Our beloved town of West Chester is not only filled with fun things to do around town, but it is also filled with a ton of non-profits.
This month, we’re taking a look at all the amazing non-profits in the area. Here’s the who, what and how behind all of these organizations.
ACT IN FAITH
212 S. High Street
484.324.8492
actinfaithgwc.org
WHAT: Act in Faith helps bridge the gap when existing social services
are unable to meet all the needs of an individual. They provide support
such as home goods, clothing, school supplies, or a ride, and
distribute food via their community cupboard.
WHO: Their board of directors consists of 11 different members
who represent a variety of faiths.
HOW: You can help Act in Faith by donating financially or with your
time. Volunteers help with tasks like meal prep for their ‘Neighbors Feed
Neighbors’ program.
THE ARC OF CHESTER COUNTY
900 Lawrence Drive
610.696.8090
arcofchestercounty.org
WHAT: The Arc of Chester County helps those with disabilities live a
self-sufficient life through education and support.
WHO: The Arc of Chester County is made up of a management team,
board of directors and volunteers. Jeanne Meikrants serves as the
executive director, working with the eight other members on her management team.
HOW: You can help by attending or volunteering at their events
throughout the year, making donations, or joining their recreation
program. You can also bring their clients out in the town.
BARCLAY FRIENDS: SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
700 N. Franklin Street
610.696.5211
bf.kendal.org
WHAT: They offer residential living, personal care, memory care, skilled nursing and post-acute rehabilitation, while remaining in alliance with Quaker values. Their memory care programs take place in a non-restricted setting, giving their clients the freedom to be mobile and active.
WHO: Their staff includes a team of 168 staff members, alongside their board of directors and volunteers.
HOW: You can help by providing donations or by spending time with
residents. They also hold two fundraising events a year: the Secret Garden Tour benefits their horticultural program, and proceeds from their golf tournament help fund the organization throughout the year.
THE BARN AT SPRING BROOK FARM
350 Locust Grove Road
610.793.1037
springbrook-farm.org
WHAT: The Barn at Spring Brook Farm works with kids living with a variety of disabilities and introduces them to specially selected farm animals to help improve physical and psychological health.
WHO: Marybeth Drobish founded this organization in order to combine her passion for children and animals. She works with her small staff alongside her board of directors and 300 volunteers.
HOW: Because they only have two fulltime staffers, the Barn really encourages volunteers to help with everything from from the kids, to the animals, to property maintenance. Donations are always welcome.
BRANDYWINE BALLET COMPANY
317 Westtown Road, #5
610.696.2711
brandywineballet.org
WHAT: The Brandywine Ballet provides professional training and performance opportunities for dancers and offers quality entertainment to the region.
WHO: The Brandywine Ballet was founded by Donna L. Muzio, who serves as the artistic director. Along with Donna, they have an extensive team including an artistic staff, board of directors and other staff.
HOW: You can help by donating to any of the ballet’s funds—which support specific facilities, from shoes, to costumes, to choreography—or by attending any of their performances throughout the year. Don’t miss their annual performance of The Nutcracker!
BRANDYWINE RED CLAY ALLIANCE
1760 Unionville Wawaset Road
610.793.1090
brandywineredclay.org
WHAT: The Brandywine Red Clay Alliance is dedicated to improving the quality and quantity of water throughout the community. They provide education to 12,000 students a year about the environment and our water supply.
WHO: The organization has a small staff, many volunteers, and a board of directors, headed up by executive director and CEO James E. Jordan, Jr.
HOW: All donations go right backn into your water, since they focus on
everything local. They encourage you to volunteer to help their cause, but they also urge everyone to be informed about environmental issues.
BRANDYWINE VALLEY SPCA
1212 Phoenixville Pike
484.302.0865
bvspca.org
WHAT: The Brandywine Valley SPCA cares for abandoned and unwanted animals by providing food, shelter and the opportunity for a new home.
