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Mailing Address: Government Center
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063-2708
COMMUNITY ACT ION AGE NCY OF
D ELAWARE COUNT Y, INC.
Non Prof Org
U.S. Postage
Paid
Permit No. 256
Media, PA
A PRIVATE NON-PROFIT CORPORATION
SINCE 1979
Funded in part by
Delaware County Council and
PA Department of Community &
Economic Development
SAVE THE PLANET! Get your newsletter by email. Just send a
note to us at [email protected].
Phone: 610.891.5101
Fax: 610.565.9332
E-mail: [email protected]
Newsletter Designer: Debbie Brodeur
Contributing Writers:
Daniel Nesbitt and Jennifer McClellan
Comments? Questions? 610.891.5101
Service Profile
Jan. 1 - March 31, 2015
Program Number Served
Total Units of Service 30,854
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
CAADC has partnered with Rose Valley Chorus
and Orchestra (RVCO) to help raise funds for its homeless shelters. Rose Valley Chorus and
Orchestra will be performing Nunsense II: The Second Coming on June 19th (8:00 p.m.) and June
20th (2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.) with a portion of the ticket sales and sponsorships supporting the
Save Our Shelters (S.O.S.) program. The S.O.S. Campaign supports the operation of our emergen-
cy shelters in Delaware County including the Fami-
ly Management Center, Life Center of Eastern Delaware County and the Wesley House Shelter.
The RVCO has been performing since 1907. Today it draws its membership
from the entire Delaware Valley, a result of its reputation for presenting profes-
sional-quality theatrical productions. The voices of the principals and chorus, with the musicianship of the full 35-piece orchestra, rank among the best of the area's many community musical theater groups.
To purchase tickets or be a sponsor, please go to their website at www.RVCO.org.
The performances will be at Stage One, Performing Arts Center, 101 Plush Mill Road, Wallingford, PA 19086. If you are unable to attend but would like to donate
to the S.O.S. Campaign, please Click on the “DONATE” button on the Main Page of our website www.caadc.org or make checks payable to Community Action Agency
of Delaware County, Inc. and mail to Save Our Shelters Campaign, c/o CAADC, Government Center, 201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063.
Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra Performances to Benefit CAADC
Utility Assistance Programs 39
Weatherization 257
Rental Assistance 20
Transitional Housing 51
Temporary Emergency Shelter 7
Emergency Shelter 140
Permanent Rental Housing 248
Life Center Meal Program 17,873
Workforce Development 194
Building Trades Training Program 12
Child Care Program 57
After School Program 27
Youth Launch Program 7
Recreational Therapy Assess. 32
Play Group Participants 78
Transportation 25
Counseling 1,029
Information & Referral 9,619
Donations Warehouse 16
Food Stamp Participation 144
Individual Development Accounts 18
Financial Education Participants 85
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance 836
Veterans Program 40
Co
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un
ity
Ac
tio
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EW
S
CO
MM
UN
IT
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AC
TI
ON
A
GE
NC
Y
OF
D
EL
AW
AR
E
CO
UN
TY
,
IN
C.
Volume 36, Issue 2
Spring 2015
Pa
tric
k G
. T
om
lin
son
, P
resi
den
t
—
E
dw
ard
T. C
ole
ma
n, C
hie
f E
xec
uti
ve O
ffic
er
CAADC Selected as Top Workplace 2015
Inside this issue:
Geothermal Installed at CAADC Office 2
National Community Action Month 2
Walk+Run Against Hunger 2
VITA Completes 1,000+ Returns 3
Recent Development Activity 3
Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra Benefits CAADC 4
Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. was selected as one
of “The Top 100 Workplaces 2015” for the Philadelphia Region. This is
the sixth year in a row that CAADC has appeared on the list. CAADC is
one of only 18 local companies to appear on the list all six years since this
list was established.
CAADC was chosen by Philly.com based on their survey of current em-
ployees. The goal was to uncover the best employers in the Philadelphia
region from the workers’ point of view. Employees completed an anony-
mous survey rating their bosses and the company overall. Only 100 local
businesses were selected for this impressive list that covered public, private
and non-profit employers with headquarters or major operations in the region.
