Career/Technical Training, School Safety and Security, and Arts and Culture Funding Opportunities

(Dec 05, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency/Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Pennsylvania Academic and Career/Technical Training Innovative Solicitation (Funding Source: Justice Reinvestment Fund) Who May Apply : Existing PACTT Affiliates. Use : To improve services for delinquent youth receiving academic and career/technical training services. Funds : Awards up to $75,000 for 24-month projects. Application Deadline : December 23, 2022 More Information : Click on https://egrants.pccd.pa.gov/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission: Clean Vessel Act (CVA) Pumpout Grant Program (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Local governmental entities and private businesses that own and operate boating facilities. Use : To fund the construction, renovation, and maintenance of pumpout and dump stations to service pleasure boats. Funds : Reimburse up to 75% of the installation cost of pumpout and dump stations. Application Deadline : December 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.fishandboat.com/Transact/Grants/Pages/PumpoutGrantProgram.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022-23 School Safety and Security Training and Technical Assistance Program Read more

 

E-BLAST: Welcome to the new 157th District!

(Dec 02, 2022)

The NEW legislative session in Pennsylvania began this week; this also means that new district boundaries -- determined by the 2020 Census -- are now in effect. Read more

 

Delaware Valley Friends School awarded $2.5 million

(Nov 21, 2022)

PAOLI, Nov. 21-- State Rep. Melissa Shusterman is pleased to announce Delaware Valley Friends Schoo l , located in the 157 th Legislative District, has been awarded $2.5 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds. Phase One of the expansion and renovation project will include sitework, extensive stormwater management systems, a new building addition with more classrooms and offices, a new accessible school entrance, an outdoor café courtyard, renovations to the current cafeteria, and a full-size kitchen. “These improvements will help the Delaware Valley Friends School meet the needs of a growing student body,” said Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery. “As co-chair of the House Autism and Intellectual Disability Caucus, and as a person who could have benefited from a unique approach to learning, I know how important it is to have a school that addresses the needs of kids who learn differently. I am proud to have this school right here in our district and I’m happy I was able to assist in securing this funding.” Head of School Kirk Smothers commented, “DVFriends is tremendously grateful to Representative Melissa Shusterman and Senator Carolyn Comitta for recognizing the school's important mission and helping to secure a $2.5M RACP grant. The funds will enable the school to continue its trajectory of growth and serve even more students Read more

 

GRANT MEMO: Workforce Support, Historic Preservation, and Criminal Justice Disparity Research Funding Opportunities For Your District

(Nov 14, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: Pennsylvania Nursing Pathway Apprenticeship Industry Partnership (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Pennsylvania local workforce development boards. Use : To support the convening of Nursing Pathway Apprenticeship Industry Partnerships in lower moderate-income communities and guide the development and registration of healthcare apprenticeship programs, with emphasis on nursing occupations, through group sponsorships. Funds : Up to $260,000. Application Deadline : November 30, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Documents/Nurse-Pathway-IP/Nursing%20Pathway%20Apprenticeship%20IP%20NGA%20FINAL.pdf . Pennsylvania Department of Human Services: Work Force Support Grant (WFSG) 2.0 (Funding Source: Federal Funding) Who May Apply : Eligible DHS certified childcare providers. Use : To provide funding to eligible DHS certified childcare providers (providers) for staff retention and staff recruitment purposes. Funds : Variable depending on staff levels. Application Deadline : December 6, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.pakeys.org/workforcesupportgrants2/ . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2022 Read more

 

E-BLAST: Tuesday is Election Day! Make your plan to vote today!

