February Resource and Advocacy Newsletter

SBR Legislative Listening Session

On January 15, 2025, SBR hosted the Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability (PAR) Legislative Listening Session. We were joined by Pennsylvania Senator Joe Picozzi; Representatives Sean Dougherty and Anthony Bellmon; and staff from Senator Tartaglione’s office and Representative Ed Neilson’s office. During the session, SBR families, individuals and self-advocates, and representatives from George Washington High School and Philadelphia Academy Charter Schools shared their lived experiences navigating the waiver system and emphasized the importance of accessible services to support a high quality of everyday life for people with disabilities in their communities.

A recording of the Supportive Behavioral Resources: Legislative Listening Session (2026) is available here:

SBR Holds Town Hall

SBR held two Town Hall sessions on January 20, 2026. Leadership and staff were present to discuss the current state of the IDD/A system, the annual renewal of benefits through the County Assistance Office (CAO), SBR resources currently available, ongoing advocacy efforts, and upcoming events. The meetings were well attended, and we look forward to more meetings!

SBR will be hosting Town Halls on a monthly basis, happening on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Town Halls will alternate monthly between DSP Town Hall and Family Town Hall.

Our next Town Hall will be for our DSPs and is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, with an afternoon session from 1:00 pm–2:00 pm and an evening session from 6:00 pm–7:00 pm. Please visit BambooHR Announcements for details on how to register to attend.

Congratulations to Sean Pastor

SBR would like to congratulate the newly appointed Director of Family Services, Sean Pastor. Sean has been employed with SBR since 2012. He began his career as a DSP while completing his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology. Over the years, Sean has held the positions of Family Services Supervisor and Family Services Manager. He attributes his career success and longevity at SBR to the awesome individuals he has worked with throughout the years.

Sean also values the relationships he has developed with families and individuals, and he believes, “SBR has some of the best DSPs in the field. There have been instances where DSPs have worked with the same individuals for 5, 10, and 15 years or more. When I see that level of commitment, it inspires me to want to be the best I can be in my role.” Sean is also looking forward to continuing the growth of the Family Services Department and helping to position SBR for the future. “There are changes coming that will affect our system, but I look forward to the challenge of being able to set SBR up for continued success in the years to come.”

Outside of SBR, Sean is a married father of two children, ages four and two. Sean enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, and when he does have a spare moment of free time, he plays competitive darts, a hobby he has pursued for nearly 17 years. Congratulations again, Sean! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you and SBR.

Employee Highlight — Tiffany Siler

Each month, we will take a closer look at the important work of our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), highlighting their contributions and giving them the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences from the field. Through these interviews, we hope to convey the vital role DSPs play in the lives of the individuals they support and the impact they make every day.

This month, we interviewed Tiffany Siler, who will celebrate 13 years as a Direct Support Professional for her cousin, Keith, this February. She shares what inspires her work, the challenges she faces, and the moments that make her proud to serve in this role

What program or service do you receive or work for (Residential, CPS, employment, etc.), and how would you describe the program to someone you just met?
I work in Family Service. Working in family service is like spending time with and helping someone you care about with their everyday needs.
Provide a list of your daily responsibilities as a DSP. How many “hats” do you wear while providing services and supports?
I wear many hats. I am a cook, a shopper, a planner, and also his transportation driver.
As a DSP, what is something you have to do that might make people not want to become a DSP?
For me, I don’t see any reason not to be a DSP. I like to help people.
What is your proudest moment as a DSP?
My proudest moment as a DSP is when I pick Keith up from his day program and he tells me about his day before I even ask.
What is going well in their life?
Keith is healthy and happy going to his day program and spending time with family.
What is challenging in their life?
Some challenges in Keith’s life include money management, which we work on daily by helping him count his money before and after going to the store, as well as checking the prices of the items he is shopping for.
How difficult has it been for you and the individual to see staff turnover?
I have been working with Keith for almost 13 years, so we haven’t experienced staff turnover issues.
What keeps you up at night—what is your biggest fear?
My biggest fear is not being around and having someone take advantage of him in any way.
What would happen to the people you serve if the services weren’t there for them?
I believe that without DSPs, the people we serve would be taken advantage of, including their rights, finances, and physical well-being.
Why is dependable staffing and supports so important to this individual?
Dependable staffing and support are important because some individuals may only have a DSP to help them with everyday needs and to get out into the community to do activities they enjoy.

Congratulations to Jennifer Goldman on her Return to Work!

On January 4, 2026, Jen made her return to work at the Shop Rite on Levick Street after some time away. Jen has been employed with Shop Rite since 2006. Shop Rite management was very supportive of Jen and her need to take time away from work. Shop Rite is excited to have her back, and Jen is excited to be back and feels like she never left!

