July 1, 2025
Malvern, PA (June 27, 2025) – Veterans, emergency first responders, and people with disabilities can participate in therapeutic and educational horseback riding programs at Thorncroft Equestrian Center thanks, in part, to grant funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
A nonprofit organization and one of the premier therapeutic equestrian centers in the United States, Thorncroft specializes in adaptive/therapeutic and recreational horseback riding lessons and other equine-assisted services for both children and adults with mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.
“Anyone who has visited Thorncroft knows that it’s a special place where riders can connect with animals, enjoy the natural beauty of Chester County, and learn more about themselves and their untapped abilities through equestrian activities and sport,” Comitta said. “I hope this investment helps more riders access Thorncroft’s pioneering programs, and I thank its staff, volunteers, and supporters for their ongoing efforts to support its mission.”
Located in East Goshen, Thorncroft will use the $50,000 that Comitta helped secure through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to support program costs for individuals of all ages.
“Thorncroft Equestrian Center would like to express our deep gratitude to Senator Comitta for stewarding this incredible gift and helping our mission to thrive. This outstanding support has provided stability for Thorncroft’s Therapeutic Horsemanship Programs offered to individuals of all abilities and ages, including veterans and first responders,” said Tiffany Meyer, President and Executive Director of Thorncroft. “The programmatic costs of operating 70 acres of protected land and caring for 35 horses and ponies while serving the unique needs of our riders can be daunting as a nonprofit. We endeavor to create a high-quality educational environment while honoring our values of love, respect and inclusion. On behalf of our staff, volunteers and board, we thank Senator Comitta for her commitment to our mission and our riders.”
Senator Comitta has provided continuous support to the disability community through her work in both Chester County and Harrisburg. She has secured impactful investments in nonprofit organizations like the Royer-Greaves School for the Blind, the Chester County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Bournelyf Special Camp, and the Arc of Chester County. Additionally, on January 6, 2025, Comitta introduced legislation to help ensure that Direct Support Professionals for people with disabilities are properly compensated for their important work.
Founded in 1969, Thorncroft has provided equestrian therapy to thousands of individuals over the years. Today, the center includes 70 acres of open space, a conference center, office space, and two beautiful indoor arenas.
For more information on Thorncroft Equestrian Center, visit www.thorncroft.org
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June 27, 2025
West Chester, PA (June 27, 2025) — State Senator Carolyn Comitta today issued the following statement in response to the SEPTA Board’s vote this week to approve the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget, which will cut service by 45 percent and raise fares 21.5 percent to fill a $213 million recurring budget deficit.
“SEPTA leaders have been sounding the alarm on this budget shortfall for months. We knew this was coming. We know that SEPTA service is indispensable to residents, families, students, and businesses in our region. And we know that these drastic cuts and fare hikes will have a significant, negative impact on our economy, property values, traffic congestion, and the overall quality of life in Chester County and Southeastern Pennsylvania.
What we don’t know is when the Senate Republican majority will act either on the mass transit funding bill recently passed by the House or a state budget that fairly and fully funds SEPTA and mass transit in all 67 counties. SEPTA’s budget shortfall was foreseeable, but the service reductions and fare increases are entirely avoidable. I’m disappointed by inaction by the Senate Republican majority in Harrisburg. And I’m disappointed that we’re days away from the state budget deadline and still don’t have a plan on the table to fund SEPTA, and other crucial services.
However, I remain hopeful that we can come together and pass funding for SEPTA and mass transit across the Commonwealth. And I will continue to stand with Chester County residents and business leaders – as I did at the Paoli Train Station earlier this spring – in calling on my Senate Republican colleagues to fund SEPTA now. It’s a necessity for our regional and state economy. And it’s just the right thing to do for our constituents.”
June 20, 2025
West Chester, PA (June 20, 2025) – The Downingtown Borough and Malvern Borough Police Departments are both getting new all-terrain utility vehicles (UTVs) thanks to grant funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
Both departments plan to use the new vehicles to conduct patrols and community outreach during densely populated events and in responding to off-road emergencies during extreme weather events or on regional trails, parks, nature preserves, and wooded areas.
