PathWays PA Policy Blog

The Supreme Court recently announced that they will hear arguments on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Below are the areas that the court will hear arguments on: The constitutionality of the individual responsibility requirement: This is a requirement that all American have health insurance. It has been questions by many of the lower courts and one of the main arguments against the ACA. The severability of the individual mandate requirement from the ACA: If the individual mandate is found to be unconstitutional the court will then have to consider whether that invalidates the entire law or whether the rest of the law can stand without the mandate. The ripeness of the case itself: This looks at whether the court can even hear a case about the individual mandate when it does not go into effect until 2014. The constitutionality of the expansion of Medicaid: To receive federal funding for Medicaid, states will be required to expand those eligible to includ

Yesterday, the New York Times published an article by Sam Dillon, discussing huge increases in the number of children nationwide who are receiving free or reduce-price school lunches since many of their parents have recently lost their jobs or homes. According to the article, the number of students receiving subsidized lunches was at 18 million in the 2006-2007 school year and peaked at 21 million last year. Fiscal year 2010 saw 1.3 million additional children eligible for free lunches, the largest increase in program participation since 1972. Statistics from program enrollment make it clear that families in both urban and suburban areas are suffering financially due to the economic crisis. Many of the children who have recently enrolled in the program are from formerly middle-income families living in suburban neighborhoods, while urban school districts have been dominated by children who's families are poor enough to qualify for free lunches for years. Some urban school distr

Federal Updates SUPER COMMITTEE FAILS TO REACH A COMPROMISE; AUTOMATIC SPENDING CUTS TRIGGERED The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, also known as the Super Committee in Congress, failed to address the necessary amount of cuts to reduce the federal deficit, triggering automatic $1.3 trillion cuts set to begin in 2013. Many of the disagreements came over reticence on tax increases and cuts to social safety net programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Half the cuts to come will be from defense programs, while certain federal programs – including Medicaid, Social Security and SNAP (Food stamps) – will initially be insulated from such cuts. However, other domestic spending programs may be in danger of losing funding. To learn more about what some national groups are saying regarding the Super Committee, please visit the following links: Super Committee Unable to Reach Deal : National Skills Coalition Super Committee Cannot Leap O

Federal Updates LIHEAP / SNAP JOINT VENTURE ON SUPER COMMITTEE TABLE OF CUTS . (News has come out this weekend suggesting that the Super Committee may have hit an impasse. However, until such news is definite, we must continue to reach out to them in support of programs that families rely on to stay secure throughout the year. The Super Committee is coming close to their deadline. Many proposals are being floated, including one that would limit states’ ability to coordinate the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and SNAP benefits (food stamps). This “Heat and Eat” program allows many states, including Pennsylvania , to coordinate SNAP and LIHEAP in recognition of the fact that too many struggling Americans face an impossible choice between paying for food or paying for energy. But Heat and Eat programs are under the threat of a $4 billion cut – meaning that many households will be left making tough choices in the coming winter months. As the Supe

On Friday, PathWays PA presented information on our Self-Sufficiency Standard before the Bucks County Women’s Advocacy Coalition . This Coalition works to serve women and girls and is focused on achieving economic self-sufficiency for all through advocacy work in areas of child care, health care, housing, transportation, job and workforce development; domestic violence and addiction issues affect all areas of concern. Marianne Bellesorte spoke to the group about the high cost of making ends meet as shown by the Standard. For a family of three in Bucks County it can cost over $60,000 just to make ends meet. The cost of living directly relates to the amount of people living in poverty. In 2010, Bucks County had a 2.7 percentage point increase in the number of people living below the Federal Poverty Level. In other words, over 17,000 more people were living below poverty in the county in 2010 compared to 2009. This represents a higher percentage increase than in any county in the

IDAs, or Individual Development Accounts, are great ways for families to be rewarded for saving money.  Through the United Way, PathWays PA offers these IDA accounts so that students can get their savings matched to pay for college. At the same time, students take financial literacy classes to help learn to budget their money and continue saving for the future. Want to learn more? Listen to this great interview that ran on Power 99 this weekend !

