As we hit mid-August in Delco, I’m reminded of two things: it is still very hot outside, and back-to-school season is already underway!

First, if you need help with expenses related to cooling your home you can access the following programs, which might be able to help.

• Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC): The CAADC Energy Services Office partners directly with electric companies to provide emergency grants. They can help with past-due bills or prevent service disconnections. You can contact them at (610) 521-8770.

• Delaware County Home Weatherization Program: You can apply for long-term energy savings via the Delaware County Home Weatherization Program. This service provides free energy audits, air sealing, insulation, and some upgrades to reduce your overall monthly consumption.

In other local news, if you have a student returning to school this month, you can register now for free backpacks, vaccines and physicals for the fall!

Delaware County Health Department’s Back to School Fair in Upper Darby is this Saturday. It’s a great resource for student and family support. Use this link for more information and to register: https://www.delcopa.gov/health/backtoschool.

Upper Darby’s Book Bag Resource Event is also this Saturday, which I’m proud to host along with state Rep. Heather Boyd! Please register by emailing CDoggett@UpperDarby.org.

As students and families prepare for the upcoming school year, recent federal changes by the executive branch to childhood vaccine guidance have raised questions about what those changes mean for families.

Under the updated federal framework, vaccines for 11 diseases remain routinely recommended for all children, while several others are now recommended based on individual risk or conversations between families and their healthcare providers.

For Pennsylvania families, it is important to know that school vaccination requirements have not changed. Pennsylvania continues to set its own requirements for students attending school.

Families are encouraged to review reliable health information, speak with their trusted healthcare provider, and make informed decisions based on their individual needs.

Our office will continue sharing updates and resources to help residents understand any changes that might affect them.

To learn more about vaccinations in Pennsylvania, visit here.

As the demand for skilled trade jobs continues to grow across Pennsylvania, I voted for increased funding for career and technical education in this year’s state budget.

We voted to increase the line item for CTE programs by $10 million, giving even more students the chance to participate in hands-on learning for in-demand and lucrative career fields. The budget bill also contains new language allowing students enrolled in CTE programs to take the NOCTI exam before grade 12.

Delaware County boasts many quality career-focused programs for students across the region. CTE offers a hands-on approach to learning, and graduates can apply the skills that they learn to real-world situations.

I am thrilled to invite all young girls from our community to join one another for the 5th Annual Inspi-HER’d, our annual field day for girls!

Inspi-HER’d is a joyful, intentional Field Day for girls in 4th through 8th grade, centered on mental, physical, and relational well-being. Each year, we bring together a vibrant coalition of community organizations, advocates, and leaders who share a deep commitment to uplifting girls and affirming that their wellness is not a luxury—it is a necessity.

This year’s event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Naylors Run Park in Upper Darby. We would love to see the young ladies from your family there!

To register a girl to participate, click here.

We are also seeking organizations centered on the health, wellness, and empowerment of youth or young women to participate in Inspi-HER’d. If your organization is interested, please reach out to my office at (610) 259-7016.

It was such an honor to help celebrate Dr. Maria Edelberg’s retirement and her service after 35 years with DCIU. Dr. Edelberg’s amazing career, leadership, and lasting impact on Delaware County and the innumerable students, staff, and families she has helped throughout the years are truly remarkable.

I presented her with a Pennsylvania House of Representatives citation outlining her exemplary career and impact on our students across Delco. To learn more about DCIU and their public education missions across the county, visit here.

Thursday, September 24 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

DCHD Rally for Recovery

Governor Printz Park

W. 2nd St. & Taylor Ave, Essington

Pennsylvania State Capitol

111 Irvis Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-4907

District Office

1500 Garrett Rd.
Upper Darby, PA 19082
(610) 259-7016

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