WHO: They have many locations across Pennsylvania and Delaware, and a staff of around 60 members. They also have 350 volunteers.
HOW: They accept donations, are always in need of volunteers, and host events you can attend. You can also help by adopting one of their animals!
BRINGING HOPE HOME
940 W Valley Road Suite #1602
484.580.8395
bringinghopehome.org
WHAT: Bringing Hope Home strives to provide financial and emotional support to families with a member suffering from cancer.
WHO: Founder Paul Isenberg, a WCU grad, started this organization when his wife was diagnosed with cancer.He found that many people lacked the
support from family and friends that he had, and so brought together a small, core staff and volunteers to help aid families in need.
HOW: The organization values the time, talent and donations they receive from volunteers. They have events in West Chester, including a 5k that is hosted by the Bringing Hope Home club at WCU. They also have a program called “adopt a family,” where they pair families in need with families who are able to contribute to things like bills or holiday gifts.
CHARLES A MELTON ARTS AND EDUCATION CENTER
501 E. Miner Street
610.692.9290
meltoncenter.org
WHAT: The Charles A. Melton Arts and Education Center was founded in 1918 to provide educational, recreational, cultural and civic services. The organization offers educational courses, activities and sports and is working to rebuild their community pool.
WHO: Executive Director Ken Winston is supported by four officers, an advisory board, an administrative staff of two and several volunteers.
HOW: Right now, the organization’s biggest concern is raising funds to renovate their pool with the goal of reopening the long-closed pool this coming summer. You can contribute by visiting the “Pool Together” tab on their website.
CHESTER COUNTY ART ASSOCIATION
100 N. Bradford Ave
610.696.5600
chestercountyarts.org
WHAT: The Chester County Art Association’s mission is to be a source of inspiration, creativity, and community by connecting artists, students, patrons, and the wider community to and through art.
WHO: CCAA accepts monetary donations through their website, which often go to helping underprivileged youth through their art programs, and they’re always looking for volunteers to help build their community or teach classes.
HOW: You can support CCAA’s mission by becoming a member or offering a sponsorship. You can also rent out their gorgeous facilities for your next event. In addition, the organization has a number of volunteer opportunities. For more about CCAA, see our full story on page 19.
CHESTER COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
28 W. Market Street
610.696.8211
chescocf.org
WHAT: Chester County Community Foundation connects people who care with causes that matter, working with donors and beneficiaries of charitable funds to create lasting legacies. They works with more than 375 charitable funds and support a large number of the other organizations listed within this directory.
WHO: CCCF has an executive staff, a board of directors, advancement and business affairs interns and a variety of volunteers.
HOW: You can help by donating funds and gifts or volunteering. You’re also encouraged to attend the organization’s events throughout the year.
THE CHESTER COUNTY FUND FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS
1025 Andrew Drive #200
484.356.0940
ccwomenandgirls.org
WHAT: The organization was founded upon the principle of offering women and girls equality and security, making our communities stronger and more vibrant for everyone. Since their inception, they’ve awarded more than $2.6 million in grants to 69 organizations addressing critical needs.
WHO: Michelle Sanchez serves as the executive director and works with her staff of four and board of directors, as well as a set of volunteers.
HOW: You can help by either donating, volunteering or partaking in their programs. You can participate in various committees and internships, or take part in their togethHER program, which unites young women ages 21-40 through philanthropy, community engagement and networking opportunities.
CHESTER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
225 N High St
610.692.4800
chestercohistorical.org
WHAT: The goal of the Chester County Historical Society is to preserve the unique history of our county and to help educate future generations about all that came before them.
WHO: The historical society recently appointed a new director, Elizabeth M Laurent, this past summer. The organization is staffed by a combination
of full-time and part-time employees and a complement of volunteers.
HOW: You can donate to CCHS directly through their website, or by attending any of their fundraising events, like their annual Antiques Show each spring.