Part-Time Math and English Teacher (Bucks, Delaware and Montgomery Counties) PathWays PA is in need of a Math and English teacher to teach Healthcare Contextualized Math, English and Science to adult students preparing for the TEAS test and other careers in the healthcare sector. Classes will be held late afternoons and/or evenings and weekends in the Bucks, Delaware and Montgomery County areas. The classes will run for 6-8 weeks with 1, 2 or 3 classes per week. 6-8 hours per week and 1 hour of paid prep per week. Pay is competitive. INSTRUCTOR SHOULD HAVE EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH ADULTS. A Bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement. Please fax resumes to: LD/EVE at 610-328-2807. Learning Center Group Supervisor Experience in preschool setting and knowledge of early childhood development required. Willing to adapt to the goals and philosophies of our program and provide an environment that is non-punitive and strength based. Write curriculum for each age level as well as pl

Please read this article on NBC10's website and share it with your friends! 'Girl's SHElter' Opens in Philadelphia The shelter is dedicated to helping female youths who face the dangers of living on the streets November is National Runaway Prevention Month and fittingly, a new shelter has opened in Philadelphia to help get young girls off the streets. The Basic Center Program or “Girl’s SHElter” is for girls under the age of eighteen who are homeless, runaways or at risk of becoming either. "This program gives girls a chance at a good life when almost everyone else has walked away from them," said Lenora Pope, Program Manager at the Girls' SHElter. To read the full article, visit http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Girls-SHElter--opens-in-Philadelphia-133889398.html .

WHEN: Friday, November 18, 2011 Free dinner at 6:30PM, Speeches at 7PM WHERE: Fagin Auditorium, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 418 Curie Boulevard (near Hospital of UPenn-­‐ no tickets required) An evening with: Congressman Jim McDermott (D-­‐WA07) Representative, Philadelphia Dept of Public Health, and ACT UP Philadelphia, AIDS activist group Co-­‐sponsors: Penn Med Global Health Group, Patient Allies, Penn Law Advocates for the Homeless, Student National Medical Association, GAPSA, Perelman SOM, Urban Studies, Penn CHAC, Male Association of Nurses, Wharton Health Care, Public Health Society Questions? Contact Roland at lro@mail.med.upenn.edu Please RSVP : https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGpFNmZ0Vm5ERnNJM2tLdVZPeG9faVE6MQ In 2009, seven Philadelphians with HIV died on the streets or in homeless shelters. Philadelphia maintains a 30-month-long waiting list for housing assistance for low-income people living with HIV. Providi

The Pennsylvania Health Access Network has hosted hundreds of educational forums on the new health care law. This special one will be focused on the coming exchanges and will also touch on Medicaid integration and other public health programs. WHEN: Thursday, November 17th 5:00 – 6:30 WHERE: 112 N. Broad Street, 2nd floor, Philadelphia, PA Learn: About the basic framework About the latest regulations coming out of HHS Where PA is in the implementation process How the marketplace will be integrated with public programs Where consumer advocates and insurance lobbyists disagree What it all means for you, your family, organization, clients or business The forum is open to the public. Please RSVP to Athena if you or someone from your organization will be attending. aford@pahealthaccess.org or 267-257-6968

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE For more information, please contact us at policy@pathwayspa.org November 21st Open House/Open Mic Supports National Runaway Month Philadelphia, PA – As we approach Thanksgiving, there is a new reason to give thanks: a new shelter for runaway girls in Philadelphia. This program, called the Basic Center Program or “Girls SHElter,” offers runaway prevention and intervention to girls under age 18 who have run away, are homeless, or are at risk of running away or becoming homeless. “So many homeless kids in Philadelphia are living on the street – they are not even couch surfing,” said Brenda Dawson, Senior Vice President of Children and Family Services at PathWays PA. “There are significant numbers of girls who are homeless, and they face many risks by staying on the street.” Runaway and homeless youth are more likely to commit crimes and/or be victims of crimes, including substance abuse, gang involvement, youth prostitution, vandalism, theft, and assau

Did you miss the PathWays PA Gala on November 1? Well, we still have some great items available for you to bid on. With the great packages available we are sure they will go fast so bid today. In addition to purchasing a trip, dinner, or experience you will also be helping to further PathWays PA’s mission of helping over 6,000 low-income women, children and families move from poverty to self-sufficiency and family well-being! Bidding on an item is as easy as clicking on the bid links listed with each package. The link will open an email message to our auction coordinator. In your email please include the following information: the name of the package you are bidding on,  your opening bid,  your final offer and  your phone number. Bidding for online auction items will close on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at noon. You can also help fund the mission of PathWays PA and support over 6,000 vulnerable women, children and families in the community! $50 can help us buy a crib mattress

