March 2026 Newsletter

“When the state claims absolute immunity—when it asserts the right to kill without investigation or accountability—it is not only failing those who were killed. It is poisoning the very structures meant to hold us together. It is thinning the fabric of belonging.

Belonging is not sentimental. It is structural and spiritual. It lives in our laws, our institutions, and our willingness to hold power accountable. It lives in our faith and our dreams. It must be redeemed in our practices and our stories, not just our statutes. It must happen not only in courtrooms, but in neighborhoods and schools…

In times like these, the work of belonging asks us to stay present—to hold the circle open, even when it would be easier to let it close.

Because when we accept othering as a justification for violence, we normalize a system where belonging becomes conditional—and no one is truly safe. Humanity struggles to survive in such an environment. Democracy cannot.”  – John Powell

Read the entire message and learn more about the work and practice of belonging through the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley.

Artwork: Community Roots by Artist Jennifer Bloomer
You can purchase this print here, with all proceeds benefitting the Revolutionary Love Project led by Valarie Kaur.

• Tues., March 10
• 10:00-11:30am
• Zoom

• Thurs., March 12
• 9:30-10:30am
• Zoom

• Wed., March 25
• 5:30-7:30pm (Dinner Included)
• Woods Services Training Center,
  Langhorne, PA 19047

• Tues., April 7
• 10:00-11:30am
• Zoom

Domestic Violence 101

• Tues., April 28
• 10:00-11:30am
• Zoom

Mastering Media Relations

• Wed., April 29
• 9:00am-12:00pm
• Community Partners Center,
  2506 N. Broad St, Colmar PA

More trainings and events are coming—stay tuned! Access the most up-to-date event information here. 

PA Housing Action Plan Launches!

Pennsylvania is taking a comprehensive, statewide approach to addressing housing challenges—treating housing as critical infrastructure for economic growth, public health, workforce stability, and strong communities.

Governor Josh Shapiro, the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), and the Department of Human Services recently unveiled Pennsylvania’s first-ever Housing Action Plan, a long-term roadmap to increase housing supply, improve affordability, and stabilize housing outcomes across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Read the full plan.

The Bucks-Mont Collaborative and our partners hosted the first community presentation of this plan on February 13. Deep thanks to Morgan Boyd, Special Advisor to the Secretary for the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, for presenting this plan to our region, and our Commissioners for their leadership and reflections on plan impact and opportunities in Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties!

Over 11,500 Pennsylvania children are poisoned by toxic lead substances in their homes every year, especially lead paint.

Lead poisoning leads to irreversible cognitive and behavioral damage, contributing to long-term economic disadvantages for affected children. The worst part? It is entirely preventable. Right now, there is a real opportunity to act.

Early detection and intervention are critical to lessen the impact of lead poisoning. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced new legislation, HB 2041, which would ensure a parent or legal guardian is offered two blood lead tests for their child by the age of two.

If passed, this bill would lead to more children getting intervention services ASAP, as well as quick removal of lead toxins in their homes to prevent further exposure. Despite having bipartisan support, Children First needs your help to make sure it crosses the finish line!

Can you contact your state representative and urge them to support House Bill 2041?

Opportunity from the Housing Alliance of PA!

Call your State Senator today and ask them to co-sponsor the bipartisan Lowering Housing Costs: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) bill!

Right now, there are no consistent statewide rules for building an ADU (backyard cottages, granny flats, guesthouses), so residents, municipalities, and professionals face very different processes depending on where they live or work.

A co-sponsorship memo has been circulated by Senator Greg Rothman (R), and the Housing Alliance of PA needs Senators—especially Senate Republicans—to add their support.

Legislators need to hear from residents and housing advocates that ADUs are a practical, common-sense solution for increasing housing opportunities in communities across Pennsylvania! Learn more, including core talking points and ways to contact your legislator.

• Learn Together
• Meet Your People
• Amplify You Voice

To learn more, please contact Aathira Chennat at [email protected].

NOVA Bucks | Smarter Parents, Safer Kids

• March 3, 6:00-8:00pm
• Zoom
• Register here!

Open and honest communication is key to protecting your child from sexual abuse, but these conversations can be tricky to navigate. Parents and caregivers will learn:

• Strategies to protect children from abuse
• Healthy sexual development throughout childhood
• How to tackle tough conversations with your child
• Small, easy steps to create a safer environment

NAMI Basics is a free, 6-session education program for parents, caregivers, and family members supporting youth who are experiencing mental health challenges. This session will be held virtually from 6:00pm-8:00pm on Mondays, starting on March 9th and ending April 20th.

