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Chef Blaise Labik
Winner Chef's Best 2016
2016 Grant Funder
Helping us grow our mission
Lead Sponsor
Chefs Best 2013-16
"Best of Chef's Best"
Chef's Best 2016!
Neighbors Feeding Neighbors
June's chicken stir fry
Our Waiting Room

484-324-8492  212 S. High St. West Chester, PA 19382  contact@actinfaithgwc.org

NEW RELATIONSHIPS...FILLING GAPS

For the last 18 months faith, social service, and community leaders have been gathering to discuss their experiences and trends they observe with regard to poverty in Chester County.  These gatherings have proven to create a new level of awareness across all sectors and help bring light to existing resources and gaps. 

The most recent meeting on Monday, June 13, 2016 has resulted in an exciting new partnership for ACT in Faith and the Chester Co. Adult Probation and Parole Re-entry Unit. Not everyone being released from prison has a family, home, or support system to go to. Being released into homelessness without things like a cell phone, clothing, transportation, or a photo IDs makes successful re-entry nearly impossible...and can easily result in re-imprisonment.

Effective immediately, a referral process has been established whereby those being released will be connected to ACT in Faith.  In addition, ACT in Faith, along with a variety of other faith communities and faith based organizations, will be working to create an on-going supply of backpacks for those being released into homelessness. Backpacks will contain items such as, shelter and resource information, nonperishable food, toiletries, and more.

"I am glad to announce that Act in Faith will be working with our Re-entry Unit. This will be a great collaboration with the community in helping individuals with services and resources.", Sharon Dickinson, Chester Co. Adult Probation and Parole with our Re-entry Unit

For more information on the quarterly Faith Leaders Gathering or the backpack project please contact Hallie Romanowski at 484-324-8492

DID YOU KNOW?

  • 51% of people calling for shelter in Chester Co. do not receive service because there are no available beds.
  • The cost to provide shelter for one person is $45 per day/$1350 per month.*
  • Since 2011, ACT in Faith has prevented 328 people from becoming homeless...140 of which were children.

AND DID YOU KNOW...

If you are unemployed and/or living in a shelter, a cell phone is much more than a modern convenience...it’s a life line. For people with no income and no other means of support, ACT in Faith is the sole resource to keep them on the communication grid. So far in 2016, we have provided phone support for 21 people — helping them stay in contact with potential employers, potential landlords, case workers, doctors etc..  
In addition, we assist those who qualify with the application process for free wireless service through providers who have such plans for folks with no or low-income.
As little as a $25 phone card can change a person’s life.

*Statistic pulled from Safe Harbor web site.

ACT in Faith...Our Role in Alleviating Homelessness in Chester County

On Wed. June 15th, five members of ACT in Faith's Board and staff attended a "Community Conversation" in thier continued efforts to play a supporting role in the extremely complex issue of ending homelessness in Chester County.

This image was part of the slide presention and illustrates the role we and our community partners play in this initiative. Click on the image to view a larger version.

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Founder's Award

Founder's Award Winner - Nancy Plourde

Another highlight of Chef’s Best 2016 was the presentation of the 2nd Founder’s Award. Created in honor of ACT in Faith founder and 1st Board President Lark Worth, The Founder’s’ Award is presented to someone who exemplifies Lark’s drive, dedication, and passion for the community and the ACT in Faith mission. This year's award was presented to Community Cupboard volunteer Nancy Plourde. In 2012, Nancy was instrumental in the creation of ACT in Faith’s Cupboard and her time, talent and treasure remain an integral part of the success in its mission to be a supplemental food resource and to provide personal care and household items to the un-and under-employed.

More Articles ...

  1. CB2016 Medical Support
  2. Hitting the Streets

Upcoming Events


October 14th

Disaster Spiritual Care Training
Chester County Public Safety Training Campus, 137 Modena Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320, USA


October 21st

Mental Health First Aid
SS Simon and Jude Meehan Center


October 29th

Poverty Simulation at Hopewell United Methodist Church Downingtown, Pa
Hopewell United Methodaist Church Downingtown, Pa


November 12th

AIF Quizzno Night/Fundraiser


December 12th

Faith Leaders' Coalition Addressing Poverty
Saints Simon & Jude, West Chester

Dear Diary

May 9 -  One in every 45 children in the US experiences homelessness each year. Thanks to our donors, a single mother and her 3 children avoided being part of that statistic. We helped mom pay the rent arrears and she has a great lead on a job. Things are looking up!

April 22 -  Busy week in our small but mighty Community Cupboard! 37 shoppers (which averages about 1 shopper every 15 minutes of our "open for business hours") came for personal care & household items, and food for their families. "Thank you" to all who make it possible for us to be there for our neighbors in need!

April 15 -  Had a visit from an old friend today. He first came to us in December 2012, unsheltered & unemployed. We've helped in numerous ways over the years...car repairs, resume/job search help, phone minutes, groceries....and friendship. He's taken many steps forward and many steps back. He told us that after 8 months of steady employment his "couch surfing" days are over...he has an apartment AND a 2nd job. Income and shelter...he is so grateful and so happy! We should all take a page out of his book.

Act in Faith