Jen initially wanted to work in the bakery, but has found success as a grocery bagger. Jen loves her job, especially bagging groceries, assisting with customer deliveries, and returning items to the shelves. Jen’s return to work has been successful, due to the support she is receiving from Chris and Jasmine through SBR’s Competitive Integrated Employment Program. Chris and Jasmine continue to support Jen in her career development. When asked what the most challenging part of her job is, Jen stated, “The rude customers, but I have learned not to pay them any mind!”

Jen’s career ambition is to continue working at Shop Rite until she is ready to retire. When Jen is not working, she enjoys playing video games, creating artwork, and cooking.

February Birthdays

February is here, and we’re sending extra warm wishes to the team members celebrating birthdays this month!

Happy birthday to Tamecca Lockley, Margaret Winthrop, Christopher Wasieczko, Llazmin Figueroa, Kathleen Laverty, Melissa Hays, Karizma Dillard, Sergio Lara, Idell Wingate, Danielle Herbert, Eric Budu, Sean Curley, Jamie Mistretta, Isaac Montuah, Kenneth Hermes, and Curtisa Bradsher!

February Anniversaries

Celebrating our colleagues as they reach special milestones. We’re truly thankful for you and all the heart you bring to our community!

Keith Matlack Jr — 15 Years

Terkessa Bradsher — 10 Years

Eric Budu — 1 Year

Top Hat Dance Studio Special Needs Shindig

The next Shindig is Friday, February 6, 2026. Please note that the admission fee has changed and is now $12.00 per person. Support staff are FREE!

Caregiver Support Group & Sibling Good Life Group

Vision for Equality holds monthly sessions for the following support groups: the Caregiver Support Group and the Sibling Good Life Group.

Caregiver Support Group is a place to connect with other caregivers who understand what you are dealing with and to find the support you need, including support around stress, self-care, family dynamics, and more. The next meeting will be February 17 at 6:30 PM-8:00 PM.
Click here to register.

Sibling Good Life Group is a safe place to talk about your lived experience, hear from experts on topics relevant to sibling life, take part in open and informative discussions, and plan for a future that holds true potential for you and your family. Anyone who is a sibling or in a sibling-like role is welcome. The next meeting will be February 23 at 6:30 PM-8:00 PM.
Click here to register.

In addition to these sessions, Vision for Equality also hosts a Philadelphia Area Support Group for All Caregivers, which meets every second Tuesday of the month.
For more information, click here.

Cold and Flu Season Is Here!

The Philadelphia area is seeing a dramatic increase in flu activity. The easiest way to prevent the flu is to wash your hands often, cover your cough, and get a flu vaccine. If you become ill, contact your primary care physician. They may recommend taking Tamiflu; however, it is projected to shorten the duration of this flu by hours rather than days, as previously noted. Stay hydrated and avoid unnecessary contact with people until you feel better, or wear a mask.

Winter Safety

It is cold outside! Philadelphia has warming centers set up throughout the city. Check here to find a center near you.

Please review the following infographic for helpful winter safety tips:

Snow Removal Assistance

Snow-covered curb cuts and sidewalks can create serious barriers for people with disabilities. Please report blocked curb cuts or sidewalks by calling 311. If additional assistance is needed, contact the mayor’s office at 214-686-2181.

Please review the following infographic for more information:

Fall Risk Prevention and Training

Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care is holding a fall risk prevention and training webinar on February 18, 2026, 10:00 AM-11:30 AM. Click here to register.

Move Your Way!

Vision for Equality holds a virtual chair yoga class every Thursday, 6:30 PM-7:30 PM.
Please email Carol Costello at: ccostello@visionforequality.org to register and receive the link.

Protect Special Education Rights

Please join us in solidarity and support our young learners. Department of Education cuts are threatening the education of students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and access to a Free and Appropriate Public Education is at stake. You can sign the petition here.

Section 504 Is Under Attack

Texas and eight other states are renewing their attack on Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. These states are claiming that the integration standards mandated in these acts are unconstitutional. Without those protections, individuals with disabilities would be more at risk of not being able to live in their communities and may be referred to institutions for placement. We are asking everyone to stand in solidarity with the nine states this legislature affects, and reach out to the appropriate Attorneys General for those states.

More information on the lawsuit can be found here, along with the contact information necessary for each state involved in the suit.

World Down Syndrome Day is March 21, 2026

World Down Syndrome Day is in March, but it is never too early to place your order for wacky socks! All proceeds will go directly toward supporting the activities of Down Syndrome International. You can order your socks and other items here.

February is Black History Month!

In recognition of Black History Month, we honor the history, culture, and contributions of the Black community. Guided by our values of respect, care, and knowledge, we remain committed to creating inclusive, supportive spaces where every individual is honored for who they are.