August 2026 Newsletter

“Shallow solidarity was based on the logic of exchange—You show up for me, and I will show up for you. But deep solidarity was rooted in recognition—I show up for you, because I see you as part of me. Your liberation is bound up in my own.”

– Valerie Kaur

We’re excited to introduce the two newest members of The Collaborative: Supply Hubs and Montgomery County LGBT Business Council!

Supply Hubs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing local supplies for local needs by channeling donations to support resources and activities for those in need. Learn more at supplyhubs.org!

The Montgomery County LGBT Business Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ and allied businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations through networking, advocacy, education, professional development, and strategic partnerships. Learn more at montcolgbtbc.org!

We are so grateful for your partnership and look forward to all we will learn, build, and strengthen together in the year ahead!

Interested in Becoming a Member? 

The Bucks-Mont Collaborative serves as a catalyst for connection and collaboration, providing a learning hub for timely training & professional development, as well as an active advocacy network. Our programs run from September 2026 to June 2027, featuring approximately 50 events throughout the year. Member organizations – including staff, board members, volunteers, and other stakeholders – are invited and welcome to attend all events! Explore the 2026-27 Membership Flyer to discover the benefits and resources available to help your organization thrive.

A Collaborative Membership fuels shared learning, collaboration, and collective impact that contribute to a stronger community. We hope you’ll join us!

Shifting the Narrative: A Housing Justice Community of Practice

• Wed., August 19
• 9:00am-12:00pm
• Community Partners Center, Colmar, PA

This half-day event brings together nonprofits, advocates, and public sector partners working in affordable housing and services for people experiencing homelessness. Presented by HealthSpark Foundation, in partnership with Montgomery County HHS’ Office of Housing & Community Development and Bucks-Mont Collaborative, this Community of Practice features a workshop from Housing Narrative Lab focused on narrative change strategy.

C3 | PA Navigate Training

• Thurs., August 20
• 12:00-12:45pm
• Zoom

Learn how to use PA Navigate, the online tool that connects Pennsylvanians with community-based organizations that help them meet their most basic needs, such as food, shelter, transportation, and more.

Trauma 101: An Overview of Trauma-Informed Care

• Part 1: Virtual Training, Tuesday, September 8, 10:00am-12:00pm, Zoom

• Part 2: In-person ALC (Optional, But Strongly Recommended), Wednesday, September 16, 10:00am-12:00pm, Lakeside Global Institute, North Wales, PA

Join us for the 2026-27 Trauma Program kick-off with the two-part Trauma 101 event! In Part 1, participants will work together to build a powerful image that helps them appreciate the complex nature of trauma and its aftermath. In Part 2, we will integrate the themes and tools from Part 1 into our work and lives through guided reflection, experiential learning, and applied practice to strengthen participants’ use of trauma-informed approaches.

Your Story, Your Power: A Workshop with Cosmic Writers

• Tues., Sept. 15
• 9:30-11:30am
• Community Partner Center, Colmar, PA

Every organization is sitting on stories – they’re just not always easy to find or to tell. In this two-hour, in-person workshop, Cosmic Writers will help you get at both.

• Part I: Your Organization’s Story
• Part II: Supporting Others to Tell Theirs

This workshop is open to Bucks-Mont Collaborative members and Tigris Foundation grantees. Space is limited to 30.

C3 | Our Blind Spots and Diversify Ourselves

• Wed., Sept. 23, and Thurs., Sept 24
• 10:00am-12:00pm
• Zoom

Join us for this interactive two-part learning experience designed to deepen your understanding of bias, strengthen cultural awareness, and build practical skills for fostering respect, equity, dignity, belonging, and trust within your organization and community. Through guided reflection, discussion, and interactive exercises, participants will explore how personal and societal biases shape our work and relationships while developing strategies to promote hope, healing, and inclusion.

Collaborative Connections at Inward Bloom Wellness

• Wed., Sept. 23
• 4:00-5:30pm
• Inward Bloom Wellness, Willow Grove, PA

Collaborative Connections is our quarterly networking series designed to strengthen relationships across Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Join nonprofit and community leaders for meaningful conversation, resource sharing, and the opportunity to build connections that can support your work, your organization, and the communities we serve together.

Whether you’re looking to meet new partners, reconnect with colleagues, share resources, seek advice, or simply invest in your network, we’d love to see you there.

New Benefits Access Coalition: Stay Connected and Engaged!

