Our Delaware Valley Podcast

Kate McGeever, Executive Director of the Delaware County Workforce Development Board discussed the Delaware County Career Link, the local face of the federal American Job Center Network employment support system is our guest.

We begin with PACareerLink’s efforts to support the workers laid off from the Crozer Health closings affecting Delaware County and the surrounding areas.

The Crozer Health Job and Resource Fair is being held Tuesday 5/13 from 10-2 at Subaru Park in Chester featuring over 200 employers and 25 Community Resource Partners.  You can reserve in advance but walk-ins are welcome, bring a resume for available positions.

Rapid Response meetings are happening in partnership with PA Labor and Industry to provide people with information relevant to Unemployment Compensation, Healthcare, Finance and Job Services.

The Crozer Health Transition Center offers help from unemployment benefits consultants, PENNIE PA state ACA Insurance representatives, and trained career service counselors.  Hosted by PaCareerLink Delaware County it's housed above the Chester Police Station with free parking and free services Monday-Friday from 830-5pm. Email or call for your appointment on the Crozer page of pacareerlinkdelco.gov. Walk ins are Welcome but appointments are preferred.

She discussed their ongoing role in helping us all find employment, young first-time job seekers, older individuals looking to return to the workforce, the recently incarcerated, people who are losing their jobs and those just looking to change careers.

They offer job training, resume help, online workshops on office and work place skills and networking for employers, with   

For employers they can help with recruitment services, hiring assistance, apprenticeship and job training assistance and access to incentives and tax credits.     

PACAREERLINKDELCO.ORG

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From the Museum of the American Revolution James Taub,  Associate Curator of Banners of Liberty: An Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags, and Rebecca Franco, Family Programs Manager, discussed their current exhibition and the reopening of the renovated Revolution Place family discovery center.

Jim discussed the museum’s kick-off to America’s Semiquincentennial with Banners of Liberty which opened on the 250th anniversary of the “shot heard round the world” at the Battles of Lexington and Concord which ignited the Revolutionary War.  It brings together 17 total flags, including 16 from the Revolutionary era – the largest gathering of such flags since the close of the eight-year conflict in 1783.

Rebecca spoke about the museum’s educational opportunities for all ages and the newly renovated Revolution Place. A hands-on, interactive space for kids to immerse themselves in fun and history. 

Finally, we discussed the museum’s big exhibition for 2026, The Declaration’s Journey, exploring the history and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today and how more than 100 nations have integrated its ideals into their own independence movements.  Opening this coming October and running into 2027, it will bring together for the first time in one place rare documents, works of art, and artifacts from around the world that reflect the history and legacy of the Declaration of Independence.

Banners of Liberty: An Exhibition of Original Revolutionary War Flags,  will be on view through Aug. 10, 2025 in the first-floor Patriots Gallery, and will be included with regular Museum admission.

For more information about programming, exhibits, classroom support and more go to amrevmuseum.org

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Dan Drake, President and CEO of Trinity Health PACE, discussed how a PACE comprehensive community-based approach can allow older adults continue to live at home as long as possible.

Trinity Health PACE, a member of Trinity Health, provides comprehensive medical, health, recreational, and social services to qualified elderly individuals, allowing them to remain at home while receiving essential care.

Dan describes PACE, Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, as inside-out nursing home care, it delivers nursing home-level medical services in PACE participants’ homes or at a PACE center with proven results in reducing admissions to hospital settings.

To enroll, an individual must qualify for nursing home care with low income; he notes that most qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, with little or no co-pays. Once enrolled PACE operates as both insurer and care provider.  For the protection of the care providers and the resident they perform an in-home review, making sure the home is livable and safe; they will even help with decluttering of a residence.

Once in PACE care they have access to social and recreational opportunities, occupational and physical therapist, dieticians, transportation to medical appointments, as well as a dedicated team for primary care and registered nurse home care.

For more information about PACE programing and find providers in your community visit medicaid.gov

For Trinity Health PACE, serving locally the Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware areas, go to TrinityHealthPace.org

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Pat Roberts and Nancy Blair, co-founders of  AIM Academy and AIM Academy Institute for Learning and Research, discussed their work educating students in grades 1-12 with language-based learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, using methods that can help any student learn to read.  They talked about the need for quality reading instruction, citing statistics that only 29% of 4th graders in the latest NAPE Report Card could read proficiently.  They explain that the student who is not reading at 4th grade and at 8th grade will not have the same opportunities for higher education.  They stressed early intervention with struggling students noting that it takes 4x longer for remedial studies after 4th grade. 

They discussed their school and its history.  Pat, a teacher, and Nancy,a nursing professional, were struggling with education for their daughters, both of whom were struggling with reading and language skills.  After years of research and volunteer work in the field, they founded their school in 2006 in Manayunk with 25 students.  Today it features a 7-acre campus with labs, robotics, playing fields, and soon, a Global Innovation Hub, a 17,000+ square-foot learning space which will feature two stories of expanded classrooms, new science labs, partnership and entrepreneurship spaces and a community gathering place. Their programs are college preparatory, designed to foster self-esteem and social responsibility both in the classroom and through our comprehensive athletics, extracurricular and summer enrichment programs.