PathWays PA Information/Events JOIN US AT THE PATHWAYS PA BASIC SHELTER FOR A PROGRAM SUPPORTING NATIONAL RUNAWAY MONTH Join PathWays PA on to learn about the trials of runaways and some of the dangers they face while out on the streets. WHEN: November 21, 2011 4:00 pm- 7:00pm WHERE: PathWays PA Basic Center Program 5013 Hazel Avenue. Philadelphia, PA 19143. 215-397-4287 Open mic, singing, dancing, poetry, and spoken word will be from 5:30-6:30. PATHWAYS PA’S FINANCIAL RESOURCE GUIDE PathWays PA has recently updated our popular Financial Resource Guide. This Guide lists programs that individuals and families can use to help stretch their incomes and make ends meet. We have information on programs in Pennsylvania such as: Child Care Financial Assistance, Tax Credits and Services Food Health Insurance Higher Education, Job Search Strategies and Money Management Housing Choice Voucher Program Unemployment Compensation Other Resources for You and Your Family

For Immediate Release Glenolden, PA: PathWays PA was among the charities receiving grants from the Wal-Mart, Glenolden store for their grand reopening. Director of Development Fran Franchi of PathWays PA was there to accept the check for $1,175.00 from Store Manager Edwin Martinez. PathWays PA was established 33 years ago to help women, children and families become economically independent and self sufficient, and has an office in Holmes, PA, not far from Glenolden. However, PathWays PA serves not just Delaware County, but the entire Greater Philadelphia region. PathWays PA’s services to over 6,000 women, children and families include the residential Center for Families, which fosters a safe, healthy and economically stable future for women and children. In Holmes, PathWays PA offers adult education and family literacy classes to help assist adults and families in furthering their education. Wal-Mart’s donation marks a step towards “partnering with the community,” said E

Join us on November 21st 2011 4pm- 7pm to learn about the trials of runaways and some of the dangers they face while out on the streets. Open mic, singing, dancing, poetry, and spoken word will be from 5:30-6:30. 5013 Hazel Avenue. Philadelphia, PA 19143. 215-397-4287 The Venue is at PathWaysPA Basic Center Program

Today at 2:00 the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System. This test is key to ensuring the nation is prepared in the event of a natural or other disaster. It is a way the public can receive critical and vital information if it is ever needed. The test may last up to three and a half minutes and will be transmitted on radio and television stations through out the country. For more information about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test, please visit www.FEMA.gov and www.FCC.gov .

Federal Updates Quilting to Help Ensure Pennsylvanians are Covered Right now in Congress members of a Super Committee are working to reduce the federal deficit by $1.2 trillion.  Pennsylvania Senator Pat Toomey is one of the lawmakers on this Super Committee. Help urge Senator Toomey to stand up for Pennsylvanians byjoining the Keep Pennsylvanians Covered quilting campaign. Before the November 23 deadline, the group will present Senator Toomey with a quilt crafted by volunteers.  Share your message to be featured on a patch! Email Athena to have your health care message included. Also be sure to check out the Virtual Quilt . Hover your cursor over or click on one of the panels in the quilt to the right to read a message in support of preserving health care for Pennsylvania families. Pennsylvania Updates LIHEAP NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS The Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is the energy assistance program that helps thousands across t

Last month, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline Act (SB 338) was unanimously voted out of the Senate Labor & Industry Committee. This state legislation would require posting of the National Human Trafficking Hotline - 1-888-3737-888 - so trafficking victims can call to get help or individuals can call if they see anything suspicious. In order to keep SB 338 moving forward, we need to keep the pressure on by generating as many calls as possible to key members of Senate Leadership to ask them to bring SSB 338 to the Senate floor for a vote ASAP. The calls need to go to the following two Senators in particular: • Senator Dominic Pileggi (Majority Leader) 717-787-4712 • Senator Jake Corman (Appropriations Committee Chair) 717-787-1377 Below is a script you are welcome to use: “Hi, my name is ______________. I am calling to ask Senator ____________to swiftly bring SB 338, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline Act, to the Senate floor for a