As the new policies take effect from H.R.1 – passed by Congress in July 2025 – PHAN, Community Legal Services, The Pennsylvania Health Law Project, and Just Harvest are convening the Benefits Access Coalition.

Over the next few months, the Benefits Access Coalition will lead a series of trainings for statewide organizations looking to learn more about public benefits eligibility, upcoming policy changes, and how to get involved to protect access to benefits programs in Pennsylvania.

• August 12th at 2:00pm: Best Practices for Assisting with Public Benefits Applications
• September 16th at 2:00pm: Stay Covered: How to Navigate Medicaid Work Requirements
• October 14th at 2:00pm: Pathways to Medicaid Without Work Requirements
• October 28th at 2:00pm: What You Need to Know About Federal Changes to Pennie
• November 5th at 10:00am: Medicare in 2027

Maternity Care Coalition in partnership with ZERO TO THREE | It’s Time for Strong, Healthy, and Thriving Babies!

The event is focused on engaging Bucks County families and children from 0-3, as well as community partners. It’s Time! will include food, music, and giveaways such as diapers, wipes, baby/toddler shirts, and backpacks, organized by the Maternity Care Coalition.

Additionally, families will have the opportunity to express how federal policies aimed at supporting families with young children impact their lives by participating in a large art installation!

Learn more, and come out on Saturday, August 29, from 11:00am-2:00pm at Bucks County Community College Bristol Campus (1304 Veterans Highway).

Are You Election Ready?

Important races for Governor, State House, US Congress, and more are on the ballot Tuesday, November 3rd!

The leaders we elect this fall will make decisions that affect our communities for years to come. Learn more, and get ready to vote! Thank you to Children First for these key election date reminders:

• October 19: Voter registration deadline
• October 27 at 5:00pm: Deadline to request a mail-in ballot
• November 3 at 8:00pm: Deadline for your county election office to receive your completed mail-in ballot
• November 3: Election Day; polls open 7:00am-8:00pm

Women’s Center of Montgomery County | Medical Advocacy Program

Supporting survivors of domestic violence starts with recognizing the signs and responding with compassion. The Women’s Center of Montgomery County’s Medical Advocacy Program strengthens trauma-informed care through free education, training, and resources.

If you are interested in a presentation or materials, please contact [email protected] or call (215) 205-7233.

United Way of Bucks County | Now Enrolling: Pre-K Counts 2026-2027!

A high-quality Pre-K education gives children a strong start in school and in life. The PA Pre-K Counts program provides FREE Pre-K education for eligible children at approved high-quality STAR 3 and STAR 4 Pre-K programs throughout Bucks County.

Eligibility:

• Child’s Age: The child must be 3 or 4 years old by August 31
• Residency: The family must live in Pennsylvania (Bucks County children will be given priority)
• Family Income: May not exceed 300% of poverty (a family of 4 can earn up to $99,000/year)

Questions? Contact Kimberly Day at [email protected] or (267) 424-2024.

Help ACLAMO Students Start the School Year Strong!

ACLAMO is collecting school supplies through their Amazon Wishlist, making it easy to provide backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and other essentials directly to students in our community! Learn more and help children begin the school year feeling prepared, confident, and ready to learn.

MontCo Back to School Drive!

Your donations help low-income families known to the MontCo Department of Health and Human Services. Scan the QR Code on the flyer for the Amazon List or visit the Montco HHS Donation Page on their website for additional information!

Victims Services Center of Montgomery County | Free Counseling Available

Free counseling is available for non-offending parents and caregivers of child victims in Montgomery County, including survivors of child sexual abuse, gun violence, and other traumatic
crimes.

Call (888) 521-0983 to reach their 24/7 crisis line or visit victimservicescenter.org to ask for a callback.

Un folleto en español.

St. Luke’s Penn Foundation | Screenagers: Film Screening & Panel Discussion

• Thurs., Sept. 10, 6:00-8:00pm
• Calvary Church, Souderton, PA
• Register Here!

Exploring the impact of the Digital Age on teens and substance use. Free admission, open to parents, teens, educators and community members.

Learn what’s happening and stay connected! Montgomery County PRO-ACT August Calendar

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Montgomery County Recovery Community Center (MCRCC) Coordinator, Liz Wendt, at [email protected] or (484) 383-0802, or visit councilsepa.org/pro-act-recovery-support-services/.

St. Luke’s Penn Foundation | 5th Annual 2026 Recovery is for Everyone Walk

• Sat., Sept. 19, 9:00am
• Learn More and Register!