CAADC was selected as a winner in the Small Companies category and was recognized in a special
section on Philly.com. Mr. Coleman, CEO of CAADC, stated “This award was especially gratifying to
receive again since it was awarded based on survey results from our employees. As a non-profit with
limited resources, we continuously try to find ways to make the Agency a rewarding place to work. It is
great to see our employees acknowledge our efforts.” The full posting can be found at:
www.philly.com/philly/business/workplaces.
How You Can Help
Please consider supporting CAADC by making a
contribution through the United Way. Simply desig-nate CAADC and include our number (#06194) on
your United Way Donor Choice form.
United Way of Greater Philadel-
phia and Southern New Jersey
United Way of Delaware County
On behalf of those we serve, thank
you for your support.
Top Shelter Chef Contest Raises Over $15,000 for Shelters
The 4th Annual Top Shelter Chef Contest raised over $15,000 for Community Action Agency home-
less shelters as part of our Save Our Shelters (S.O.S. Campaign). Over 250 people attended this
unique and fun event on April 25th at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby. Five
groups from the community that serve dinners to homeless individuals at the Life Center Feeding
Program provided samples to all attendees and vied to be named the Top Shelter Chef 2015. The
event was hosted by Upper Darby Superintendent of Police Mike Chitwood and Stephanie Abbott
(one of the volunteer organizers of the event).
The shelters include the Wesley House, Family Management Center and the Life Center of Eastern
Delaware County. The five contestants were Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Lima United Method-
ist Church, Messiah Lutheran Church, St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church and Temple Lutheran
Church. In a very close vote by the attendees, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was declared the winner.
Awards were also given to key volunteers that help to organize this event and support the Save Our
Shelters efforts as well as the Life Center Feeding Program. Awards were given to Ann Shiffer,
Saadat Abdullah, and George and Tina Agatsiotis. CAADC also honored long-time volunteer Joe
Deal who recently passed away in an airplane accident.
If you would like to support the homeless families and individuals in Delaware County, please make
checks payable to Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. and mail to Save Our Shel-
ters (S.O.S.) Campaign, c/o CAADC, Government Center, 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063.
You may also go on the CAADC website at www.caadc.org and click on the Donate button.
Page 2 COMM U NI TY A CTI ON NEWS
On Saturday, April 12th, thousands of dedi-cated individuals came out to the Stroeh-
mann Bakeries Walk+Run Against Hunger, raising funds for more than 100 food pan-
tries, soup kitchens and hunger-relief agen-cies. CAADC staff walked to raise funds to support our food programs. Pictured are
Tish McMillan and her daughter Kalaia McMillan, Shania Biles and her daughters
Jordyn and Jada Bard, Shatera Miller, Kimberly Cohen, Eric Andrisick and
Sheiletta Corporal.
Wesley House Shelter held their 2nd Annual Easter Event on Saturday April 4th hosted by the Sisterhood for Wom-en in Motion. Piseitta Arrington provid-ed an Easter egg hunt, Easter bunny, baskets with goodies, hot dogs and
juice for the children.
Mike Love, Board Member from Little Smiles, donates soda and 15 pizzas to
Wesley House Shelter every month.
Nicoll Jimerson presented It’s a Couponing Thing at the Wesley House. Clients learned how to utilize coupons the right way and get name brand items at a lower cost, sometimes for
free.
May is National
Community Action
Month. CAADC is
one of over 1,000
Community Action
Agencies across the
country that are
helping low-income
people change their
lives and embody
the spirit of hope.
Agencies in almost
every community in America are carrying
out the Promise of Community Action to
Help People and Change Lives.
Locally, CAADC is promoting Community
Action Month and the help that we provide
to needy residents of Delaware County
through a variety of services. During the
month of May, to help increase public
awareness of CAADC and our programs, 30
flags will be displayed along State Street in
Media.
Twenty children and teens from our Wes-ley House shelter enjoyed a Philadelphia
76ers game, courtesy of a wonderful donation of tickets from Little Smiles.
Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc.
(CAADC) is in the process of renovating a 36,000-square-
foot former elementary school to become the new headquar-
ters for the Agency on Meetinghouse Road in Boothwyn.
This project is using today’s technologies to build a more
sustainable energy infrastructure for the building.
CAADC recognized that over 70% of the energy use in the
building would be for space conditioning (heating and
cooling) and water heating. John P. DiEnna, Jr., the Secre-
tary/Treasurer of the Agency’s Board of Directors, is the
Executive Director of the Geothermal National & Interna-
tional Initiative. He suggested that CAADC consider us-
ing geothermal heat pumps in the building.