This November marks the 10th anniversary of National Runaway Prevention Month. This month is designed to raise awareness about the serious problems that runaway youth must handle, and to display how important is is to prevent runaways. The Family and Youth Services Bureau, the National Runaway Switchboard, and the National Clearinghouse on Families and Youth have joined together to organize a series of events to educate and increase awareness of runaway youths. Throughout the month, they encourage people to take to social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter to start a discussion on the problems facing runaway youths. The NRS website offers tips on how to get started. Finally, they encourage workplaces to set up a "Green Sock Day" during November, and send pictures of all of their employees wearing bright green socks to the NRS, to raise awareness. If you'd like any more information or would like to know more ways to particpate in National Runaway Prevention m

Today is Election Day, and a chance for your voice to be heard on the issues that matter to you. Please vote today so that our families, friends, and workforce can have more opportunities to succeed tomorrow! Below is some information on voting that might be helpful for those of you who live in Pennsylvania. If you are registered in a state other than Pennsylvania, please visit http://www.smartvoter.org/ to find your polling place, determine if you are registered, and to answer other questions. Who is running for office today? In Pennsylvania, we are electing elect members of local government, such as mayors, council people, township supervisors and district judges. To see exactly who will be on your ballot, visit http://www.smartvoter.org/pa/state/ and type in your information. Do I have to register to vote? In Pennsylvania, voters must be registered 30 days prior to each election. If you are not sure if you are registered, you can confirm your registration status in

The Homeless Advocacy Project and PECO Present a Free Birth Certificate Clinic When: Friday, November 18, 2011 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Where: Project H.O.M.E., 1515 Fairmount Avenue, (Backspace), Philadelphia, PA 19130 Who: Open (and free of charge) to homeless individuals and families and those at risk of homelessness Birth certificates are often needed to receive medical assistance, housing and other public benefits, to obtain a Pennsylvania driver’s or nondriver’s license, for access to many public buildings, for general identification and for many other purposes. Homeless individuals who attend this free clinic will meet with an advocate who will request birth certificates for them and their minor children free of charge. For additional information, please contact Homeless Advocacy Project at 215-523-9595 or visit us at www.homelessadvocacyproject.org

Texting while driving laws as of 2010. States in red ban texting while driving for all drivers, while those in yellow ban it for new drivers. Last week, the Senate sent two major pieces of legislation to Gov. Tom Corbett’s desk, aimed at boosting safety for Pennsylvanians on the road and for students on the playing field. Lawmakers gave final approval to a measure that prohibits motorists from sending, receiving or reading text messages while driving. That measure passed the Senate on Tuesday with a 45-5 vote, one day after the House also overwhelmingly approved it. Mr. Corbett has spoken harshly about seeing drivers navigating their vehicle while their eyes are glued to a cell phone screen, and plans to sign the bill. Click here to read the Pittsburgh Post Gazette article.

Photo from left to right: Jen Boyett, Emcee, Comcast; Carol Goertzel, Executive Director, PathWays PA; Trailblazer Honoree QVC (accepting Suzanne Quigley, Director of Community Relations); Trailblazer Delaware County Daily Times  (accepting Phil Heron, Editor); Trailblazer Honoree, Julie Welker, President, Coldwell Bank Welker Real Estate;Trailblazer Honoree, Laney Vogt; Trailblazer Honoree, Yvonne Norris, Founder, CEO LimNorris; Trailblazer Honoree, Kyra McGrath, Executive Vice President & COO, WHYY, Inc.; Bruce Oestreich, System Engineering and Integration, Boeing On November 1st, PathWays PA celebrated its 33rd Anniversary, by hosting an evening “PathWays to the Stars” and honoring Trailblazers in the community whose lives and leadership make an impact in our community. In commemorating over three decades of helping low-income women, children and families in the Greater Philadelphia region achieve self-sufficiency, PathWays PA honored six local community leaders and organ

I had the good fortune to represent the Daily Times last night as the newspaper was honored by Pathways PA with one of their Trailblazer Awards.  It was us, and in fact all of Delaware County, who should be honoring them.  For 33 years, Pathways, based in the Holmes section of Ridley Township, has offered crucial services to needy women, children and families.  They provide the glue that very often holds shattered families together. To read more, please visit http://delcoheronsnest.blogspot.com/2011/11/honor-from-honorable-group-pathways-pa.html .