The 1.7-mile walk will begin and end at the Hope 26 Festival Site (741 N. County Line Road, Souderton). Following the walk, enjoy free food, music, kids’ activities, giveaways, and more at Sweatshirt of Hope’s 2026 Festival. The first 100 individuals to register will receive a special swag bag at the walk!

Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol | Caregiver Connection

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs recently launched a new website designed to support families of loved ones experiencing substance use disorder. Caregiver Connection is a resource that helps family members find support for themselves as they navigate their loved one’s treatment and recovery journey.

If you are supporting someone in recovery or caring for someone experiencing substance use disorder, Caregiver Connection can help you find local and online support groups, connect with others in your community who are on a similar journey, and learn where and how to access county drug and alcohol offices, free Narcan, and other resources. Learn more!

Join a NAMI Montgomery County PA Support Group!

Did you know NAMI Montgomery County PA has 17 different support groups? They have 11 support groups for peers and 6 support groups for family members and loved ones. All NAMI Support Groups are free, peer-led, and confidential. Join one today!

Victim Services Center of Montgomery County | Free Counseling for Crime Victims and Their Loved Ones

Learn more by calling (888) 521-0983 or visiting victimservicescenter.org/get-help/counseling.

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Montgomery County | Free Hands-Only CPR Classes and NARCAN Administration Classes

Learn the skills that save lives. For more information and to register for a class, visit: montgomerycountypa.gov/CPR-NARCAN

Common Grounds Application is Open for Cohort 50!

Common Grounds is now accepting referrals and applications for the 50th Cohort of their award-winning, free, nine-week foodservice training program. Cohort 50 begins Monday, August 10!

• Classes run Monday through Thursday, 8:30am to 4:00pm.
• All trainees graduate with ServSafe certification, a nationally recognized industry credential that will stay with them for the rest of their careers.
• Participation in Common Grounds Training Program satisfies the work requirement for SNAP benefits.

Learn more, share, and/or apply!

Join the Collective!

The Collective is a group of tenant advocates and community leaders with lived experience of housing insecurity who work towards housing justice and racial equity in their neighborhoods and greater communities.

The group will meet regularly to discuss shared policy concerns about the needs of low-income people and families throughout the country, participate in leadership development opportunities, and build community and power. Learn more, share, and/or apply! Applications are due by August 17.

Montgomery County and Montco 30% Project | Free First-Time Homebuyer Workshop

• Wed., Aug. 12, 6:30-8:00pm
• Online
• Register Here!

This informative free virtual workshop helps first-time homebuyers navigate the homebuying process!

Vita Education Services | GED Preparation and Basic Skills Classes

Free classes for adults, including GED Preparation Classes and Basic Skills: Reading, Writing, and Math.

Watch an informative video and learn more about both programs.

Free Showers Available at BCOC

• Monday-Friday, 9:00am-2:00pm (no appointment necessary)
• Bucks County Opportunity Council – Bristol Office
• (215) 781-2661

Free showers available for people experiencing homelessness (towels and toiletries provided).

Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County | New Levittown Townhomes Available!

Habitat Bucks is offering seven townhomes as part of a local builder’s new development in  Neshaminy School District, Middletown Township, Lower Bucks. Features include open concept main floor living, 3 BR, 2.5 BA and a garage. *Buyers with annual incomes between $70,000-$195,000 may qualify; limits apply.

Attend an upcoming meeting for more info and to apply!

• Mon., Aug. 10, 6:30pm, Online
• Tues. Aug. 11, 6:30pm, In-person at Habitat Bucks
• Register Here!

Painting for Kids at Generations

Join volunteers Tish and Traute on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month from 1:00-3:00pm beginning on August 27 to paint for kids. The purpose of this project is to help brighten up pediatric areas for children that are going through tough times.

Most of the supplies will be provided by the foundation Art2Hearts.org. You will need to bring a few brushes, a water container, paper plates, paper towels or a rag, and a smock. Examples of paintings will be available or you can use your own ideas. If you don’t know how to draw, you can use some carbon paper (provided) and trace a pre-made drawing onto a
canvas board (provided).

Guidance and coaching will be provided if needed but most of all, plan on a fun time making a difference together, painting pictures children will enjoy that will be donated to pediatric care facilities.

Class size is limited to eight people at a time. A $2 donation per person, per class donation is optional for use of the room/supplies. To register, visit the Generations front desk or call (215) 723-5841.