Geothermal heat pump systems use the earth’s thermal properties, in conjunction with
electricity, to provide space conditioning and water heating to facilities. The U.S. Envi-
ronmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that this technology reduces greenhouse
gas emissions by up to 40% over conventional HVAC systems.
CAADC decided to move forward with this project and currently twenty 465-foot-deep
boreholes are being drilled in the parking lot. These boreholes will allow the building
to use the “energy” in the ground to heat and cool the building and also to assist in the
production of hot water for the building occupants. The boreholes consist of high den-
sity polyethylene pipe, which is guaranteed for 50 years by the manufacturer, which
when filled with water carry the energy from the ground to the building and back. This
will reduce the building’s energy bills by up to 40%. This technology, combined with
other energy efficient systems, will not only maintain comfort but will reduce the Agen-
cy’s utility bills for years to come.
Geothermal Heat Pump Technology in the New CAADC Office Building
National Community Action Month
Page 3
Delaware County Construction Company
A Full-Service Commercial/Residential Construction Company
Commercial Retail Offices Automotive Institutional Excavation Paving Maintenance Contracts
Residential
Kitchens Roofing Bathrooms Siding Basements Masonry Additions
ADA Ramps/Modifications
Affordable Efficient Reliable Call us today for your FREE estimate
(610) 891-5171
Fully Insured Licensed References
An Economic Development venture of
CAADC. All proceeds benefit our
non-profit activities.
Lead-Based Paint Remediation License #C00414
PA Contractor Registration #009320
CAADC Board of Directors Patrick G. Tomlinson, President
Dr. Edward L. Collymore, Vice President
John P. DiEnna, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer
Gary A. Baker
Paul J. Durkin
Albert J. Melfi, Jr.
Joseph F. Murphy
Dr. Jerome S. Parker
Joan Perry
Diane Simon
Robert J. Tyler
Nolan Woodland
Delaware County Council:
Mario J. Civera, Jr., Chairman
Colleen P. Morrone, Vice Chairman
Councilman Michael F. Culp
Councilman John P. McBlain
Councilman David J. White
CAADC has been fortunate to receive the following private contributions from the com-
munity during the last quarter: CAADC received $500 from Santander Bank/Santander
Bank Foundation to suppor t the homeless at the Life Center . Elam United Meth-
odist Church contr ibuted $2,607 for the Save Our Shelters Campaign including the
Life Center. The Genuardi Family Foundation provided a grant of $5,000 for our Case
Management Program. Whole Foods Market supported the Life Center with a donation
of $1,154. The Kabletown Flying Club donated $550 and Comcast donated $500 to
support the Save Our Shelters Campaign/Top Shelter Chef Contest. Please remember
CAADC when completing your United Way Campaigns. CAADC can be supported by
designating Agency Code #06194 on the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and South-
ern New Jersey forms.
Recent Development Activity
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Completes Over 1,000 Returns
This year CAADC’s VITA program was a
huge success once again. The VITA pro-
gram aims to serve families who qualify
for the Earned Income Tax Credit and the
Child Tax Credit with free income tax
preparation services. This year, CAADC
hosted five VITA sites which were staffed
with IRS-trained and -certified volunteers.
1,034 Federal Tax Returns
982 State Tax Returns
27 Taxpayers qualified for
Education Credits for a total of
$20,266
320 Taxpayers qualified for the
Earned Income Tax Credit for a
total of $517,656
21 ITIN (Individual Taxpayer
Identification Number)
applications completed allowing undocumented workers to file a
tax return
Over $154,500 saved in tax
preparation fees (an average of
$150 per return)
160 Taxpayers qualified for the
Child Tax Credit for a total of
$199,107
$1,365,471 in Federal & State Refunds & Rebates
The Boeing Company recently donated a full van load of baby supplies including diapers, formula, wipes etc. to Community Action Agency. Management and employ-ees collected these items as part of 22 separate events in April as part of their Month of Service. The supplies will go to families residing at our emergency shelter facilities. With the shelters operating at a budget deficit, donations of supplies help the facilities to reduce spending. Pictured is Gary Baker, Director of Operations at Boeing and also a CAADC Board Member, presenting the items to CAADC employee Melvin Dennis.