“As a former borough Mayor, I know the challenges that our police and law enforcement face in keeping our families and children safe in growing communities. Whether it’s responding to emergencies in accessible areas, attending outdoor events, or patrolling our parks and trails, these UTVs will help our police quickly get where they need to go to do their jobs,” said Comitta.
Each department was awarded $50,000 in state funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
“Downingtown Borough has an increased need for a smaller yet more versatile emergency response vehicle. This all-terrain utility vehicle will play a crucial role in situations that are difficult to manage in a traditional police vehicle or on foot, where a delayed response time could heighten the risk of harm to our community,” said Brendan P. Brazunas, Downingtown Chief of Police. “The acquisition of this vehicle, made possible by this grant, will significantly enhance our ability to better prepare to manage special events, patrol regional trails, and provide logistical support during severe weather events. We are deeply grateful to Senator Comitta, who has been instrumental in this process.”
“The Malvern Borough Police Department has acquired an all-terrain utility vehicle, funded by the DCED grant, to enhance access to trails, parks, and wooded areas within the borough. This initiative, supported by Senator Comitta, aims to overcome the challenges faced by conventional SUV emergency vehicles in these terrains, thereby improving the safety and security of residents and visitors by providing us with the necessary equipment to deliver better services,” said Louis Marcelli, Malvern Chief of Police. “The police department expresses gratitude to Senator Comitta for her crucial role in facilitating this purchase and acknowledges her continued support of law enforcement and her positive relationship with the community.”
In the legislature, Comitta has consistently supported investments in police and new laws and policies that help ensure our Chester County communities are safe, welcoming, friendly, and inclusive places where all people can thrive and prosper.
That includes securing $250,000 for body cameras for the West Chester Police Department, new technology for police in Oxford, South Coatesville, East Fallowfield, and West Goshen, $1 million for a New Municipal Complex and Police Station in East Fallowfield, and funding for nearly 400 new Pennsylvania State Troopers in the state budget.
June 17, 2025
Tredyffrin, PA (June 17, 2025) – The Royer-Greaves School for the Blind, a nonprofit organization serving students with visual impairment and other disabilities, was awarded grant funding for campus upgrades thanks to the work of state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
For nearly 85 years, the school has been located on a 10-acre site in Paoli that was once a private estate. With some buildings dating back to the early 1900s, the school will use the $50,0000 grant, secured through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to support necessary repairs, primarily focused on the much-needed restoration of an older garage and carport area.
“Royer-Greaves has a pioneering history of serving students and young people in a supportive, therapeutic and community-based educational environment. With this investment in its infrastructure, the school can continue to serve students of all abilities, meeting them where they are and helping them achieve all they can, now and into future,” Comitta said. “I want to thank the staff and supporter of the Royer-Greaves School for the Blind for their ongoing work on behalf of the disability community.”
“We are very thankful to representatives from both Senator Carolyn Comitta’s office and the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) for all of their help in facilitating this award. The DCED staff and Senator Comitta’s team demonstrated great professionalism and understanding throughout the grant application process. The Royer-Greaves community truly appreciates the dedication extended by all in support of the children and adults we serve,” said Debra Jerome-Campbell, Executive Director.
Founded in 1921 by Dr. Jessie Royer-Greaves, the school was one of the first of its kind in the nation to serve students with visual impairment and intellectual or developmental disabilities. At that time, other schools for students with visual impairments frequently only accepted those who could demonstrate a minimum IQ score
Today, the school serves students ages 5 to 21 who have a visual impairment, including blindness, and other disabilities, such as hearing impairment and/or complex intellectual disabilities.
Through her legislative efforts in Harrisburg and advocacy in Chester County, Comitta continues to support the disability community. She has worked to secure important investments in nonprofit organizations like the Chester County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Bournelyf Special Camp, and the Arc of Chester County. In addition, Comitta introduced legislation to help ensure that Direct Support Professionals, who assist individuals with disabilities with daily tasks and independent living, are properly compensated for their important work.
For more information on the Royer-Greaves School for the Blind, visit royer-greaves.org
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June 16, 2025
By passing cyber charter reform in Pennsylvania, we can save more money for our public school districts and increase transparency and accountability for cyber charters all while continuing to ensure students who rely on cyber charters can access their programs.
