Board

How We've Grown

In 1975, COMHAR was the second smallest CMH/MRC in Philadelphia, with a budget of about $500,000. We have grown and developed new services as needed, such as providing for the needs of individuals leaving closing institutions such as Pennhurst and Byberry. In-home and in-community services were also added to better meet the needs of a changing community.

Today, COMHAR has a budget of close to $40,000,000 and is one of the largest centers, but we are proud to maintain our community roots and connections. Our Board is composed primarily of individuals who have lived or worked in its neighborhoods or who have family members who receive services.

Message from our Board President

While I have been a member of the COMHAR Board for over nine years I only assumed the responsibilities of Board President in 2010-11.  I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself as the Board President and share with you how I became involved with our great agency.  I know firsthand, from both personal and professional experience, how important the right supports and proper treatment are for those with mental illness and developmental disabilities.

My first introduction to COMHAR was through my aunt who attended COMHAR’s day program at Whitaker Avenue.  I witnessed how COMHAR helped her grow personally and “get her own life.” When my first husband experienced mental health problems, the Woman in Transition program provided the counseling and help I needed to deal with the problems and feelings that arise when a family member becomes mentally ill.  Because of my own experience I was drawn to work in this field. I worked as a chaplain for women in the Philadelphia prisons for ten years and then with a community program, New Hope for Women, doing outreach and providing classes on parenting and on drug issues. It was through my participation in the Police Clergy Taskforce for Districts 24 and 25 that I was reintroduced to COMHAR. 

Members of the Taskforce were invited to COMHAR for a breakfast.  There we heard about COMHAR’s mission and services and were asked if we could help educate the community about what COMHAR offered and consider helping in other ways.  Three of us later applied for and were accepted as members of the COMHAR Board.  It has been over ten years and I still feel honored to serve in an agency with such a concern for its community and commitment to quality and caring service. The current members of the Board and I recognize the tremendous contribution previous board members have made and that staff continue to make.  We share that passion and commitment and will do our best to see that COMHAR continues to operate with integrity and transparency so that it continues to thrive and grow.

Elaine Babcock

Further Information:

• If you are interested in joining COMHAR's Board of Directors, download our brochure and application