Led by trained facilitators with lived experience raising a child with a mental health condition, NAMI Basics offers understanding, practical tools, and hope—because they’ve been there too. Learn more!

The TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety Program – in partnership with the Montgomery County Office of Public Health Community Traffic Safety Program – is hosting the 6th Annual Teen Safe Driving ROADeo on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

This free event aims to keep Bucks County & Montgomery County high school students safe on the roadway through education, interaction, and fun. Learn more and share!

Merakey Montgomery County | Children’s Outpatient Services Available

• Immediate Openings for Children’s Intakes
• Therapy for Kids in Montgomery County
• Coverage: Medicaid & County Funds
• Serving Lansdale, North Wales, & Nearby

Contact Intake Scheduler: [email protected], (215) 716-9020, Location: 2506 N. Broad St., Colmar, PA, 18915

• Feb. 23-April 13, 6:30-8:30pm
• Learn more, share, and/or join!

This group is a free, eight-session educational program for adults living with mental health conditions who want to better understand themselves and strengthen their recovery.

The course is led by trained facilitators with lived experience and features engaging activities, group discussions, and informative videos. In keeping with all NAMI programs, Peer-to-Peer is educational in nature and does not provide treatment recommendations.

• Tuesdays Beginning March 3 Ending June 23
• 4:00-6:00pm
• Register here!

• 2026 Training Schedule Begins March 20
• Learn more and register here!

Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. In this course, participants learn the unique risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, the importance of early intervention, and, most importantly, how to help someone experiencing a mental health or substance use emergency.

For all MHFA classes you will complete a 2-hour, self-paced online class, followed by a 6.5 hour (including lunch and breaks) Instructor-led training· Certification is for 3 years. If you have questions contact: [email protected].

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, share knowledge, and support those affected by brain injuries. In recognition of this important month, we invite you to join the Beechwood clinical team for a special Zoom presentation, “Bridging the Gap to Independence.”

• March 25, 4:00-5:30pm
• Link to Join

Brain injuries affect millions of individuals and families each year. These injuries can be caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports impacts, medical conditions, or other traumatic events. While some effects are visible, many survivors live with invisible challenges such as cognitive changes, fatigue, memory issues, and emotional impacts.

In this presentation, the clinical team will share how Beechwood can help participants navigate around many of the challenges associated with having sustained an acquired brain injury, discuss their specialties, and talk about how they help participants become as independent as possible.

Join BCIC virtually for their upcoming quarterly meetings at 2:00pm:

• May 20
• August 19
• November 18

Contact Becky Connor at BCHIP for more information and meeting link: [email protected] or 267-291-7882

The Ferns Peer-Run Respite is a voluntary, short-term community-based resource for community members. Rooted in the principles of Inentional Peer Support (IPS). The Ferns provides an environment where guests are welcomed with dignity and empathy by trained staff who have lived experience with mental health challenges. Their respite offers a safe, home-like setting where individuals can pause, reflect, and heal on their own terms. The program offers our community a free alternative that addresses cultural and financial barriers for those in times of crisis. Learn more.

• Mon., April 13, 3:00-5:00pm
• George Washington Carver Community Center
• Learn more about this fair!

Vendor registration is now open! Tables and chairs will be provided. To participate, please complete the vendor registration form and return it to: [email protected]. The vendor registration deadline is March 16, 2026. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Second chances matter. Each year, the Second Chance Resource Fair brings together trusted community partners and service providers to support individuals and families impacted by the criminal justice system. From career development opportunities and legal assistance to reentry and support services, this event is designed to open doors and create meaningful pathways forward.

This free event will be held at the George Washington Carver Community Center, located at 249 Jacoby Street, Norristown, PA 19401.

• Information session on March 17 at 1:00pm
• FREE Training Starts April 13
• Learn more!

Start Your Career: Learn how to shape, cut and weld metal for positions such as Machinist, Machine Operator, CNC Operator!

• Time: 10:30am-1:00pm or until supplies run out
• Distribution: 20-30 lbs of produce per household
• Cost: FREE – No questions asked
• Format: Contactless, drive-through pick-up
• Flyer (English and Spanish)

Tax season is here, and the United Way of Bucks County wants to make sure the people you serve know about MyFreeTaxes.com—a completely free, secure, and easy-to-use online tax filing service provided by United Way.

