April, 2019
It Was A Bowling Boom!
The Bowling Party Fundraiser, held at the Downingtown Bowling Palace on
March 15, received rave reviews and raised almost $900 for the 2019 Self-Determination Luncheon. Click for more photos .
Chester County Recognizes
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Chester County's Commissioners showed their support for individuals with developmental disabilities on Tuesday, March 19. As part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the Commissioners issued a Proclamation that said, in part, "Chester County ... strives to support and empower individuals with developmental disabilities to find employment, foster relationships, pursue dreams, and live fulfilled lives as valued and contributing members of their communities."
Deputy Administrator of Chester County MHIDD, Bridget Thrash, recalled the days when people with developmental disabilities were institutionalized and noted the contrast to today, where the are "more a part of their community than ever."

photo caption, L to R: Commissioners Terence Farrell and Michelle Kichline, Jodi Dill from the Arc of Chester County, Gerald Wheaton , Bridget Thrash, Commissioner Kathi Cozzone.
Chester County's Human Services Block Grant
Public Hearings for Public Comment

April 8th at 1 PM in Coatesville
and
April 9 at 4:30 PM in West Chester

Free Screening of the documentary
Resilience, the Biology of Stress
and the Science of Hope

Wednesday, April 24, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
at the Fusion Academy, Malvern

Next Steps into Adulthood Workshop and Resource Fair
From Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Autism Research Center

Saturday, April 13, 9:00 - 1:30

Join us for the next SNAP Pizza Fundraiser
291 Main Street, Exton

Thursday, May 16 from 5 PM until 9 PM

Email Sue Berg at sberg@chesco.org for a printable flier to present when you
pay for your meal. SNAP Pizza will donate 50% of proceeds to the
2019 Self-Determination Awards Luncheon.
What is your vision of a good life?

Throughout our lifespan, we all strive for more than just health and safety. 

Our conversations need to reflect that. We need to talk about our vision of a good life!

Sometimes we start by naming things we don’t want to happen, and then begin to dream about the things we do want to happen. By looking at our own day-to-day experiences, we can quickly see which direction they are leading us. Is it to our vision of a good life?

For more information — www.lifecoursetools.com or www.myODP.org , or contact Darcy Elks, Chester County Family Advisor, PA Family Network at delks@visionforequality.org  or call 1-844-PAFAMILY, or 484-459-0538. 
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Resources & Training Opportunities

There are several other county departments who send out community newsletters and announcements just like this one. If you're interested, sign up here .

Child and Family Focus offers Behavioral Health Respite services.

PA Care Partnership is developing systems that care. Visit their website for training opportunities and resources.

Mental Health First Aid classes are being offered in Chester County - Check out the fliers at our website.


Refer Web - Chester County's source for human services
Chester County Department of Mental Health / Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
601 Westtown Road, West Chester, PA


Chester County Commissioners
Administrator: Linda Cox
Deputy Administrator: Bridget Thrash