Page 2 COMM U NI TY A CTI ON NEWS
On Saturday, April 12th, thousands of dedi-cated individuals came out to the Stroeh-
mann Bakeries Walk+Run Against Hunger, raising funds for more than 100 food pan-
tries, soup kitchens and hunger-relief agen-cies. CAADC staff walked to raise funds to support our food programs. Pictured are
Tish McMillan and her daughter Kalaia McMillan, Shania Biles and her daughters
Jordyn and Jada Bard, Shatera Miller, Kimberly Cohen, Eric Andrisick and
Sheiletta Corporal.
Wesley House Shelter held their 2nd Annual Easter Event on Saturday April 4th hosted by the Sisterhood for Wom-en in Motion. Piseitta Arrington provid-ed an Easter egg hunt, Easter bunny, baskets with goodies, hot dogs and
juice for the children.
Mike Love, Board Member from Little Smiles, donates soda and 15 pizzas to
Wesley House Shelter every month.
Nicoll Jimerson presented It’s a Couponing Thing at the Wesley House. Clients learned how to utilize coupons the right way and get name brand items at a lower cost, sometimes for
free.
May is National
Community Action
Month. CAADC is
one of over 1,000
Community Action
Agencies across the
country that are
helping low-income
people change their
lives and embody
the spirit of hope.
Agencies in almost
every community in America are carrying
out the Promise of Community Action to
Help People and Change Lives.
Locally, CAADC is promoting Community
Action Month and the help that we provide
to needy residents of Delaware County
through a variety of services. During the
month of May, to help increase public
awareness of CAADC and our programs, 30
flags will be displayed along State Street in
Media.
Twenty children and teens from our Wes-ley House shelter enjoyed a Philadelphia
76ers game, courtesy of a wonderful donation of tickets from Little Smiles.
Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc.
(CAADC) is in the process of renovating a 36,000-square-
foot former elementary school to become the new headquar-
ters for the Agency on Meetinghouse Road in Boothwyn.
This project is using today’s technologies to build a more
sustainable energy infrastructure for the building.
CAADC recognized that over 70% of the energy use in the
building would be for space conditioning (heating and
cooling) and water heating. John P. DiEnna, Jr., the Secre-
tary/Treasurer of the Agency’s Board of Directors, is the
Executive Director of the Geothermal National & Interna-
tional Initiative. He suggested that CAADC consider us-
ing geothermal heat pumps in the building.
Geothermal heat pump systems use the earth’s thermal properties, in conjunction with
electricity, to provide space conditioning and water heating to facilities. The U.S. Envi-
ronmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that this technology reduces greenhouse
gas emissions by up to 40% over conventional HVAC systems.
CAADC decided to move forward with this project and currently twenty 465-foot-deep
boreholes are being drilled in the parking lot. These boreholes will allow the building
to use the “energy” in the ground to heat and cool the building and also to assist in the
production of hot water for the building occupants. The boreholes consist of high den-
sity polyethylene pipe, which is guaranteed for 50 years by the manufacturer, which
when filled with water carry the energy from the ground to the building and back. This
will reduce the building’s energy bills by up to 40%. This technology, combined with
other energy efficient systems, will not only maintain comfort but will reduce the Agen-
cy’s utility bills for years to come.
Geothermal Heat Pump Technology in the New CAADC Office Building
National Community Action Month
Page 3
Delaware County Construction Company
A Full-Service Commercial/Residential Construction Company
Commercial Retail Offices Automotive Institutional Excavation Paving Maintenance Contracts
Residential
Kitchens Roofing Bathrooms Siding Basements Masonry Additions
ADA Ramps/Modifications
Affordable Efficient Reliable Call us today for your FREE estimate
(610) 891-5171
Fully Insured Licensed References
An Economic Development venture of
CAADC. All proceeds benefit our
non-profit activities.
Lead-Based Paint Remediation License #C00414
PA Contractor Registration #009320
CAADC Board of Directors Patrick G. Tomlinson, President
Dr. Edward L. Collymore, Vice President
John P. DiEnna, Jr., Secretary/Treasurer
Gary A. Baker
Paul J. Durkin
Albert J. Melfi, Jr.
