Domestic Abuse Project of Delco resumes walk-in services
MEDIA » The Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County resumed in-person counseling and legal operations this week, after shutting down all office operations on March 16 due to COVID-19 safety restriction and transitioning to a virtual model. Walk-in clients will be accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.
The staff at DAP continues to adjust and show extreme resiliency while adjusting to the constantly changing landscape around COVID-19 concerns, says Julie Avalos, executive director at DAP.
“We look forward to opening our offices full time for victims to receive services, while maintaining required health precautions based on the guidance from the CDC and the PA Department of Health,” said Avalos.
DAP’s manager of counseling, Liz Braccia-Hubbard, says the counseling department will serve survivors through the 24/7 crisis hotline, Zoom and in-person depending on the need. “We will continue to increase virtual services through HIPAA compliant Zoom meetings. In collaboration with the Outreach and Education Department, we are starting a new virtual support group beginning on July 9,” said Braccia-Hubbard.
The virtual groups will provide the same support as inperson, but to minimize risk they will take place via Zoom.
“Each virtual session will focus on a different topic related to domestic violence and healing. The group’s model is present focused which means we aim to discuss how the relationship has affected each group member and what is in their control to learn, grow and cope from their experience, “says Nicole Rampscher, counselor.
To attend a virtual support group, call DAP’s crisis hotline at 610-565-4590 or send a brief email to interns@dapdc.org/.
The Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County provides free crisis hotline, legal, counseling and safe house services to victims of domestic abuse in Delaware County. To get help for yourself or someone you know, contact DAP’s 24/7 hotline at 610-565-4590.
Chester Alumnae Sorority donates $1K to Upper Chi Library
UPPER CHICHESTER » Library has received a generous $1,000 donation from Chester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Established in 1913 by 22 Howard University students, it has grown into a worldwide service organization with more than 250,000 members. The organization evaluates community needs and works to improve communities, as well as provide financial assistance. Norwood Legion Post 507 holds annual blood drive
John Wesley Cross American Legion Post 507 will hold their annual Red Cross Blood Drive 2-7 p.m. July 9 in the upper hall of the post, 20 W. Cleveland Ave., Norwood.
For additional information contact the post at 610-5860158. Due to the current situation, everyone is asked to be safe and wear a mask.
Two Cheyney students selected as White House HBCU Scholars
Two Cheyney University of Pennsylvania students were recently selected by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as 2020 HBCU Competitiveness Scholars – the initiative’s highest student recognition.
Kiyana Roberts, a rising senior, and Kevin Mwangi, a rising sophomore, join 42 other students from 33 HBCUs that will be part of the 2020-2021 cohort of Competitiveness Scholars. They were selected to join this elite list for their determination, resilience and commitment to excellence inside the classroom and out, which they continued to present and achieve even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Kiyana and Kevin are exceptional, distinguished students that maintain a high-level of academic performance while providing outstanding leadership through their roles on and off campus,” said Cheyney University President Aaron Walton. “They are dedicated to learning, improving the communities around them, and creating a successful path forward that helps all students achieve their goals.”
Throughout the upcoming academic year, Roberts and Mwangi will take part in virtual events hosted by federal and non-federal organizations where they will explore and exchange ideas, and share best practices around leadership, professional development and career pathways.
Roberts, who is from Jersey City, NJ, is majoring in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management and minoring in Recreation and Leisure Management. She is a first-generation college student and the oldest of four children. Along with being a Humphreys Scholar, she has been involved in Cheyney athletics, volunteer roles, campus jobs and several leadership positions throughout her college experience.
She was recently the 47th Miss Cheyney University for the 2019-20 academic year,
President and Vice President of the Cheyney University Chapter of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality (NSMH), and Keystone Honors Council Secretary. She will also be serving as the Vice Chair on the NSMH National Board and the Marketing Director on the Student Government Association at Cheyney. Her goal is to become a regional manager for a multinational hotel company, eventually operating entire hotel chains.
Mwangi, who is from Easton, is majoring in Business Administration Management. He is a member of Cheyney University’s Keystone Honors Academy, which seeks to graduate students who are academically accomplished, visionary leaders and responsible citizens. During his first year, he was involved in several service projects on campus and in the extended community.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, scholars will not be able to convene in Washington, D.C., for the National Recognition Program in the fall. Plans are underway for an online recognition and virtual campaign to ensure the scholars receive their acknowledgement during the 2020 Virtual HBCU Week Conference.
Mural along Chester Creek Trail dedicated
Delaware County Councilwoman Elaine Schaefer recently joined local artist Jay Walker, Kelly Johnson of the Friends of the Chester Creek Branch (FCCB), Veronica Batter of the Rockdale Arts District/Rockdale Arts Center, and Marc Manfre, Director of Delaware County Parks & Recreation to dedicate a new mural along the Chester Creek Trail in Lenni.
“This is the kind of collaboration that makes something that is already a valuable public asset and turns it into a really cherished public treasure,” said Councilwoman
Schaefer. “People are really starting to understand the value that trails bring to our mental and physical health, not to mention the economic benefits that trails bring to the community through increased property values throughout the region.”
Titled “Patterns (Chester Creek Trail),” the mural is a 450-foot expanse of color adorning a support wall that runs along the defunct Civil War-era Chester Creek Branch line of the Pennsylvania Railroad near Lungren Road. Undulating lines of green and blue now greet trail-goers, replacing what had been a dull gray slab of concrete.
“I wanted to create something that didn’t necessarily tell a story,” explained Mr. Walker, an Aston-based based multi-disciplinary artist. “When I walk the trail, I really like the to see nature—the grass, the water, and how the colors move and come together. I wanted this mural to contribute to that orchestra, if you will, and not detract but instead add to that experience.”
The McKee Group, Nolan Painting, Sherman Williams, SEPTA, and Middletown and Aston Townships provided input, funding, materials, and countless hours of volunteer support under the direction of FCCB and the Parks and Recreation Department to make this vision into a reality.
For more information about the Chester Creek Rail Trail, including historical pictures from the area, information on access and parking, and plans for ongoing expansion, visit https:// chestercreektrail.org/about/