To help further The Arc of Chester County’s mission to advocate, educate and provide services to empower individuals with disabilities, State Sen. Carolyn Comitta secured new state grant funding for security upgrades at the organization’s West Chester facility.

“The services provided by The Arc of Chester County help ensure our neighbors with intellectual and developmental disabilities can lead their lives to their fullest potential,” said Comitta. “With this new funding, The Arc can continue to provide their services in a safe and welcoming space for individuals in the ID/A community and their families.”

These services are crucial, and The Arc is a vital partner in providing programming to empower and assist those with disabilities. For The Arc to fulfill this incredibly important mission, their facilities need to be secure,” said Comitta, “The mission of The Arc is one that must be protected and allowed to grow. This is why I fully support this funding to upgrade necessary security features at their facility.”

The $50,000 award from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, will provide for several crucial security enhancements at their facility. The security upgrades consist of new lighting, cameras, a door entry, fencing, and gating to keep the facilities and all those inside safe from harm. 

“The Arc of Chester County is incredibly grateful for the support of State Sen. Carolyn Comitta and her dedicated team, said Jeanne Meikrantz, CEO of The Arc. “It was her unwavering commitment to equity, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities and their families that enabled The Arc of Chester County to receive a generous Community and Economic Assistance Program Grant from the Commonwealth for important security upgrades to our facility. On behalf of those we are so privileged to serve, we applaud Senator Comitta and thank her for continuing to be a true champion and strong advocate for the disability community in our region.”

Throughout this year's budget negotiations, Comitta joined community members, caregivers, and advocates to support increased investments for those with intellectual disabilities and the direct support professionals who care for them, helping secure a 7 percent rate increase for home and community-based service providers.

The Arc of Chester County's serves over 3,000 individuals and families annually, providing a lifetime of programs and services for those with differing abilities, and advocating to ensure that individuals with disabilities are afforded their full rights and freedoms.