Joseph F. Murphy
Dr. Jerome S. Parker
Joan Perry
Diane Simon
Robert J. Tyler
Nolan Woodland
Delaware County Council:
Mario J. Civera, Jr., Chairman
Colleen P. Morrone, Vice Chairman
Councilman Michael F. Culp
Councilman John P. McBlain
Councilman David J. White
CAADC has been fortunate to receive the following private contributions from the com-
munity during the last quarter: CAADC received $500 from Santander Bank/Santander
Bank Foundation to suppor t the homeless at the Life Center . Elam United Meth-
odist Church contr ibuted $2,607 for the Save Our Shelters Campaign including the
Life Center. The Genuardi Family Foundation provided a grant of $5,000 for our Case
Management Program. Whole Foods Market supported the Life Center with a donation
of $1,154. The Kabletown Flying Club donated $550 and Comcast donated $500 to
support the Save Our Shelters Campaign/Top Shelter Chef Contest. Please remember
CAADC when completing your United Way Campaigns. CAADC can be supported by
designating Agency Code #06194 on the United Way of Greater Philadelphia and South-
ern New Jersey forms.
Recent Development Activity
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Completes Over 1,000 Returns
This year CAADC’s VITA program was a
huge success once again. The VITA pro-
gram aims to serve families who qualify
for the Earned Income Tax Credit and the
Child Tax Credit with free income tax
preparation services. This year, CAADC
hosted five VITA sites which were staffed
with IRS-trained and -certified volunteers.
1,034 Federal Tax Returns
982 State Tax Returns
27 Taxpayers qualified for
Education Credits for a total of
$20,266
320 Taxpayers qualified for the
Earned Income Tax Credit for a
total of $517,656
21 ITIN (Individual Taxpayer
Identification Number)
applications completed allowing undocumented workers to file a
tax return
Over $154,500 saved in tax
preparation fees (an average of
$150 per return)
160 Taxpayers qualified for the
Child Tax Credit for a total of
$199,107
$1,365,471 in Federal & State Refunds & Rebates
The Boeing Company recently donated a full van load of baby supplies including diapers, formula, wipes etc. to Community Action Agency. Management and employ-ees collected these items as part of 22 separate events in April as part of their Month of Service. The supplies will go to families residing at our emergency shelter facilities. With the shelters operating at a budget deficit, donations of supplies help the facilities to reduce spending. Pictured is Gary Baker, Director of Operations at Boeing and also a CAADC Board Member, presenting the items to CAADC employee Melvin Dennis.
Mailing Address: Government Center
201 W. Front Street
Media, PA 19063-2708
COMMUNITY ACT ION AGE NCY OF
D ELAWARE COUNT Y, INC.
Non Prof Org
U.S. Postage
Paid
Permit No. 256
Media, PA
A PRIVATE NON-PROFIT CORPORATION
SINCE 1979
Funded in part by
Delaware County Council and
PA Department of Community &
Economic Development
SAVE THE PLANET! Get your newsletter by email. Just send a
note to us at [email protected].
Phone: 610.891.5101
Fax: 610.565.9332
E-mail: [email protected]
Newsletter Designer: Debbie Brodeur
Contributing Writers:
Daniel Nesbitt and Jennifer McClellan
Comments? Questions? 610.891.5101
Service Profile
Jan. 1 - March 31, 2015
Program Number Served
Total Units of Service 30,854
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
CAADC has partnered with Rose Valley Chorus
and Orchestra (RVCO) to help raise funds for its homeless shelters. Rose Valley Chorus and
Orchestra will be performing Nunsense II: The Second Coming on June 19th (8:00 p.m.) and June
20th (2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.) with a portion of the ticket sales and sponsorships supporting the
Save Our Shelters (S.O.S.) program. The S.O.S. Campaign supports the operation of our emergen-
cy shelters in Delaware County including the Fami-
ly Management Center, Life Center of Eastern Delaware County and the Wesley House Shelter.
The RVCO has been performing since 1907. Today it draws its membership
from the entire Delaware Valley, a result of its reputation for presenting profes-
sional-quality theatrical productions. The voices of the principals and chorus, with the musicianship of the full 35-piece orchestra, rank among the best of the area's many community musical theater groups.
To purchase tickets or be a sponsor, please go to their website at www.RVCO.org.
The performances will be at Stage One, Performing Arts Center, 101 Plush Mill Road, Wallingford, PA 19086. If you are unable to attend but would like to donate
to the S.O.S. Campaign, please Click on the “DONATE” button on the Main Page of our website www.caadc.org or make checks payable to Community Action Agency
of Delaware County, Inc. and mail to Save Our Shelters Campaign, c/o CAADC, Government Center, 201 West Front Street, Media, PA 19063.