To address the literacy crisis, their art-based methods are available to educators around the world, today over 50,000 teachers have studied through the AIM Academy Institute for Learning and Research.

To learn more about the Academy, placement and testing resources, financial aid, summer sessions and the AIM Academy Institute go to aimpa.org.

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Dr. Larry R. Kaiser, MD, FACS, FCPP, President and CEO of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia discussed the organization, the oldest and most distinguished private medical society in America, and its public spaces, the Mutter Museum and Benjamin Rush Medicinal Garden. The College, founded in 1787 by 24 prominent Philadelphia physicians, including Dr. Benjamin Rush, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is an elected Fellowship organization of over 1,000 physicians, scientists, scholars, and community leaders committed to making meaningful contributions to patient care, public health, and advancing medical knowledge and education. Today its mission is to serve as a trusted educational resource and to further the understanding of health and disease for the betterment of society.

The college is also a major resource center to scholarly research into medicine and its history, with the Historical Medical Library and its collection of rare books, medical journals and manuscripts.

Dr. Kaiser discussed his biggest initiative, strengthening the Fellowship, building its membership and engagement, creating a Fellows Hub and increasing participation in the different ‘Sections’ devoted to special interests.

He also spoke about the College’s outreach programming to local schools and educators, creating STEM and other curricula to encourage the next generation of physicians, scientists and researchers.

We discussed the Mutter Museum, which shares stories of medicine and public health through incredible collections of rare books, archives, historical objects, and biological specimens.

He discussed its current exhibit open to Museum visitors, Trusted Messengers: Community, Confidence, and COVID-19, which marks the five year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic and considers how to build trust in public health. Initially developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Museum in Atlanta, the Philadelphia version features materials used in the development of the COVID vaccine at Penn and spotlights local healthcare workers and organizations.
Tickets may be purchased at www.muttermuseum.org. · Exhibition web link: http://muttermuseum.org/on-view/trusted-messengers

We also discussed a special library exhibition on view now on weekends in the Norris Reading Room, Medicine and Mentorship: From the Archives. It highlights the many pathways physicians and other healers in the United States have followed to learn the art and science of medicine - as apprentices to other physicians, in private anatomy schools, and at home, using printed guides.

The College also produces and hosts The History of Vaccines, an online resource to provide a living, changing chronicle of the compelling history of vaccination. The site aims to increase public knowledge and understanding of the ways in which vaccines, toxoids, and passive immunization work, how they have been developed, and the role they have played in the improvement of human health. The site also discusses some of the controversies about vaccination and some of the challenges, difficulties, and tragic events that have occurred in the use of vaccines.
Finally, we talked about membership and the activities hosted by the College and Museum throughout the year.

The annual Radiant Ball honors Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and one of the most important figures in the history of medicine, happening this year on April 25. There will be shimmering green lighting and Philly’s favorite hot jazz band, Drew Nugent & The Midnight Society, leading an evening of dancing with after-hours access to the museum, light bites, a silent auction, and access to rarely seen collection items related to Curie’s visit and work.

Mütter's Day Brunch: On May 11th they will host a Members and Fellows Appreciation brunch event at the Museum. It will include food, refreshments, Museum admision, and a 20% discount in our Museum store.

collegeofphysicians.org
muttermuseum.org

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Molly Eigen, Chief Mission Delivery Officer at Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, with more than 25,000 girl members it’s the largest girl-serving organization in Pennsylvania and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Molly discussed the programming, based on four pillars, STEM, Lifeskills, Outdoors and Entrepreneurship, with girls as young as 4 able to enroll. She described how girls grow with their troops and how they work with caring adults and schools to organize them. We talked about their signature fundraiser, Girl Scout Cookies, and how girls learn business planning, financial literacy and teamwork from their campaign. She also discussed the camping experience, available to all girls and offering different programs to appeal to all, from horses to science to music.

We also discussed its one-of-a-kind event, GirlzDay: Our World, Our Way, which will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on May 17, 2025. Open to all girls, scout or not, there will be opportunities to learn more about scouting with a mini-camp, STEM activities and team projects, ending with a glow dance party. The day will showcase the efforts of the ‘Girl Bosses,’ scouts who have spent the past nine months working with their peers, dedicated volunteers and mentors to identify problems in their communities, such as homelessness, public transportation safety, and hunger, and take actionable steps to develop sustainable solutions.

GSEP serves a 9-county-footprint (Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, and Philadelphia).

GSEP is looking for more than girls, they need volunteers and businesses to support their programming.