Estimated saving with cyber charter reform (House Bill 1500) beginning 2025/26:
Avon Grove School District: $584,760
Coatesville Area School District: $2,972,046
Downingtown Area School District: $1,118,761
Great Valley School District: $854,193
Octorara Area School District: $669,010
Oxford Area School District: $1,200,681
Unionville Chadds Ford School District: $384,421
West Chester Area School District: $2,185,596
June 12, 2025
West Chester, PA (June 12, 2025) – Sixteen Chester County organizations working to prevent homelessness, promote affordable housing, support emergency shelters, and help people achieve financial self-sufficiency were awarded nearly $3.25 million in total state funding to support their efforts, state Senator Carolyn Comitta announced today.
“Every family deserves a safe and healthy place to call home. From expanding emergency shelters to providing no-cost home repairs to enhancing affordable housing opportunities for seniors and coaching first-time homeowners on financial literacy, these investments benefit our entire community,” Comitta said. “I want to thank the organizations and professionals across Chester County who are working to address housing insecurity and help people stay in their homes.”
The funding was approved by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program.
“PHARE is one of the most effective tools we have to expand access to safe, affordable housing in every corner of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “That’s why we’ve nearly doubled our investment in this program — because it works. Local communities know what they need, and PHARE gives them the resources to meet those needs, tackle the housing crisis, and help more Pennsylvanians stay in their homes. My budget proposal this year builds on that success by raising the PHARE cap to $110 million by 2028 – so we can build more homes, repair more aging properties, and deliver real results for the people of Pennsylvania.”
“I’m impressed each year with how well local organizations target PHARE dollars to address communities’ housing needs,” said PHFA Executive Director and CEO Robin Wiessmann. “We stress to applicants that their requests must demonstrate how PHARE money will be leveraged with other funding sources to make the largest housing impact possible, and that approach has significantly expanded PHARE’s financial investment again this year.”
The grants, which supported 22 projects in the 19th Senatorial District, are as follows:
- $75,000 for Open Hearth’s Targeted Homelessness Resource Coordination Program (THRC). The THRC program is a community-wide effort to end homelessness in Chester County led by a program coordinator. The coordinator works with shelters, partner agencies, and county representatives to create and maintain a list of those experiencing homelessness and work with all housing providers to prioritize them for permanent housing.
- $75,000 for Open Hearth’s Continuum of Care Permanent Supportive Housing (CoC) Program, which provides rental and utility assistance as well as critical supportive services to approximately 75 households each year. The program prioritizes serving households facing significant challenges, including those already experiencing homelessness, heads of households who have disabilities, and those with criminal convictions or no income.
- $65,000 for Kennett Area Community Service Homeless Prevention, Diversion, Emergency Housing, and Re-Housing services for families and individuals experiencing housing crisis in the Southern Chester County region.
- $250,000 for the Chester County Department of Community Development to expand its Diversionary Enhancement and Street Outreach Operations to provide flexibility, enhance integration with other systems, and improve positive outcomes. The initiative aims to reduce first-time homelessness and increase permanent housing placements and retention.
- $150,000 for Brandywine Valley Active Aging to maintain its Community Resource Navigator/Intensive Case Management program, which supports individuals who are homeless, at-risk for homelessness (housing insecure), or disaster survivors. The program aims to maintain and grow its case management department to prevent and address the increased incidence of older adults (60 and older) experiencing homelessness in Chester County.
- $300,000 for the Housing Partnership of Chester County’s (HPCC) Conservatorship Program. The funds will be used for HPCC to acquire and rehabilitate three properties before making them available for purchase to successful graduates of its First Time Home Buyer program.
- $400,000 for the Housing Partnership of Chester County’s Senior Home Maintenance Program, which provides no-cost grants to address the pressing housing maintenance and safety issues faced by low-income seniors. It allows participating seniors to safely remain in their homes.
- $50,000 for the Housing Partnership of Chester County’s First Time Home Buyer and Financial Counseling Program aims, which provides free fiscal education to members of the community interested in improving their own financial foundation. Counseling is provided by a HUD-certified housing counselor (English or Spanish) and available to low- and moderate-income Chester County residents. Group financial education classes are offered throughout the county at various locations. Individual counseling and support are also available to income-qualified clients.
