Art Exhibition and Sale – 2026
COMHAR Celebrates Earth Day
Earth Day 2026
This Earth Day, COMHAR staff and members partnered with North Broad Renaissance for a powerful day of service and connection across Philadelphia. Together, we planted flowers, greenery and small trees to uplift and beautify shared community spaces. Our team also repainted benches and flowerpots, leaving behind color, care and lasting impact.
Inclusion – At COMHAR, we are committed to inclusion, visibility and opportunity. Experiences like this allow our members to actively contribute while helping to shift the narrative around intellectual disabilities and autism.
Community – Even through the rain, our members showed resilience, joy, and the true spirit of community.
Impact – This was more than an event. We are a part of this community. We will continue to show strength, value and impact of every individual we serve.
Experience – What made this experience especially meaningful was the intentional inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities. Each task was modeled with care, ensuring every participant felt confident, capable, and supported.
Despite the rainy weather, our members remained determined and engaged throughout the day. With smiles, teamwork, and perseverance, they pushed through. After, they enjoyed moments of more connection and inclusion over food provided by Santucci’s.
Submitted by: Taslim Patterson
Outpatient Division Hosts Unified Meeting
The Outpatient Division marked an important milestone last week as staff from Enhanced Outpatient Services, Latino Treatment Program (LTP), CIRCs, and Specialized Services came together for the first time in a single division-wide meeting. The gathering represented a meaningful step toward deeper collaboration, shared learning, and unified mission across all outpatient programs.
A Strong Start With Warm Introductions
The meeting opened with introductions, giving team members across different programs the opportunity to connect, learn about one another’s roles, and reflect on the shared commitment to high‑quality, person-centered care. For many, this was the first time meeting colleagues whose work, while separate, intersects daily in service to COMHAR’s members.
Compliance & HIPAA Presentation by Yasheeka Tanwar
Following the introductions, Yasheeka delivered an engaging and informative presentation focused on Compliance and HIPAA. Her session emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest standards of privacy and regulatory adherence across all outpatient programs. Attendees appreciated the clarity, relevance, and practicality of the information—especially as the organization continues strengthening consistency across service lines.
Celebrating Excellence Through Recognition Awards
A highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Recognition Awards, delivered by Felix Gaton, Nichole Scheerer, and Pablo Salinas. These awards honor staff who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, teamwork, and service. The celebration offered an uplifting moment of gratitude, spotlighting the individuals whose efforts strengthen the entire division and positively impact the lives of the people COMHAR serves.
A Meaningful Step Toward Greater Collaboration
Bringing all Outpatient Division teams together in one room fostered connection, alignment, and a renewed sense of shared purpose. This first-of-its-kind meeting laid the groundwork for future collaboration, cross‑program communication, and continued professional growth—key components as the division moves forward with collective strength and unity.
COMHAR Band Tryouts – Featuring Joan V
Family Highlight
Family Highlight
I wanted to highlight a family with whom I have been working at COMHAR. Bianca Santiago is a strong advocate for her children, Loyalty (left) and Akasha (right). One of the wonderful activities Bianca does with her children is decorate their home for every season.
The family is already getting a head start on the Easter holiday, making hand-made decorations for the season.
Kudos to Bianca for being a role model for Loyalty and Akasha!
Recognition submitted by: Kevin D. Bennett, Division Director of Children’s Services