CHESTER COUNTY OPPORTUNITIES INDUSTRIALIZATION CENTER
790 E. Market Street, #100
610.692.2344
ccoic.org
WHAT: Chester County OIC are leaders in improving the lives of disadvantaged adults by creating educational and work opportunities to help individuals prepare for sustainable employment.
WHO: The organization has an executive staff, an administrative staff, and dozens of instructors and educators.
HOW: Chester County OIC is funded entirely by grants, private donations and fundraising dollars, so donations are welcome. They are also in need of tutors for programs like Adult Basic Literacy Classes, Nurse Aid, Career Corps and more.
CHESTER COUNTY WOMEN’S SERVICES
27 South Church Street
610.383.0930
ccwsmedical.org
WHAT: Chester County Women’s Services provides medical and educational services to women in need. Medical services include pregnancy
tests, ultrasounds, prenatal vitamins, STD info, abortion facts and alternatives, adoption guidance and one-on-one peer counseling. All services are free and confidential.
WHO: Executive director Myriam Ruager, works with her staff of seven, a board of directors and volunteers in order to oversee three different locations.
HOW: The Chester County Women’s Services center is 100% donor supported, so they are always accepting donations. They are in need of baby care items for their parenting supply closet and look for volunteers to help with sonography, client advocacy, classroom facilitation, office support, special events and fundraising.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE
300 Lawrence Drive
610.836.5990
cvim.org
WHAT: The Community Volunteers in Medicine provide compassionate primary medical and dental care to people who live or work in Chester County and lack insurance.
WHO: CVIM has board members, a small, core staff and volunteers.
HOW: They welcome any and all volunteers interested in supporting their cause, from dentists to doctors to nurses, as well as anyone who speaks another language. They are 100% supported through philanthropy, so they gratefully accept donations from anyone.
CRIME VICTIM’S CENTER OF CHESTER COUNTY
137, 135 W. Market Street
610.692.1926
cvofcc.org
WHAT: The Crime Victim’s Center of Chester County provides confidential and free services to victims and their families, whether they are residents of Chester County or their attack happened in Chester County. They also focus on prevention education to help raise awareness and travel to schools and institutions, dealing with everything from nursery school students through elder abuse.
WHO: Peggy Gusz serves as the executive director of CVCC and works with her core staff, a board of directors and volunteers to help support their cause.
HOW: The organization focuses on donations and volunteers. Volunteering requires some training to become a certified sexual assault counselor. They look for people to help on their 24/7 hotline or staff booths at fairs and help with administrative work throughout the day.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CENTER OF CHESTER COUNTY
610-431-1430
dvccc.org
WHAT: DVCC supports victims of abuse and proactively educates the community about the symptoms and effects of partner abuse. They offer legal services, counseling and provide survivors with the support they need to begin a safe and happy life.
WHO: Executive director Dolly Wideman- Scott has a small full-time staff and the support of many volunteers.
HOW: You can make contributions through their website, or you can volunteer to either work directly with survivors of abuse or to work on projects related to the organization’s cause.
FAMILY SERVICE OF CHESTER COUNTY
310 N. Matlack Street
610.696.4900
familyservice.us
WHAT: Family Service of Chester County provides counseling to people of any income to address issues including child abuse, alcohol use, families and divorce, HIV/AIDS, financial self-sufficiency, retired seniors and homelessness.
WHO: They were founded in Chester County with the mission of helping families face challenges at the end of WWII. Today the organizations has a board of directors as well as counselors and volunteers.
HOW: Other than donating to their cause, you can also volunteer by being a parent aide, by adopting a family, helping with transportation and much more.
FRIENDS ASSOCIATION FOR CARE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN
113 W Chestnut Street
610.431.3598
friendsassoc.org
WHAT: The Friends Association for Care and Protection of Children helps homeless or near-homeless families obtain stable lives and permanent housing. They reach a wide range of families through their Homeless Prevention Programs, Emergency Family Shelter and their Outreach to Homeless Families program.