- $50,000 for North Star of Chester County to prevent homelessness and promote self-sufficiency for working single-parent families. The program provides ongoing rental assistance, paid directly to landlords, to help families maintain housing, as well as funding for children’s programs, gas and grocery gift cards, and access to an office pantry. In addition, case managers offer budget counseling and financial mentorship to guide parents toward financial independence.
- $100,000 for Chester County Human Services to support the Human Needs Network, which aims to support housing and behavioral health information and referral services in Chester County. The funding will support an Information and Referral (I&R) Program Director, an I&R Manager, an I&R Data Manager, I&R Navigators, and I&R Mobile Navigators to maintain accurate housing and behavioral health information and referral system.
- $100,000 for Family Promise of Southern Chester County to provide short-term emergency support, medium-term shelter, and long-term case management for low-income families with children who are at risk of homelessness.
- $250,000 for the Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children for its Eviction Prevention Case Resolution (EPCR) Program. The program provides legal representation, tenant education, landlord negotiation, limited rental assistance, and short-term case management services to low-income households whose landlords have filed eviction requests in Coatesville, Downingtown, and West Chester District Court 15-2-03. The program anticipates expanding to Exton Court 15-4-03 in January 2025.
- $150,000 for the W.C. Atkinson Memorial Community Service Center to prevent homelessness through individualized intensive case management. The center takes a “housing-first” approach that includes providing shelter and a pathway to independence and stability.
- $25,000 for ACT in Faith of Greater West Chester for Homelessness Prevention Services. ACT in Faith provides services to the un- and under-employed to address issues that hinder self-sustainability and household stability, including support for Housing Stabilization rent, utilities, security deposits, and fuel) and Employment Support programs (transportation costs).
- $80,000 for Home of the Sparrow to help Chester County women reenter the community from the criminal justice system by providing intensive case management services and rapid access to subleased apartments that offer a safe living environment on a sliding scale. The organization also offers wrap-around services to help women find jobs, become financially literate, address health and addiction issues, and reunite with children.
- $90,000 for Home of the Sparrow to provide financial aid and case management to help prevent homelessness, keep women and children out of the costly, overburdened shelter system, and avoid the traumatic experience of homelessness and its long-term, devastating consequences.
- $150,000 for Safe Harbor of Chester County’s Pathways to Stability Initiative. The program provides temporary shelter, meals, case management, housing placement, structured day programming, and post-exit support for individuals experiencing homelessness. The funding will help Safe Harbor expand services, address rapid re-housing and trauma-informed care, and support vulnerable populations across Chester County.
- $350,000 for Safe Harbor to construct a second building above the existing parking lot to meet the growing demand for shelter and support services. The two-story facility will feature day programming spaces and administrative offices, connected to the main building by an enclosed walkway. This expansion will increase capacity by 20 units, improve operations, and provide essential resources for individuals experiencing homelessness in Chester County.
- $250,000 for the Housing Authority of Chester County’s (HACC) Recruitment, Recovery, and Retention Program, which provides clients with security deposit assistance and rental assistance. HACC also offers additional support through its Landlord Risk Reduction Program, which promotes landlord recruitment and retention by covering damages and unexpected vacancies.
- $150,000 for the Housing Authority of Chester County to renovate 10 vacant units at Oxford Terrace, a low-income property for seniors and disabled individuals in Oxford. This program will target homelessness and scarcity specifically for vulnerable groups, such as seniors and individuals with disabilities. Renovating affordable housing aims to enhance diversity and accessibility, fostering a more inclusive community.
- $100,000 for the Oxford Area Neighborhood Services Center to provide case management for participants, information and referral services, and assistance with essential needs such as rent payments, utilities, transportation, and healthcare and prescription costs. Frequently, the short-term assistance offered by this program can prevent homelessness, forestall the loss of heat or electricity, and ensure that participants can continue to work and remain self-sufficient.
- $50,000 for Good Neighbors Home Repair to provide no-cost home repairs for 10 families, including fixing leaky roofs, broken furnaces, and unsafe steps, as well as installing wheelchair ramps and making other critical repairs. Good Neighbors has been repairing homes for low-income homeowners at no cost for over 30 years. In 2023, the program served 58 families in Chester and Lancaster counties combined.
Funding for the Chester County projects comes as part of $73 million in total PHARE funding for fiscal year 2024-25 awarded to 387 housing and community development initiatives statewide.