With MyFreeTaxes.com, users can:

✔️ File federal & state taxes for free

✔️ Upload a photo of their W-2 for easy filing

✔️ Get step-by-step guidance to maximize their refund

✔️ Access the MyFreeTaxes Helpline at 866-698-9435 (10 AM – 8 PM ET) for IRS-trained support

✔️Eligible users are persons earning $89,000 or less. If a filer needs additional assistance, they will be connected with the VITA program.

PA Navigate connects Pennsylvanians with services in their local communities. Find help now with food, utilities, child care, financial assistance, and more. Enter your zip code at pa-navigate.org to get started today.

• March 9-May 18, 6:00-7:30pm
• Learn more!

Generations of Indian Valley | There’s so much support available at Generations!

AARP Foundation Tax Aide Volunteers will offer free tax preparation services by appointment at Generations on Thursdays & Fridays through April 2, 2026.

This service is meant for older taxpayers, with lower incomes, and who may not have access to other means of tax preparation. Appointments are required for this service. To schedule, please stop by or call their front desk: (215) 723-5841.

Learn all about what’s happening at Generations through their newsletter, and sign up for their emails to stay connected!

SPARK Senior Centers of Montgomery County | Harleysville Special March Programs

There’s a lot going on at SPARK Senior Centers. Visit their website for additional information!

• Tues., March 5, 4:00-6:30pm
• Theatre Horizon, 401 DeKalb St, Norristown, PA 19401
• Register here!

Join this inspiring gathering that brings women together to amplify voices, share power, and spark action across workplaces and communities. Her Voice, Her Power is more than an event—it’s a moment to reflect, connect, and recommit to advancing gender equity, belonging, and equitable access where we live and lead. Learn more and join this powerful discussion!

• Wed., March 11, 5:00-7:30pm
• Fluxspace, Norristown
• RSVP here!

Join this evening of inspiration, restoration, and connection! Whether you’re a nonprofit, for-profit, or community leader, this event will be an intentional space to connect, collaborate, and generate good things.

• Thurs., March 19, 1:00pm
• Zoom
• Register here!

Join this Data Hub Overview and Demo! The Data Hub is a live, interactive website that houses the data from the newest Community Health Needs Assessment which was published in July 2025.

• Tues., March 24, 10:00am-1:00pm
• Healthspark Community Event Venue, Colmar

The Multi-Faith Coalition, in partnership with the One America Movement, invites community leaders and members into a training session as well as facilitated conversation designed to engage divisive issues with honesty, humility, and care.

Grounded in neuroscience and conflict research, the framework supports dialogue that reduces defensiveness and avoids activating threat responses – making space for curiosity, trust, and genuine connection. Register to join this community conversation!

TOPIC 1: Immigration & TOPIC 2: Gun Rights

The AARP Community Challenge is an annual grant program with three distinct funding categories:

• Flagship Grants
• Capacity-Building Microgrants
• Demonstration Grants

Eligible community projects benefit people of all ages—and especially those age 50 or older—by enhancing public spaces; transportation, mobility and housing options; disaster resilience; or community connections. Learn more!

The Pottstown Regional Community Foundation (PRCF) is pleased to announce the launch of their 2026 Spring Grant Round. The Foundation will begin accepting applications starting March 1, 2026.

New and returning eligible applicants may request feedback on proposed projects by submitting a Grant Concept Form well in advance of the application window opening on March 1. A Grant Concept Form is not an application, does not guarantee an award, and is intended solely as a tool for Foundation grant staff to provide feedback on a project idea.

Learn more about their Results Grantmaking Framework, program areas, and apply!

Foundations Community Partnership (FCP) is now accepting applications for its Bucks Innovation & Improvement (BIIG) and Capital Improvement (CAP) spring grant cycles. Eligible nonprofits can submit a Letter of Inquiry by April 1, 2026. Learn more!

• BIIG Grants: Bucks Innovation and Improvement Grants (BIIG) range in value up to $15,000, recognizing innovative ideas to improve the quality of life for children, young adults, and families in Bucks County.
• CAP Grants: Capital Improvement Grants range in value up to $15,000, supporting projects such as structural facility improvements, extensive renovations, adding durable equipment to existing structures, and IT infrastructure.

