Chester’s Mentoring Initiative

May 2023

Member Announcements:

Late on May 26, actually the morning of May 27 1-6am, please volunteer to support Chester’s after-prom party. Please contact Angie Johnson to learn more.

Learn more about local battery recycling at https://www.facebook.com/ProvidenceFriendsMeeting/posts/battery-recycling-program-pmmrecycle-your-used-batteries-with-the-climate-crisis/1175564229671829/

On June 1, 4-8pm, please enjoy the Rose Celebration at Swarthmore College’s Scott Arboretum, 500 College Ave in Swarthmore. Free rose crafts, tours of the rose garden, free samples of rose-flavored food and beverages, lawn games, food trucks, music, and a photo booth. All are welcome.

On June 2nd from 9-30 to-10:30am, please join a discussion of Gun Violence, Children and Mental Health. ZOOM. Zoom ID 4273720254

On June 12th, Shevlin Family Foundation will host a golf event. Please see https://shevlinfamilyfoundation.org/2023-golf-outing for details.

On June 14th from 9:30-11:30am, please attend the meeting of DARN- Delco Area Resource Network at Key Recovery, 5000 Hilltop Drive Brookhaven, PA.

On June 22,  4:30-6, all are welcome to join a guided hike at Scott Arboretum in Swarthmore. Departs from Whittier Place Parking Lot. Please register at https://www.scottarboretum.org/calendar/crum-woods-guided-hike/

Scholarships are available for high schoolers to attend academic camps at Widener this summer:  https://www.widener.edu/high-school-programs/workshops-summer-camps

Check out this listing of additional kids activities in Greater Chester: https://chesterexchange.org/

Ashley Henry of Swarthmore College’s Lang Center for Civic & Social Responsibility is working with a high school student who would like to volunteer with a Chester community arts project or programs this summer. Contact her to connect.

Our guest speaker, Eve Miari, Delaware County Programs Director for the Clean Air Council, discussed environmental health and justice as it relates to our youth. Here are some highlights of her presentation:

  • There are many industrial facilities in Delco that are located in low-income residential areas and communities of color, driving concerns for public health and environmental justice.

  • Air pollution can affect every system in the body, especially for children because they are small and developing.

  • Chester’s asthma rate is five times the national rate.

  • Every person is entitled to clean air and water and a healthy environment, according to the PA state constitution. 

  • Many claim that polluting industries are needed for jobs. However, these facilities don't necessarily create jobs for local residents; local residents often face all of the burden and risk with little to no benefit.

  • Clean energy and the green economy can help create jobs across a variety of sectors and at a variety of professional levels.

  • New industrial efforts should be required to include a cumulative risk analysis that takes into account the burdens that communities are already facing. New Jersey just passed legislation requiring consideration of cumulative impact specifically in environmental justice communities.

  • Clean Air Council is currently working with the County to launch air monitoring programs, attempting to collect more information to advocate more effectively. Please contact Eve if you can host an air monitor on your home or facility.

  • Clear Air Council is also working with Johns Hopkins University to issue a community health survey to gauge the impact that children and families are experiencing. This data will also reflect factors such as economic struggles, access to care, “food desert” limitations and other elements that have a detrimental cumulative effect. Please contact Eve to participate in the survey.

  • Marcus Hook Area Neighbors for Public Health is working in partnership with Clean Air Council to run an art contest for area youth aged 12-21 envisioning the future of the community with a $100 cash prize. Please see the flyer on this page.

  • Eve welcomes your suggestions for locations where vacant lots can be converted for community plantings as part of Clean Air Council's Climate Resilient Communities Project. 

  • Clean Air Council and the County will be doing outreach and education in the community about air pollution with the goal of getting children and youth involved in making a change and seeing the impact of their voices and efforts. We all have a role to play.

  • Other communities have made positive changes and we can too. 

  • We are not helpless! Let’s encourage cooperation and empower young people to help work for change.

  • Click here to review Eve’s slides.