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June 9, 2025
June 3, 2025
June 3, 2025
West Chester, PA (June 3, 2025) – The Chester County Department of Veterans Affairs was awarded state grant funding to serve more veterans with programs and outreach initiatives thanks to the donations of generous Pennsylvanians, state Senator Carolyn Comitta said today.
The Chester County Department of Veterans Affairs was one of 15 county departments statewide to receive more than $201,000 in funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ (DMVA) Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF).
“Pennsylvania is home to more than 700,000 veterans, including about 25,000 in Chester County. As we approach the 250th birthday of our nation next year, their service and sacrifice remains pivotal to our strength and unity,” Comitta said. “I want thank all of those who answered the call of duty, those who’ve donated to the Veterans’ Trust Fund, and the organizations that support our veterans across our Commonwealth.”
The Chester County Department of Veterans Affairs was awarded $15,000 in funding through the VTF. It is funded by donations through direct online contributions (https://www.pa.gov/dmva/donate/) and donations made when applying for or renewing their driver’s license, photo ID, or motor vehicle registration. 100 percent of each dollar donated to VTF goes directly to fund grants. There are no administrative costs, salaries, or contract costs.
“Our veterans have served our country and fought for our freedoms, and my administration has their backs,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “The Veterans’ Trust Fund, supported through Pennsylvanians’ generous donations, provides vital resources for the organizations that support Pennsylvania’s 700,000 veterans – organizations that make sure our veterans can put food on the table, have transportation to get where they need to go, and receive the benefits they earned through their service. We will continue to work to ensure that the brave men and women who protected our freedoms have the opportunity to succeed and can prosper here in the commonwealth.”
“There are so many incredible veteran advocacy organizations in Pennsylvania, but they can’t do all the work without financial support. That is why the Veterans’ Trust Fund is so important,” said Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “Thanks to the generosity of so many Pennsylvanians, we are able to provide much-needed support through the VTF to these organizations. It is another example of how we are all one team with one mission of supporting our veterans and their families.”
The Chester County Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to providing benefit information and application services to county veterans, their spouses and their dependents so they can receive the veterans benefits to which they are entitled under county, state, and federal laws.
The DMVA also awarded $819,850 in total VTF funding to 24 veteran service organizations with 501(c)(19) status and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and a mission of serving Pennsylvania veterans. Funding awards for these organizations was prioritized to address challenges Pennsylvania veterans face, from food and housing insecurity to transportation and behavioral health issues.
The DMVA is authorized to solicit and accept donations to the VTF on behalf of the Commonwealth. Tax-deductible donations can be made online at https://www.pa.gov/dmva/donate/ or mailed to: PA Veterans’ Trust Fund, Bldg. 0-47, Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003.
The VTF also receives proceeds from the sale of the Honoring Our Veterans and Honoring Our Women Veterans license plates, as well as private donations.
To learn more about the VTF, visit www.vtf.pa.gov
June 2, 2025
West Chester, PA (June 2, 2025) – Play ball! Softball players in the West Chester Area Sports Association (WCASA) are enjoying new dugouts this spring and summer thanks in part to state grant funding secured by state Senator Carolyn Comitta.
WCASA, a nonprofit organization, was awarded funding for the improvements through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Keystone Communities Initiative Grant Program.
“Sports bring people together. They not only promote physical fitness and exercise, but help instill important values like teamwork, dedication, and leadership,” said Comitta. “With this funding, WCASA has improved its fields and facilities to help bring the love of sports to even more young people, families, and generations of future athletes.”
The four new dugouts and player benches were installed on the softball fields at WCASA’s 17-acre complex to meet the expanding infrastructure needs of the growing sports and wellness association.
“The new dugouts will help keep our players safe from the sun and heat by providing a shady place to sit,” said Gary Zimmerman, President of the West Chester Area Sports Association. “We greatly appreciate the support of Senator Comitta in helping us secure the grant.”
The West Chester Area Sports Association Sports complex on Westtown Road in West Goshen includes five enclosed, lighted fields hosting baseball, softball, football, soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey games throughout the year.
Founded by the late Alvy “Al” Kelly, today WCASA is home to athletic leagues comprised of thousands of participants ages 5-85 (not including coaches and volunteers).
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