(Nov 04, 2022)

Thank you to everyone who came out for my shredding event on Saturday. Read more

 

Shusterman: Valley Forge Park Alliance awarded $500K

(Nov 01, 2022)

PAOLI, Nov. 1 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman is pleased to announce the Valley Forge Park Alliance has been awarded $500,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding for the Maurice Stephens House project to convert the home into a new headquarters for the Valley Forge Park Alliance and a café. “For years, the Valley Forge Park Alliance has provided excellent services to park visitors that have complimented official park programming, including bird walks, historical lectures and wellness workshops,” said Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery. “The Maurice Stephens House project will allow them to not only continue these valuable programs but also expand their impact on visitors by having their headquarters located right on the grounds of the park.” The funds will be used to either build an addition or pay for the design fees and site work for the property surrounding to building. That work would include rehabilitating an existing parking lot, installing sidewalks, electricity to the parking lot, signage and landscaping. “Valley Forge brings in more than a million visitors every year and is a significant tourist and historic attraction in the region,” Shusterman said. “This project will be a wonderful addition to the park and will provide a place for visitors to take a break, before exploring more of the 3,500 acres.” The RACP is a grant program Read more

 

Montgomery County House Dems Announce $3M in Funding for Mitzvah Circle

(Oct 31, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 31 – Pennsylvania House Democrats in Montgomery County presented a check for $3 million to Mitzvah Circle Foundation to expand its critical services delivering immediate needs to vulnerable families. In partnership with more than 300 local organizations, MCF provides donated and purchased goods such as clothing, shoes, diapers, toiletries, period supplies, housewares and more – including many items not covered by food stamps or other safety net programs – to individuals and families in need. Families who can’t obtain these critical items become entrenched deeper in crisis. By providing a full array of life's essentials, MCF helps families to begin to break the cycle of crisis and poverty. “Mitzvah Circle is honored to receive this funding. It allows us to continue serving the most vulnerable families in Montgomery County,” said Fran Held, founder and director of MCF. The Montgomery County legislators, including Sens. Amanda Cappelletti, Maria Collett, Art Haywood, Vincent Hughes and Katie Muth, as well as Reps. Matt Bradford, Tim Briggs, Joe Ciresi, Mary Jo Daley, Pam DeLissio, Nancy Guenst, Liz Hanbidge, Steve Malagari, Napoleon Nelson, Ben Sanchez, Melissa Shusterman, Greg Vitali, and Joe Webster, worked with the Wolf administration to help deliver the funds, which originate from American Rescue Plan Act funding. “Mitzvah Circle reaches into every corner of Montgomery County, and it Read more

 

E-BLAST: Legislative Update, Shredding Event, Voting Resources and more!

(Oct 28, 2022)

Residents of the 157th District are welcome to dispose of unwanted documents ecologically & securely at my FREE shredding event from 9 a.m. to noon (or until the truck is full) tomorrow, October 29 at Penn State Great Valley, 30 E. Swedesford Road, Malvern, PA 19355. Read more

 

Shusterman announces RACP grant to benefit The Timothy School

(Oct 27, 2022)

BERWYN, Oct. 26 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, announced today that The Timothy School will receive a $750,000 grant from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. Shusterman applauded the grant, saying “The Timothy School meets a need for students with intellectual disabilities all over Southeastern Pennsylvania. This state funding will allow the school to move forward with construction plans to expand the school and serve more students and families.” The project at The Timothy School will address the concrete, masonry and steel aspects needed for Phase Three of the overall redevelopment of the Timothy School campus. Phase Three will consist of the addition of classroom and administrative office space, as well as assist in the selective demolition and construction at the existing main education building. This grant was awarded by RACP, a program administered by the Office of the Budget whose grants aim to bolster community development and economic activity. Read more

 

Op/Ed: SB 106 is too radical, too extreme

(Oct 24, 2022)

This past summer, Republicans in the Pennsylvania House and Senate rammed through a bill with several proposed constitutional amendments that would limit personal rights instead of protecting them. Read more

 

Shusterman on SB 106: Too Radical, Too Extreme

(Oct 21, 2022)