To find a troop near you visit GSEP.ORG and for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania go to gsep.org. For camp information gsep.org/camp and to register and learn more about GirlzDay gsep.org/girlzday

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Postal Inspector George Clark returns to discuss the law enforcement arm of the United States Postal Service, their crime solving and crime prevention work and how you can help fight Consumer Fraud.  We talk about the history of the unit, its agents and their role in investigating crime on the Federal level.  Prompted by Consumer Fraud Week Inspector Clark discussed various frauds against us, including romance and work-at-home schemes, money laundering and lotteries.  Our take away, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.  Never jump on an offer or react without researching and consulting others. Google it first! Learn more about fraud and how you can report it at https://www.uspis.gov/

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Marypat Tracy, MSW, LCSW, Executive Director of Connectedly, discussed their mission, strengthening community support networks, reducing social isolation, and improving the well-being of older adults, especially women and their families within the City of Philadelphia.  We discussed the numbers – Philadelphia is poor city with a high concentration of seniors, nearly 40% of adults age 65+ live alone, and 48% of low-income elders live alone and a significant number of seniors are raising grandchildren.

Connectedly approaches multi-generational issues through a ‘Grandparent Resource’ hub and programming including aimed at ‘Philly Families Connect,’ group sessions centered on case management, counseling and other family supports; ‘Philly Families Read Together,’ literacy workshops with children’s books and supplies to build their grandchildren’s reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills, support their learning, and engage with schools, and ‘Philly Families Eat Smart’ which provides nutrition education, healthy cooking workshops, access to fresh produce along with stress management and fitness activities for children and grandparents.  For seniors living alone they offer ‘Healthy Lives Community Groups,’ in neighborhoods to create and sustain social connections and they offer telehealth counseling services.

To learn more go to connectedly.org

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Shawn Boehringer, Esq., Executive Director of Legal Aid of Southeastern PA, discussed the programs offered by the non-profit civil legal services agency. Serving Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks and Chester Counties, LASP works with mostly low-income individuals seeking non-criminal help. Areas of services include Housing, including landlord/tenant and foreclosure prevention, Family Law, including protection from Domestic Violence, Benefits, including Unemployment Insurance and SSI, ‘Fresh Starts’ clean slate work and bankruptcy help, and programming for special populations - including veterans, older adults.

As housing advocates, LASP will work with individuals and their banks or landlords to prevent foreclosures and evictions; they help with applications and appeals for utilities and services.  They help clients apply and receive benefits for military service or for disability, negotiate delinquent tax claims, credit disputes and bankruptcy. For families they address domestic abuse issues and custody and they can represent the child’s interests in child welfare cases. 

We discussed the economic benefits of Legal Aid services, a dollar spent on civil representation can save the community at large about $12 in emergency services and other support.          

Shawn discussed their efforts to empower people through clinics and events on wills, credit and fraud, veteran services and expungement. He notes there are seven legal aid district offices in PA, plus like agencies in NJ and Delaware. They rely on staff and pro-bono hours and he tells us to call early and before a situation hits a deadline or court date.  There is a hotline that he encourages us to use to discuss a possible legal issue.  You can also access them online.

LASP is funded through grants administered by Federal, State, County governments, foundations and individual charitable donations.  They are seeking volunteers, too, legal, para-legal and others to support their events and special programming.

LASP Hotline:  877-429-5994

To learn more about services, apply for help, volunteer or donate, visit online at LASP.org

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From Autism Delaware, Dan Getman, Director of Development, Kris Grant, Development Manager and  Kenzie  Walsh, Marketing and Communications Manager, discussed the statewide programming offered by Autism Delaware. With one in 36 kids receiving an Autism diagnosis, families need whole-life, holistic support and Autism Delaware offers help with education, jobs and social opportunities. They discussed their beginnings as a grassroots family group looking for support and ideas for navigating the systems with a child with autism. Today they offer programming statewide with multiple opportunities for families to socialize and support each other.  They schedule bowling and skating events, as well as holiday parties for the clients and families.

We talked about the numbers and how they have increased, rather through increase in incidence or in better reporting and we talked about adults who come to a diagnosis later in life.  They talked about their job programming and the value of their clients on the job, they are looking for employers who need a reliable, dedicated employee. They also noted they need a lot of volunteers to run their events and there are opportunities across the state to get involved.

We discussed the different messages of April, while it’s International Autism Awareness Month, in Delaware it’s Autism Acceptance and Inclusion Month; as Dan notes, everyone is aware of Autism, we need to increase acceptance! 

We discussed the 2025 Walk for Autism, this year a single walk on April 12th on the Monster Mile at Dover Speedway.  There are three start times with the 9AM designated Sensory Friendly with no music or loudspeakers. It’s family friendly and offers space for kids who need quiet time.

Autism Delaware's services are free, thanks in part to the walk.   Walk-ups are welcome, but there are incentives to pre-register.  Everyone participating gets a t-shirt.  To register go to AutismDelaware.ORG

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