus on further increasing inpatient bed capacity at Paoli Hospital to meet the current (and growing) demand.
- $800,000 for West Whiteland Township to support the construction of the township’s new public works facility.
- $500,000 for the Chester County Intermediate Unit for the construction of the Child and Career Development Center’s new Great Valley campus. The new campus, situated on 22 acres in East Whiteland Township, accommodate 190 students from across the county. It is being designed to accommodate students with multiple disabilities, including physical and emotional challenges. It will include specialized gymnasiums, therapy centers, classrooms, emotional support, and physical support areas, including outdoor all-abilities playgrounds and recreation areas. Construction on the campus broke ground earlier this past summer and is expected to be completed in September 2026.
- $500,000 for Natural Lands to make improvements at the Stroud Preserve in East Bradford. Funds will be used to demolish and reconstruct an aging bridge, construction of a new bathroom facility, repaving, and stormwater management and flood mitigation improvements.
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.
Through her leadership in the legislature, Comitta has brought back tens of millions of dollars in RACP funding to support various community revitalization and economic development projects benefitting the people of Chester County.