WHO: They have eight staff members, 15 board members and tons of volunteers helping support their cause.
HOW: Friends Association accepts donations, which can vary from financial contributions to home goods. They are more than happy to accept volunteers who can help with group projects, administration, maintenance and seasonal support and internships.
HEALTHY KIDS RUNNING SERIES
1100 Shiloh Road
484.352.2729
healthykidsrunningseries.org
WHAT: Founded in West Chester and now hosting events throughout the country, Healthy Kids Running Series fights childhood obesity by providing
kids with a positive, educational and fun experience through five-week running courses in either the spring or fall.
WHO: Founder Jeff Long is supported by a core team that works with their volunteers to help get kids active.
HOW: They accept donations and encourage families to attend their events. They do also take volunteers, who help at events, whether warming up, managing registration or marshalling the course.
THE HICKMAN FRIENDS SENIOR COMMUNITY OF WEST CHESTER
400 N. Walnut Street
484.760.6300
thehickman.org
WHAT: The Hickman is a non-profit residential community that provides individualized care and assistance to seniors who want safe and affordable
living.
WHO: They have a full-time administrative and care staff at the facility, as well as volunteers
HOW: You can help the Hickman by donating or volunteering. Volunteer opportunities mostly involve entertainment, including arts and crafts, group singing, story telling, games and more.
INTERFAITH HOUSING ASSISTANCE CORPORATION
330 W Market Street
610.696.5675
interfaithhousingcc.org
WHAT: The Interfaith Housing Assistance Corporation of Chester County works with single working parents with dependent children who are at risk of homelessness and guide them to stable and financially independent lives, through structured programs of financial assistance, mentoring and supportive services.
WHO: Joyce Lacy serves as the executive director and works with her staff of five, a board of directors and other partners.
HOW: You can help by becoming a volunteer and serving as a mentor, reviewing a parent’s resume or providing services such as transportation and child care. They also accept donations on their website.
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CONSORTIUM
30 W Barnard Street #1
610.344.5370
ccmchc.org
WHAT: The Maternal and Child Health Consortium of Chester County helps pregnant women in Chester County access quality health care.
WHO: MCHC is made up of staff and board members and multiple volunteers.
HOW: You can help by donating, or volunteering for projects like collecting infant care items and prepping packages sent to mothers and children in need.
MEALS ON WHEELS
404 Willowbrook Lane
610.430.8500
mowcc.org
WHAT: Meals on Wheels’ main mission is to serve a well-balanced meal, five days a week, to homebound residents of Chester County, regardless of age and financial status.
WHO: On top of the 15 members on their board of directors and small core staff, Meals on Wheels also has volunteers helping feed a variety of people
throughout the area.
HOW: Meals on Wheels accepts financial donations on their website, but also looks for volunteers to deliver food to some of their 20 chapters in the area.
QUEST THERAPEUTIC SERVICES
461 Cann Road
610.692.6362
questtherapeutic.com
WHAT: Quest Therapeutic Services provides pediatric therapy services to children living with disabilities. They are licensed in physical, occupational, speech and language communication therapy and offer a full range of intense pediatric services, including Hippotherapy, which involves working with horses.
WHO: They have a small staff of managers and directors, and they work with therapists and volunteers.
HOW: They primarily look for donations but also welcome volunteers.
RESIDENT THEATRE COMPANY
201.303.9727
rtcwc.org
WHAT: The Resident Theatre Company wants to bring the theatre of New York to West Chester. They provide all kinds of theatre, including Tony award-winning plays, musicals, professional children’s theater, and cabarets.
WHO: You can read about founding artistic director Kristin McLaughlin-Mitchell on page 27. She has a small staff, an advisory board, a founders club and volunteers.
HOW: They are setting up for their first show, opening March 31, and are in their final fundraising push with an event coming up in December, which you should attend. They accept donations and volunteers.
