Nonprofit
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Where Language Meets Community: Inside Susan Vandenberg’s ESL Classroom at Chester County OIC
When a young Pastor from Sri Lanka asked Susan Vandenberg for help learning English, she became a willing tutor. For Vandenberg, the positive experience blossomed into managing a vibrant church-based program serving 30 students. This, in turn, led to her valuable contributions as a paid teacher at the Chester County OIC, where she now teaches two Level 3 courses (online and virtual), a Level 5 Course, and a bi-weekly Conversation Class offered through the Exton branch of the Chester County…
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2026 VISTA NextGen Superstars: Amanda Blevins
For Amanda Blevins, meaningful change happens when people come together with a shared purpose. As Director of Community Impact at Chester County United Way, Blevins leads strategy and initiatives focused on advancing financial stability and improving access to basic needs across the region. Her work brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and local government partners to…
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2026 VISTA NextGen Superstars: Madison Chambers
Madison Chambers didn’t have to go far to find her purpose; it’s been rooted in her hometown of Oxford from the very beginning. As Director of Development at Handi-Crafters, Chambers leads fundraising efforts that support the organization’s mission and the individuals it serves. In her role, she focuses on building relationships, securing funding, and helping…
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Step Into History: ‘The Woman Question’ Brings Trailblazing Women of Medicine to Life at People’s Light
Step into a powerful piece of history — reimagined for today. This spring, People’s Light in Malvern premieres The Woman Question, a bold and imaginative new play that shines a spotlight on the trailblazing women who pursued careers in medicine at a time when it was nearly impossible. Running May 6-24 on the Leonard C.…
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2026 VISTA NextGen Superstars: Elizabeth Dreibelbis
For Elizabeth “Liz” Dreibelbis, building something meaningful has always started with a vision — and the courage to bring it to life. As Strategic Director and Co-Founder of A Haven, Dreibelbis helps guide the organization’s long-term vision, growth, and sustainability. In her role, she works closely with leadership to shape strategic development and ensure the…
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Arc of Chester County Hosts Annual Bubble Walk & Fun Day May 17
The Arc of Chester County announces its 23rd Annual Bubble Walk & Fun Day, happening this year on Sunday, May 17, from 11 AM to 2 PM at West Goshen Community Park. This is the Arc’s largest fundraiser for 2026. This beloved community event brings together families, friends, and supporters for a day of fun…
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New Trauma-Informed Counseling Center Opens in Coatesville
More than 60 community members gathered on April 10 to celebrate the grand opening of a new trauma-informed counseling center from Family Service of Chester County in Coatesville, marking a significant step forward in expanding access to mental health services in the region. The event brought together local residents, community leaders, and mental health advocates…
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A Smarter Way to Address Affordable Housing in Chester County
In Chester County, the cost of housing is rising faster than wages, and the impact is being felt across our communities. The people who teach in local schools, care for loved ones, and keep the local economy running are finding it harder to afford to live here. This is no longer a challenge isolated to…
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YMCA of Greater Brandywine Recognizes the Impact of 5,859 Volunteers at the Celebration of Service
Leaders, staff, and volunteers from the YMCA of Greater Brandywine joined together at Penn Oaks Golf Club on April 15 to celebrate the impact of volunteers. The Celebration of Service, formerly Breakfast of Champions, is the organization’s biggest annual volunteer recognition event. “Volunteerism begins with a simple yes, and it quickly becomes part of who…
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138-Year-Old Ryerss Farm in Chesco Offers Safe Haven for Retiree Horses
For 138 years, Ryerss Farm has provided a peaceful retirement home for aging horses, first in Philadelphia, and since 1987 on 388 acres of Chester County pasture, writes Art Petrosemolo for Lancaster Farming. The farm stands as a living legacy of Ann Wain-Ryerss, a Philadelphia native, humanitarian, and early advocate for horse welfare before organizations like the American Society for…
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Easttown Library Foundation Hosts Author Visits
The Easttown Library Foundation is offering two upcoming author events, free and open to the public. Meet two-time Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly on Friday, April 24, at the annual Barbara Robinson Author Visit. Then, on Wednesday, May 6, join New York Times bestselling author Tom Coyne to celebrate the release of his latest novel,…
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Summer Starts at Healthy Kids Day on April 18
Get ready for free family-friendly fun on Saturday, April 18! The YMCA of Greater Brandywine invites the community to celebrate Healthy Kids Day from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM at eight locations across Chester County. With sunny weather on the horizon, there’s no better time to get outdoors and get ready for summer. Attendees can meet local…
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2026 VISTA NextGen Superstars: Marlena Mays
For Marlena Mays, her work is rooted in compassion — and a commitment to supporting individuals and families in meaningful, lasting ways. As Program Manager for The Arc of Chester County’s Agency With Choice program, Mays oversees a team of coordinators who collectively support more than 200 families. Her role includes hiring and training staff,…
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Senator Comitta, YMCA of Greater Brandywine to Host Fourth Annual Chester County Earth Day Festival Apr. 18
Chester County’s fourth annual Earth Day Festival features a variety of family-friendly activities on Saturday, Apr. 18 – thanks to the efforts of State Senator Carolyn Comitta and the YMCA of Greater Brandywine. All in the community are invited to enjoy a day of fun at the Upper Main Line YMCA in celebration of Earth…
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2026 VISTA NextGen Superstars: Robin Senss
For Robin Senss, leadership is rooted in purpose and driven by a belief that housing is a basic human right. As Chief Operating Officer at Friends Association for the Care and Protection of Children, Senss works alongside her team to address family homelessness across Chester County. Her role includes overseeing finances, strategic planning, staffing, and…
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About Us – Team Members Share What CCRES Means To Them
For many at CCRES, the work begins with a simple but powerful mindset: seeing the child beyond the behavior. That perspective drives the organization’s approach to supporting students with learning and behavioral health challenges across Southeastern Pennsylvania. Through partnerships with school districts and intermediate units, CCRES provides dedicated staff who help students build essential life…
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CCFB Celebrates Workforce Development Graduates Ready for Culinary Careers
Chester County Food Bank (CCFB) recently celebrated a milestone moment as its latest cohort of Workforce Development students graduated from the organization’s culinary training program. After ten weeks of intensive, hands-on instruction, the graduates walked away not only with new skills but with renewed confidence and a clear path toward meaningful careers in the culinary…
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‘The Woman Question’ to Premiere at People’s Light May 6-24
People’s Light will premiere The Woman Question, a powerful and imaginative new play that brings to life the extraordinary, untold stories of women who studied medicine in Philadelphia more than a century ago. Running May 6-24, the production centers on the 1894 graduating class of the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania, an institution that helped shape…
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