SPARK Senior Centers of MontCo | Social Service Appointments Available

• Harleysville: Wednesdays, 9:30 am – 2 pm by appt.
• Lansdale: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, 9:30 am – 2 pm by appt.

Meet with SPARK Social Services Coordinator Tara Ticktin!

For seniors looking for help with Property Tax/Rent Rebates, SNAP benefits, Medicaid applications, monthly food box qualifications, or others programs and needs, please come see Tara!

Call Tara at (215) 362-7432, ext. 203 to schedule an appointment.

Montco SAAC Art Center at Ambler | Registration for Fall Classes is Open!

Looking to express your creativity in a vibrant community this fall?

The registration period for Fall I classes is now open. From Pen and Ink, to Ceramics, to their brand-new Stained-Glass course, there is something at the Art Center for everyone to enjoy. Learn more!

Annual Housing Summit | Getting to Yes!

Allies for Housing of Chester County and Chester County Commissioners are hosting the 5th Annual Housing Summit!

• Tues., Aug. 18, 4:30pm-6:30pm
• Kennett Square Library, 320 East State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348
• Reserve Your Spot!

This is a free event with registration required. Audience includes elected officials, legislators, county and municipal staff, CCATO members, non-profit partners, and community supporters interested in how and what can be done to increase the affordable housing stock in Chester County.

Montgomery County Inaugural Black Author & Business Expo

• Sat., August 22
• 10:00am-3:00pm
• Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
• Learn More and Register Here!

This dynamic community experience is designed for everyone! Participate in a day filled with powerful speakers, valuable workshops, engaging networking, practical resources, and unforgettable conversations.

Access Services | Multi-Faith Resource Sharing Event

• Thurs., Sept. 17, 1:00-3:00pm
• Community Partners Building, Colmar, PA
• Register Here!

The Multi-Faith Coalition is pleased to provide an event that encourages collective resource sharing to benefit the well-being of our community and serve people in the margins.

Join this event and bring a friend to meet others and learn about community resources. Together, we are stronger! Light fare and beverages will be provided.

Before registering, please take a moment to fill-out this one-question survey to help choose a focus topic for this resource-sharing event.

Laurel House | Breaking the Silence 2026 – When Healthcare Listens: Medical Advocacy in Action

• Thurs., Sept. 24, 8:30-10:30am
• The Belle at Blue Bell Country Club

Join Laurel House for an enlightening breakfast dedicated to strengthening the bridge between healthcare and survivor safety. Come together to explore how the medical community serves as a vital lifeline, transforming clinical settings into spaces of advocacy, healing, and immediate support. Learn more and register!

Foundations Community Partnership | Partnership in Youth Services Grant Applications due August 15, 2026

The Partnership in Youth Services (PYS) Grant Program awards up to $5,000 to nonprofit organizations serving Bucks County, PA.

PYS recognizes and supports organizations that are dedicated to helping solve community problems, and enhancing the quality of life for Bucks County children, young adults, and families. This grant cycle prioritizes eligible nonprofits that have never received a grant from FCP. Learn more and apply!

Hemlock & Forge is Hiring!

Hemlock & Forge is seeking the agency’s first Project Manager! The ideal candidate is highly organized, thoughtful, assertive, and curious and is motivated to build out the project management systems for their young firm.

The candidate will have experience working in affordable housing, community development, or homeless services, ideally having managed funding streams and programming in Pennsylvania and/or Delaware. Learn more, share, and/or apply!

Interfaith Philadelphia is Hiring a Director of Development and Finance!

The Director of Development and Finance directs and oversees all aspects of Interfaith Philadelphia’s development strategy and financial management. The Director of Development and Finance will think and plan strategically for growth, work closely with the Executive Director and Treasurer to build and maintain the annual budget. This position includes the supervision of the Development & Outreach Manager and part-time grant writer to achieve Interfaith Philadelphia’s annual goals, and will oversee internal bookkeeping processes.

Top candidates will have experience with fundraising leadership, major gifts, project and events management, and comfort with nonprofit financial management. Candidates should be passionate about interfaith work as a powerful force for societal good, fostering a thriving and democratic society. Learn more, share, and/or apply!

Shared Wellness is Hiring a Clinical Director!

The Clinical Director will lead innovation in clinical and wellness services. Learn more, share, and/or apply!

State Advisory Council Subcommittee Opportunities | Office of Child Development and Early Learning

The State Advisory Council is currently recruiting members for its subcommittees. These groups play an important role in advising the Office of Child Development and Early Learning on policies and initiatives that impact young children, families, and the early childhood system across Pennsylvania.