SAFE HARBOR OF CHESTER COUNTY
20 N Matlack Street
610.692.6550
safeharborofgwc.org
WHAT: Safe Harbor provides housing, food and access to support services in a structured environment for homeless single men and women. They supply food and housing and create action plans to address challenges and needs.
WHO: Including their newly appointed CEO, Jeanne Corman, Safe Harbor has 18 board members, 20 staff members and more than 400 volunteers.
HOW: Safe Harbor is looking for donations and volunteers who can help their clients learn skills and practices they can use daily.
UNITED WAY OF CHESTER COUNTY
211 N Walnut Street
610.429.9400
unitedwaychestercounty.org
WHAT: United Way of Chester County funds health and human service needs including education, financial independence and health, and brings
together volunteers and other nonprofits to address common goals.
WHO: United Way have a board of directors and staff as well as volunteers.
HOW: They always accept volunteers, and donations can be made through their website or by mail.
UNITE FOR HER
978 Regimental Drive
484.431.6776
uniteforher.org
WHAT: Unite for Her delivers education and wellness programs to women with breast cancer. They pair with area hospitals, providing education about complementary therapy without additional use of medication and offer $2,000 worth of treatments with nothing paid out of pocket.
WHO: Sue Weldon, president of this organization, works hard with her small staff and board of directors.
HOW: They encourage donations, which can be made on their website, and have many options for those looking to volunteer.
UPTOWN! ENTERTAINMENT ALLIANCE
236 N, High Street
484.639.9004
uptownwestchester.org
WHAT: Uptown! Entertainment Alliance promotes cultural, economic and civic life experiences through live theater, music and dance. This January their much anticipated theater opens its doors in the borough.
WHO: Tom McEvoy, the current president, founded the organization, and his team now consists of an executive board, an advisory board, capital campaign committee and their fundraising event host committee.
HOW: They gratefully accept donations on their website and encourage people to sign up as members. You can also attend events—tickets go on sale for the first main-stage performance at their theater, Spamalot, this month.
WEST CHESTER AREA SENIOR CENTER
530 E Union Street
610.431.4242
wcseniors.org
WHAT: The West Chester Area Senior Center helps seniors find friendship, activities, education and nourishment. They serve 29,000 meals a day, helping their 3,500 seniors.
WHO: Kathy Sullivan, who serves as the executive director, works with her small staff and is supported by volunteers.
HOW: They are very volunteer based. They have more than 500 volunteers and are always looking for more help. You can also donate to add to their limited government funding or purchase a book from one of the two Second Reading bookstores they operate in West Chester.
WEST CHESTER FOOD CUPBOARD
545 E. Gay Street
610.344.3175
westchesterfoodcupboard.org
WHAT: The West Chester Food Cupboard is committed to feeding West Chester residents in need with healthy, nonperishable food items and serve more than 600 households per month.
WHO: The West Chester Food Cupboard staff is entirely volunteer.
HOW: You can make a financial donation, food donation or you can donate your time and talent. They accept unexpired and nonperishable foods, as well as grocery gift cards. Donations can be made through their website.
WEST CHESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
415 N Church Street
610.696.1721
wcpubliclibrary.org
WHAT: The West Chester Public Library is a hub for people to engage, collaborate and enrich their lives through knowledge and a sense of community.
WHO: They have a small board of officers, including president Matthew Holiday, and a regular staff. They also work with volunteers.
HOW: They accept donations online, but you can also attend their events that raise money to help support their library and stock it with many up-to-date resources. You can also volunteer.
WESTSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER
430 Hannum Ave
484.682.4910
westsidecommunitycenterwc.org
WHAT: The Westside Community Center works to empower families and youth, encouraging them to partake in their community through leadership roles. They offer three programs: an after school program, skate spot and a community garden.
WHO: Executive director, Ryan Enns, works with his very small staff and their board of directors and volunteers.
HOW: They accept monetary donations as well as materials, including pens, markers, gardening tools, paper, nonperishable snacks and more. They also accept volunteers who help with youth programs
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