August Resource and Advocacy Newsletter

How’s Your Summer Going?

Did you take a trip, enjoy the outdoors, or try something new? SBR wants to know! Send us your summer pics. We love sharing in the experience and your pictures serve as an important reminder of the importance of an everyday life!

Email your pictures to Beth@supportivebehavior.com. As a reminder, if you send pictures in they may be used in social media and advocacy efforts.

SNAP Text Reminders

Beginning in July, SNAP will begin texting recipients about semi-annual reporting and employment reporting requirements. These messages will only be sent to SNAP recipients and will come from PA DHS or the number 69217.

You can find more information about the new pilot program and reporting requirements here.

Don’t Miss August’s Town Hall

Join us for the upcoming SBR Town Hall on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, offered at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. This virtual meeting will cover internal updates, upcoming events, and other important information for DSPs!

Registered attendees will receive the meeting link via email on the Monday before the event. We hope you’ll join us!

PA Passes State Budget

Governor Shapiro signed the newly appointed state budget on July 12, 2026. Budget increases were minimal across the board, however the Department of Human Services did receive an additional 76 million dollars to increase community waivers in an effort to reduce the waiting list.

You can read more about the Governor’s budget here.

Property Tax and Rent Rebate Applications are Now Open

Property Tax and Rent Rebate Applications are now open. The deadline changed this year and applications are due by December 31, 2026. This program benefits Pennsylvanians aged 65 and over, widows and widowers aged 50 and older, and people with disabilities 18 and older. To learn more about this program, required income limits, or to apply, please click here.

Disability Rights PA Summer Intake Hours

Have a concern or need more information about Disability Rights? Disability Rights PA is the first step to take when you have a rights concern. You can reach the intake line by calling 1-800-692-7443 or filling out the online form here.

Their summer intake hours are now: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM and on Fridays from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM.

Tell Congress to Protect Medicaid from Future Cuts

We are already seeing the effects of the Medicaid cuts in Pennsylvania. Any further cuts would devastate an already struggling care system. Act now by contacting your congressional legislators here.

Regal Dollar Days

Going to the movies is a great way to beat the summer heat! Regal Movie Theaters are hosting dollar movie days. The schedule for Regal Grant Ave. is on the SBR calendar. More information on your nearest theater, and show times, can be found here.

AT&T and The Arc are Teaming Up for Digital Literacy Training

Technology plays an important role in daily life. Local news, employment opportunities, medical records, benefits applications, etc, are all now online. AT&T and The Arc are teaming up to bring digital literacy courses to individuals with disabilities and their families. Take advantage of this awesome opportunity and become more tech savvy.

A list of courses can be found here.

Registration is open for Empathy Tech and the Cities of Inclusion Disability Summit

Join us on October 7 and 8, 2026 for two days of exciting exhibits and cohorts at the convention center. Registration is required and a two day ticket is $20.00, however there is an early bird registration fee with a discount. Register here.

Looking to get Rid of Anything with a Plug?

You can recycle your old appliances (under 50lbs) on August 20, 2026 at Orleans Technical College free of charge. Registration for drop off is required and can be found here.

August Birthdays

We wish the happiest of Birthdays to:

Albert Falcone, Barbara Ward, Brittany Manning, Dawn Fiet, Dionne Bates, Donna Byrd, Florence Snyder, Geraldine Connolly, Jenilyn Lysius, Joseph Mistretta, Keisha Hart, Linda Tieri, Makiya Johnson, Mary A. White, Mary Radcliffe, Mary White, Mymose Manasse, Robert Trofa II, Rodney McGill, Samirah Anderson, Thomas Lindsey, Tyrone Chong and Susanne Zadroga

August Employee Anniversaries

Congratulations to the following employees on their work anniversaries:

Tyisha Davis — 15 Years

Bibi Fazela-Klalamodeen — 15 Years

Lanora Wells — 15 Years

Karen Hennessy-Craig — 5 Years

Kimberly Wallace — 5 Years

Anita Pagan — 1 Year

Brad Ostroff — 1 Year

Be Sure Before You Open the Door

There have been numerous reports throughout the city of individuals posing as utility workers to gain access to homes. This is a reminder to keep all doors/windows locked and never open the door for someone you do not know, especially if you are not expecting anyone. If someone is posing as a utility worker, call the utility company directly to confirm the visit. If they are not scheduled to be at your home, call 911 immediately.

For more tips visit here.