March Resource and Advocacy Newsletter

SBR Town Halls Are Underway

Thank you to our families and DSPs who attended the SBR Town Halls in January and February! Leadership was ecstatic to share our current trajectory, and we are looking forward to more conversations. A few topics discussed at our February DSP Town Hall included employee benefits, training updates, planning for more group outings and upcoming activities, the 7/8th Rule, Competitive Integrated Employment, advocacy opportunities and resources, and the announcement of our new EHR system.

SBR Town Halls will continue to be held on the third Tuesday of each month, rotating between our Family Town Halls and DSP Town Halls. Please join us for our Family Town Hall on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 1:00 PM-2:00 PM or 6:00 PM-7:00 PM. You can register below for either session.

Get to know the CEO: Jennifer Davis Fenton
An interview with Jen and Paula

Now that Jen has had a chance to get comfortable with her role as CEO here at Supportive Behavioral Resources, we thought it was a good time for all of the SBR “Family and Friends” to really get to know her too. I recently had the opportunity to sit down and ask Jen a few questions.

Paula: How long have you been in the field?

Jen: “I like to say I’ve been in this field my entire life. It started when I was three years old attending Easter Seals, working on a speech impediment. Because my first friends all had disabilities, I grew up seeing inclusion as the norm, not the exception. That perspective led me to spend my youth looking for ways to support my classmates, leading me to volunteer in special education classrooms in high school. I eventually turned that lifelong calling into a profession, earning my Master’s in Human Services Administration from Villanova. For me, this work isn’t just a career—it’s been my life’s focus.”

Paula: What is your favorite thing about SBR?

Jen: What I value most is the genuine family-like culture here at SBR. It’s rare to find a workplace where that sense of ‘helping one another’ is more than just a “buzzword”—it’s how we actually operate. Knowing that I have a supportive team behind me makes a massive difference, especially in the challenging, important work we do. It’s a culture that keeps me energized and truly empowered to do my best for those we serve.”

Paula: What are your top priorities in the next year here at SBR?

Jen: “My goal this year is to make our services more accessible to the local community. I see a real need to help families cut through the ‘red tape’ of rules and regulations. I want to prioritize creating resources that guide our families through these processes so they can spend less time trying to navigate the systems and more time focusing on the quality of support and growth for their loved ones.”

Paula: What do you feel will be the biggest challenge you will face in your first year as CEO?

“Securing a living wage for our DSPs is my primary challenge and my most important advocacy goal. Despite the constraints of state and federal funding, I believe we must shift the narrative. My focus this year is to make it clear to legislators that investing in our workforce is the only way to ensure the long-term sustainability of our services.”

Paula: What is your Favorite Hobby?

Jen: “I love to stay busy! I’m very into pickleball right now—it’s a great way to stay active. On the quieter side, I’m a crafter at heart; I love to crochet and quilt. It’s a wonderful creative outlet, and honestly, there is nothing I enjoy more than putting time into a handmade gift for someone I care about.”

Paula: Thank you so much Jen for taking the time to sit down with me. Before we end, can you tell us something you want us to know about you?

Jen: “I’m navigating a lot of excitement this year! Along with taking on the responsibility of CEO at SBR, I’m looking forward to a huge personal milestone in July: I’ll be welcoming my first grandbaby and officially stepping into my new role as ‘Gigi.'”

Dellisa and Terkessa: A Lasting Partnership

Dellisa and Terkessa’s strong connection began over 13 years ago when Terkessa served as Dellisa’s job coach at a different agency. When Terkessa moved on, Dellisa insisted on following her, determined to maintain the comfort and consistent support she received from their working relationship.

Today, Dellisa is employed at Chimes, working out of the Oxford Naval Defense Yard. This position has been instrumental in helping Dellisa cultivate valuable professional skills, including responsibility, navigating co-worker relationships, and successfully managing the occasional shift in routine. Her colleagues treat her with kindness and respect, understanding that Dellisa is fully committed to the task at hand and thrives when she is allowed to work at her own pace.

Outside of work, Dellisa and Terkessa often spend time together in the community. Dellisa loves her free time, which she dedicates to activities like playing tennis and basketball, catching a movie, shopping, and visiting her favorite local spot—the bustling buffet on Roosevelt Blvd.

When asked what her life would be like without the assistance of her waiver services, Dellisa’s response was heartfelt: “It would be a bad thing. I wouldn’t have any support at work, for medical appointments, or while I am out in the community. Most importantly, I would lose Terkessa, who is always helpful.”

SBR Call For Artists

SBR is celebrating Philadelphia by holding an All Abilities Art Show on May 8th from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM at Father Judge High School. We will be featuring Artists showcasing what Philadelphia means to them. All artistic mediums are welcome. Please limit canvas size to 11×14. Group projects are encouraged, and if you are experiencing a creative slump, some ideas include: a liberty bell design, framed photos of your favorite spots in Philadelphia, diamond dot crafts, soft pretzel sculpture, etc. If you need help or need inspiration for ideas, contact Beth O’Connell at: beth@supportivebehavior.com. Already know what you want to submit?