This past summer, Republicans in the Pennsylvania House and Senate rammed through a bill with several proposed constitutional amendments that would limit personal rights instead of protecting them. One of the amendments included in SB 106 would change the state constitution to say there is no constitutional right to an abortion in Pennsylvania. I spoke in opposition of the bill on the House floor the night it passed. If this proposed amendment were to succeed, it would create a pathway in our commonwealth to ban all abortions without any exceptions. A constitutional amendment goes through a different process than regular legislation. For a constitutional amendment to pass, the state House and Senate must vote on it in two consecutive legislative sessions and then it is placed on the ballot for voters to decide. Constitutional amendments cannot be vetoed by the governor. SB 106 passed through the General Assembly in July. If Republicans maintain control of both the House and Senate next year, SB 106 will likely be voted on again next session and voters could see it on the ballot as early as May 2023. This proposed amendment is dangerous, extreme and it will destroy the lives of girls and women. It is the first step to denying people the right to control their own bodies. It turns back the clock on progress and would remove protections currently in place. Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision, we have seen abortion bans go into effect across the country and Read more

 

GRANT MEMO: Nonprofit Security, Boating Facility, and Water/Sewer Funding Opportunities

(Oct 18, 2022)

STATE PROGRAMS NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry: PA Industry Partnership Grant (Funding Source: General Fund) Who May Apply : Local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, educational and post-secondary educational organizations, labor organizations, business associations, and economic development entities. Use : To identify workforce, education & training, and economic development needs, coordinate regional teams to support industry needs, identify public and community resources to address industry identified needs and increase collaboration among businesses within a targeted industry sector. Funds : Up to $250,000 per partnership. Application Deadline : October 28, 2022 More Information : Click on https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/Workforce-Development/grants/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program (Funding Source: Nonprofit Security Grant Fund) Who May Apply : Non-profit organizations. Use : To support security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility located in the Commonwealth that is owned or operated by the nonprofit organization. Funds : Awards between $5,000 and $150,000. Application Deadline : October 31, 2022 More Information : Click on Read more

 

E-Blast: My annual Veterans Breakfast was a success!

(Oct 17, 2022)

Thank you to the veterans and family members that attended my annual Veterans Breakfast at the Freedoms Foundation last week Read more

 

Shusterman to host free shredding event Oct. 29

(Oct 13, 2022)

PAOLI, Oct. 13 -- State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, invites residents to attend a free shredding event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 29 at Penn State Great Valley, 30 E. Swedesford Road, Malvern, PA. “This event is a great opportunity for residents of the 157 th Legislative District to dispose of their unwanted documents,” said Shusterman. “Shredding documents is a great way to prevent becoming a victim of identity theft. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to protect yourself and keep your information out of the wrong hands.” There is a limit of three boxes for each household. There is no need to remove staples, paper clips or rubber bands. Newspapers, magazines and journals will not be accepted. Shusterman said the event will be held rain or shine and may end sooner than scheduled if the truck is full. Shredding is done on site, and all shredded paper will be recycled. Common types of unwanted items for shredding include credit card statements or applications, bank and investment statements, canceled checks, income tax information, insurance and health records, and retirement or pension fund information. For more information, residents may contact Shusterman’s office at 484-200-8260 or email RepShusterman@pahouse.net . Read more

 

E-BLAST: Victoria's Law, mail-in ballot tips, grant opportunities and more!

(Oct 07, 2022)

Thank you to everyone who stopped by for our office Open House in September. Read more

 

E-BLAST: Voting information and resources for you

(Oct 06, 2022)

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. In Pennsylvania, you also have the option to vote early by mail. Read more

 

E-BLAST: District highlights, legislative updates, grants and more!

(Sep 29, 2022)

Veterans are invited to my Annual Veteran’s Breakfast at the Freedom Foundation at Valley Forge on Thursday, October 13 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Read more

 

Shusterman invites veterans to attend her annual breakfast

(Sep 28, 2022)

PAOLI, Sept. 28 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, invites veterans of the 157 th Legislative District and their guests to join her for a nutritious appreciation breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, 1601 Valley Forge Road, Valley Forge, PA 19481. “I am pleased to be able to host my annual veterans’ breakfast again this year,” said Shusterman. “It is a wonderful opportunity for my staff and me to recognize and honor those who have sacrificed so much to protect our rights and freedoms.” Representatives from several veterans’ organizations will be available to answer questions residents may have and provide information about state resources available to those who have served. This breakfast is open to veterans living in Phoenixville Borough, Willistown, Easttown, Tredyffrin, Schuylkill and Upper Providence townships. Reservations are required; RSVP by Oct. 7 by calling 484-200-8260 or online here . Anyone with questions can contact Shusterman’s office at 484-200-8260. Read more