As they continue recruiting, they are especially hoping to reach individuals whose voices are often underrepresented in statewide advisory efforts, including:

• Parents and caregivers of young children
• Women of color
• Individuals who speak a language other than English
• Community members with lived experience who are passionate about improving outcomes for children and families

Apply or share the application, with submissions open through August 31, 2026, or until 300 applications have been received.

Housing Alliance of PA | Pennsylvania Eviction Filings Fall to 110,490 in 2025 — the First Decline Since 2020

The Housing Alliance of PA has released its new, annual interactive web report with data from 2025. While eviction filings continue to be high, the number of cases withdrawn continues to grow. This can be attributed to remaining emergency rental assistance dollars and the existence of eviction prevention programs in Pennsylvania! Learn more.

At a Glance:

• In 2025, Pennsylvania saw 110,490 eviction filings, a decrease of over 5,000 filings compared to the previous year (2024) and reaching 95.1% of pre-pandemic levels.
• Judgments for the plaintiff (the landlord) remain the most common outcome of court rulings. However, there has been a nearly equal increase in cases withdrawn and settled as decrease in judgement for the plaintiff when compared to pre-pandemic years . This trend can be attributed to the lasting impact of the targeted eviction prevention programs implemented across the state.
• 317 renter households (or 1 in 15 renter households) face an eviction filing every day.
• 87% of eviction filings are concentrated in 20 counties in Pennsylvania.
• 80% of renter households in Pennsylvania live in these same counties.

National Low Income Housing Coalition | Out of Reach Report: The High Cost of Housing

The National Low Income Housing Coalition has released Out of Reach: The High Cost of Housing. This new report highlights the gulf between the wages people earn and the price of decent rental housing in every state, metropolitan area, and county in the U.S.

Learn more, including PA-specific data and resources!

511pa | Personal Travel Alerts

Did you know you can get personalized travel alerts right to your phone? Visit 511pa.com and click “My 511” from the top menu to get started.

You can sign up for updates about the roads, dates & times you’re interested in, and choose how you receive them. Thank you to TMABucks for sharing!

Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission | Treatment Needs Assessment Survey

As part of their Treatment Needs Assessment, Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc. is gathering feedback from community members and professionals to better understand substance use treatment and recovery needs in Bucks County. Your feedback will help them identify community strengths, gaps in services, understand community needs, and improve the local treatment and recovery system.

To gather input from different perspectives, separate surveys have been developed for the following groups:

• Individuals with lived experience
• Family members and loved ones
• Pregnant women and women with children
• Professionals working in the substance use treatment, recovery supports, and related fields

Survey responses are anonymous and will be reviewed along with focus group feedback, community data, and other information to identify the greatest needs in Bucks County. The findings will help guide future planning and improve substance use treatment and recovery support services. Take the survey – and share widely!

Upper Perkiomen Valley Chamber of Commerce | Intermediate Canva Video Seminar

• Wed., Aug. 12, 8:30-10:30am
• UPVCC Conference Room
• Register Here

Ready to create videos that grab attention and keep your audience engaged? If you already know the basics of Canva, this hands-on class will show you how to take your video content to the next level.

During this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to:

• Create polished videos and Reels using Canva
• Use animations, transitions, and timing techniques effectively
• Customize professional video templates
• Build consistent branding into your content
• Design engaging, scroll-stopping videos without prior video editing experience

Bring your laptop so you can follow along! Whether you’re promoting your business, nonprofit, or personal brand, this class will help you create professional-looking videos with confidence.

KCIT | Group Crisis Intervention (GCI): Deployment Ready Training

KCIT’s GCI model addresses the gap that exists in-between traditional trauma services offered. They are offering free training sessions on Fridays in September – each training period has three virtual and one in-person session (participants must attend all four sessions to become a KCIT volunteer.

• Virtual Sessions: Friday, September 4, 11, an 18, 10:00am-1:00pm
• In-person Session: Friday, September 25, 10:00am-1:30pm, Clarion County

Learn more about GCI and contact Beth Fyffe to sign-up!

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Montgomery County | Leaders on Board  Registration is Open!

• Kickoff Tues., Oct. 24, 5:30pm
• Fee: $99/person
• Learn More and Register!

This six-week interactive training program covers topics needed to be prepared to serve on a nonprofit board or improve impact for your current board service.