Register here.

Our Hearts Were Full This Valentine’s Day

SBR individuals and employees came together to celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 11, 2026. Direct Support Professionals attended a Growth Mindset workshop and were tasked with decorating a succulent planter with positive affirmations and other designs that make them happy.

Individuals, with the assistance of office staff volunteers, created a heart-shaped decoration with puzzle pieces. The only thing missing was snacks! We heard you and will make sure to have ample snacks and drinks at our next event.

SBR to Host Irish Karaoke on March 12, 2026

SBR will host Irish Karaoke on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 1:00 PM-2:00 PM, at the SBR Office. Come out and sing your favorite Irish-themed tune to get ready for St. Paddy’s Day. You can register to attend through the announcement on BambooHR, or by clicking here.

Need help finding Irish Music? Check out Irish Music Playlists on YouTube.

Move Your Way!

Join Chris W. and Elsie E. for Chair Yoga at the SBR office on Mondays at 12:00 PM. Can’t make it at that time? No Worries! Chris and Elsie are working to provide virtual sessions that you can watch on the go or from the comfort of your own home. We will let you know as soon as the recordings are available. Please note that the day and time may change in the future.

March Birthdays

We wish the happiest of Birthdays to Michael Agnew, Kurt Geiger, Samantha Thompson, Anna Jacoby, Sean Pastor, Jasmine Smith, Dianna Whitaker, Brian Franklin, Maureen Shimp, Cynthia Roberts, Myiesha Roane, Theresa Peak, Jaime McNatt, Terri DeSpirito, Jamal Atif, Virginia, Ortiz Acosta, Aleeya McDaniel, Kaitlyn Sellers, Alyssa Valladares, Taleesha Stafford-Armstead and Benjamin Avery Jr!

March Employee Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following employees on their work anniversaries:

Melissa Williams — 10 Years

Myiesha Roane — 1 Year

Jonathan Vanaman — 1 Year

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

World Down Syndrome Day

Mark your calendars and help stand together against loneliness by wearing fun and crazy socks on Saturday, March 21.

March is International Women’s Month

Happy International Women’s Month! SBR employees can visit our EAP website starting on March 8 to access a podcast focusing on International Women’s Day, which is also on March 8. The podcast will include a powerful conversation inspired by the 2026 global theme, “Give to Gain.”

Visit BambooHR for a link to our EAP to access the podcast recording.

Help-U-Bridge Adaptive Bowling Location Changing

Many of the individuals we support participate in Adaptive Bowling at Our Town Bowling Alley in East Norriton, PA. Unfortunately, they have instituted a new rule banning bumpers for individuals over the age of 9 years. Management cited the high cost of repairing the bumpers when they break, which in turn results in the elimination of the adaptive bowling groups.

We encourage everyone to email the general manager, Anthony, at anthonyt@ourtownalley.com and let him know how this is impacting your bowling experience.

Help-U-Bridge has secured two new alleys to continue the program. Please see the attached flyer and registration information:

PECO Relief Fund Re-Opens March 2, 2026

PECO, in collaboration with United Way of Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey, will be adding 2.5 million dollars to the Peco Relief Fund. Along with this funding boost, new eligibility requirements will allow for more individuals and families to qualify for the grant. These qualifications include:

NEW: Customers in arrears, with a household income that falls between 0 and 150% of the Federal Poverty Level, which would enable a family of four making $48,228 or less per year to qualify, based on current federal guidelines.
EXISTING: Customers in arrears, with a household income that falls between 151 and 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, which would enable a family of four making between $48,229 and $96,456 per year to qualify, based on current federal guidelines. You can find more information here.

You Still Have Time to Apply for LIHEAP

Are you behind on your electric or heating bills this winter? LIHEAP applications are open until April 10, 2026. Grants are available for $200-$1,000.00, depending on income and family size. You do not need to be behind on your utility bills to qualify. You can apply through your County Assistance Office or apply here.

It’s Tax Time-File Your Taxes for Free!

If you make under $89,000.00 a year, you can prepare and file your taxes online for FREE. If you make under $69,000.00 a year, you can have your taxes professionally prepared and filed for you free of charge. This program, sponsored by the City of Philadelphia and the United Way, is available now. For more information or to initiate your return, please visit here.

PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is Now Open

Older adults and individuals aged 18 and older with disabilities may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 as a tax rebate. To qualify, you must earn $48,110.00 or less per year. If you make $32,070 or less and live in Philadelphia, you may also qualify for an additional supplement payment in addition to the $1,000.00 rebate. For more information, visit here.