The Advocacy Rapid Response Fund for Community Power gives one-time, fast, flexible funding support to Montgomery County organizations responding to critical and unexpected, urgent events or external challenges, while strengthening the voice and power of community members. The Rapid Response Fund is intended to help nonprofits and community-based organizations in a nonpartisan manner respond to critical threats or opportunities to advance support for racial and social justice goals.

By removing barriers and expediting resources, the fund ensures that advocates can act when it matters most, keeping community voices at the forefront of community decisions. Learn more!

BCOC changes peoples’ lives – and is a great place to work! Learn more about open opportunities.

Bellevue Strategies summarized Governor Shapiro’s budget address by core topics and issue areas. Read on for easy-clicks to your mission-aligned issue interests!

Bucks County | Bucks County Unveils Completed DART Mental Health Center

On Friday, February 27, Bucks County unveiled the completed DART Mental Health Center! Expected to begin accepting residents in the coming month, the 23,000 square-foot facility will serve adults with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use issues who are involved with the criminal justice system. Through treatment and skill development, the Center will operate with the goals of diverting people from incarceration, reducing days of incarceration, reducing utilization of State institutions, and reducing recidivism. Learn more about this big milestone!

Over the past five years, governments have invested in behavioral health crisis response systems that reduce reliance on law enforcement, but workforce shortages have slowed progress.

In a paper by Amy Watson, Kellan McNally, Leah G. Pope, and Michael T. Compton, the authors outline strategies to strengthen the crisis response workforce, including expanded training, a dedicated credential for community behavioral health crisis responders, and partnerships with community colleges and regional centers of excellence. They also emphasize the need for sustainable funding to ensure these efforts can meet growing community demand. Read the paper.

The Partnership For Transportation invites you to nominate organizations or individuals to be recognized at their upcoming event, Celebrating Progress & Partnerships, on May 14!

Nominations may include colleagues, partner organizations, or your own work. Multiple nominations are welcome. Learn more!

This information is also available in multiple languages, with legal aid and advocacy resources searchable by PA Navigate.

Stay connected to MontCo Health and Human Services!

Understand 988 statistics and needs in Montgomery County this past year! Read the report.

Foundations Community Partnership | #FCPresents AI Basics Without the Hype: What You Really Need to Know

#FCPresents strives to strengthen the non-profit sector in Bucks County by inviting non-profit thought leaders to share their expertise with their peers. This initiative is led by FCP, or Foundations Community Partnership.

“AI Basics Without the Hype: What You Really Need to Know” is Part I of a three-part series on Artificial Intelligence by Jean Holmes, Founder, All Systems Go Consulting.

Jean cuts through the buzzwords and fear to give non-profit professionals a clear understanding of what AI actually is, and how to use it wisely. Tune in to this series to learn more!

• Learn more

• Tues., March 10, Session #1 9:00am-12:00pm, Session #2 1:00pm-4:00pm
• Delaware Valley University, Life Science Building Auditorium
• $35 per session or $60 for both sessions + lunch
• Register here!

• Fri., April 3, 10:00am-3:00pm (Boxed lunch provided!)
• In-person in North Wales, PA
• Register here!

Learn, refine, and practice key active listening techniques in a supportive, hands-on environment! Join Lakeside for this 4‑hour intensive boot camp where you’ll learn, refine, and practice key Active Listening techniques in a supportive, hands‑on environment. Strengthen your ability to connect, understand, and communicate with greater clarity and empathy.

• Mon., April 13, and Tues., April 14, from 6:00-8:00pm
• Zoom
• Registration will open in March—learn more on the conference page!

Gwynedd Mercy University will hold its 6th Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education Conference, a free virtual conference on Zoom, on Monday, April 13, and Tuesday, April 14, from 6:00 – 8:00 pm Eastern. This year’s conference theme is “Supporting the Success of All Learners.” This event will bring together thought leaders, practitioners, and advocates to discuss how the success of all learners can be supported in both K-12 and higher education settings. This conference aims to inspire action, foster understanding, and build a network of practitioners and advocates dedicated to supporting the success of all learners. Our keynote speaker is Dr. Kavita Rao, whose talk “Seen, Heard, and Supported: Leveraging Learner Assets through Intentional Design” will kick off the conference. Questions may be directed to conference chair, Peggy Kerr at [email protected].