 

State Grant Programs Open For Application

(Sep 26, 2022)

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Regional Policing Assistance Program Who May Apply: Applicants for the Regional Policing Assistance Program may be any municipality – a city, borough, township, home-rule municipality, or county. Applicants may also be a public or quasi-public body, or its representative, duly authorized to act on behalf of one or more municipalities. All applications must be accompanied by fully executed Articles of Agreement or an Intergovernmental Agreement that establishes a Regional Police Department. Use: Funding will support efforts in establishing or expanding regional police departments that would improve the following: uniformity and consistency of enforcement across municipalities; recruitment; distribution and deployment of police personnel; training and personnel efficiency; career enhancement opportunities; enhanced professionalism; and reduction of costs. Funds: A total of approximately $1,000,000 in federal funds is being announced to support this initiative. Applicants may apply for up to $150,000 for the formation of a new regional police department or up to $50,000 for the expansion of an existing regional police department by adding a chartered municipality(ies). Application Deadline: September 6, 2023 More information: PCCD Website Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Legal Read more

 

Shusterman urges colleagues to vote “NO” on the Animal Welfare Board bill

(Sep 15, 2022)

HARRISBURG, Sept. 15 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, is urging her colleagues in the legislature to vote “no” on S.B. 907. The bill would create a Domestic Animal Welfare Board to review existing laws and regulations related to the keeping and handling of animals and to make recommendations for legislative and regulatory changes. “While having a board oversee animal welfare may sound like a good thing, I fear that this board will be packed with members who represent the pet sale industry and not animal welfare experts,” said Shusterman. “We must do all we can to strengthen our animal protection legislation and letting those who support puppy mills have a say will weaken the animal protection laws we already have here in Pennsylvania. I urge my House colleagues to vote no on this legislation.” Senate Bill 907 is currently sitting in the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. Read more

 

Career/Technical Training, School Safety and Security, and Arts and Culture Funding Opportunities
Dec 05, 2022

E-BLAST: Welcome to the new 157th District!
Dec 02, 2022

Delaware Valley Friends School awarded $2.5 million
Nov 21, 2022

GRANT MEMO: Workforce Support, Historic Preservation, and Criminal Justice Disparity Research Funding Opportunities For Your District
Nov 14, 2022

E-BLAST: Tuesday is Election Day! Make your plan to vote today!
Nov 04, 2022

Shusterman: Valley Forge Park Alliance awarded $500K
Nov 01, 2022

Montgomery County House Dems Announce $3M in Funding for Mitzvah Circle
Oct 31, 2022

E-BLAST: Legislative Update, Shredding Event, Voting Resources and more!
Oct 28, 2022

Shusterman announces RACP grant to benefit The Timothy School
Oct 27, 2022

Op/Ed: SB 106 is too radical, too extreme
Oct 24, 2022

Shusterman on SB 106: Too Radical, Too Extreme
Oct 21, 2022

GRANT MEMO: Nonprofit Security, Boating Facility, and Water/Sewer Funding Opportunities
Oct 18, 2022

E-Blast: My annual Veterans Breakfast was a success!
Oct 17, 2022

Shusterman to host free shredding event Oct. 29
Oct 13, 2022

E-BLAST: Victoria's Law, mail-in ballot tips, grant opportunities and more!
Oct 07, 2022

E-BLAST: Voting information and resources for you
Oct 06, 2022

E-BLAST: District highlights, legislative updates, grants and more!
Sep 29, 2022

Shusterman invites veterans to attend her annual breakfast
Sep 28, 2022

State Grant Programs Open For Application
Sep 26, 2022

Shusterman urges colleagues to vote “NO” on the Animal Welfare Board bill
Sep 15, 2022