Rose Valley Chorus and Orchestra Performances to Benefit CAADC
Utility Assistance Programs 39
Weatherization 257
Rental Assistance 20
Transitional Housing 51
Temporary Emergency Shelter 7
Emergency Shelter 140
Permanent Rental Housing 248
Life Center Meal Program 17,873
Workforce Development 194
Building Trades Training Program 12
Child Care Program 57
After School Program 27
Youth Launch Program 7
Recreational Therapy Assess. 32
Play Group Participants 78
Transportation 25
Counseling 1,029
Information & Referral 9,619
Donations Warehouse 16
Food Stamp Participation 144
Individual Development Accounts 18
Financial Education Participants 85
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance 836
Veterans Program 40
Co
mm
un
ity
Ac
tio
n N
EW
S
CO
MM
UN
IT
Y
AC
TI
ON
A
GE
NC
Y
OF
D
EL
AW
AR
E
CO
UN
TY
,
IN
C.
Volume 36, Issue 2
Spring 2015
Pa
tric
k G
. T
om
lin
son
, P
resi
den
t
—
E
dw
ard
T. C
ole
ma
n, C
hie
f E
xec
uti
ve O
ffic
er
CAADC Selected as Top Workplace 2015
Inside this issue:
Geothermal Installed at CAADC Office 2
National Community Action Month 2
Walk+Run Against Hunger 2
VITA Completes 1,000+ Returns 3
Recent Development Activity 3
Rose Valley Chorus & Orchestra Benefits CAADC 4
Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. was selected as one
of “The Top 100 Workplaces 2015” for the Philadelphia Region. This is
the sixth year in a row that CAADC has appeared on the list. CAADC is
one of only 18 local companies to appear on the list all six years since this
list was established.
CAADC was chosen by Philly.com based on their survey of current em-
ployees. The goal was to uncover the best employers in the Philadelphia
region from the workers’ point of view. Employees completed an anony-
mous survey rating their bosses and the company overall. Only 100 local
businesses were selected for this impressive list that covered public, private
and non-profit employers with headquarters or major operations in the region.
CAADC was selected as a winner in the Small Companies category and was recognized in a special
section on Philly.com. Mr. Coleman, CEO of CAADC, stated “This award was especially gratifying to
receive again since it was awarded based on survey results from our employees. As a non-profit with
limited resources, we continuously try to find ways to make the Agency a rewarding place to work. It is
great to see our employees acknowledge our efforts.” The full posting can be found at:
www.philly.com/philly/business/workplaces.
How You Can Help
Please consider supporting CAADC by making a
contribution through the United Way. Simply desig-nate CAADC and include our number (#06194) on
your United Way Donor Choice form.
United Way of Greater Philadel-
phia and Southern New Jersey
United Way of Delaware County
On behalf of those we serve, thank
you for your support.
Top Shelter Chef Contest Raises Over $15,000 for Shelters
The 4th Annual Top Shelter Chef Contest raised over $15,000 for Community Action Agency home-
less shelters as part of our Save Our Shelters (S.O.S. Campaign). Over 250 people attended this
unique and fun event on April 25th at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby. Five
groups from the community that serve dinners to homeless individuals at the Life Center Feeding
Program provided samples to all attendees and vied to be named the Top Shelter Chef 2015. The
event was hosted by Upper Darby Superintendent of Police Mike Chitwood and Stephanie Abbott
(one of the volunteer organizers of the event).
The shelters include the Wesley House, Family Management Center and the Life Center of Eastern
Delaware County. The five contestants were Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Lima United Method-
ist Church, Messiah Lutheran Church, St. Anastasia Roman Catholic Church and Temple Lutheran
Church. In a very close vote by the attendees, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was declared the winner.
Awards were also given to key volunteers that help to organize this event and support the Save Our
Shelters efforts as well as the Life Center Feeding Program. Awards were given to Ann Shiffer,
Saadat Abdullah, and George and Tina Agatsiotis. CAADC also honored long-time volunteer Joe
Deal who recently passed away in an airplane accident.
If you would like to support the homeless families and individuals in Delaware County, please make
checks payable to Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. and mail to Save Our Shel-
ters (S.O.S.) Campaign, c/o CAADC, Government Center, 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063.
You may also go on the CAADC website at www.caadc.org and click on the Donate button.
