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Giving Tuesday Is Coming Soon – November 28th

Giving Tuesday Is Coming Soon – November 28th

Can We Count On You to Help Us On Our Recovery Journey?

There truly are great things happening in Kensington, and COMHAR has been around for almost 50 years, positively impacting the lives of individuals in the great city of Philadelphia.  In the words of a proud member of the COMHAR Board of Directors, “I take pride in spreading the word about this positivity that exists within a part of our city where we usually only hear about “negative news”.”

As a Mission Driven/People First organization, COMHAR empowers members to live healthier, self-determined lives.   Through the Open Door Clubhouse members are given the opportunity for self-determination through the running of daily meetings and the operations of the Clubhouse as they work toward preparation of an employment plan.  In the HOPE programs, members are given art lessons so they can express themselves in a creative manner. Evidence Based Therapy is offered to members in the outpatient division.

Through Recovery Journeys on our website one can see the positive impact COMHAR has on it’s members. 

Support My Journey

COMHAR Participates in 37th Annual AIDS Walk

COMHAR Participates in 37th Annual AIDS Walk

COMHAR participated in the 37th Annual Aids Walk on Sunday, October 15th.  Joined by over 1,000 participants, COMHAR’s Community Living Room, which offers services to adults living with HIV/AIDS and a mental health diagnosis, gathered to show support for over 27,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in the Philadelphia area.

A brisk walk along Kelly Drive started in the early morning hours on Sunday.  Exhibitors who provide services to those living with AIDS shared information about their services with the attendees.  Live music, contests, and prizes were provided.  The walkers raised over $200,000 with supporters sponsoring their walk!  This brings the 37-year total to over $18M.

For more information about COMHAR’s services for people living with AIDS, please call 215-569-8414 or visit our website at COMHAR.

A Vital Community Initiative

A Vital Community Initiative

COMHAR Awarded Opportunity to Train Clinicians in Prolonged Exposure Therapy

In a groundbreaking development for the Philadelphia community, COMHAR Outpatient Services has been awarded the prestigious opportunity to train clinicians in Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) through an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) designation. 

EPIC has partnered with COMHAR to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that the latest, most effective treatment modalities reach those who need them most.  COMHAR’s selection for this EBP designation recognizes the clinic’s commitment to excellence, data-driven practices, and continuous improvement in mental health care.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy is an integral component.  This evidence-based therapy approach is primarily used to treat individuals struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in alleviating the burdens of trauma and helping members regain control over their lives.

In the Philadelphia community, where trauma-related mental concerns often go unaddressed, the introduction of PET represents a significant step forward.  Its importance cannot be overstated, and here is why:

1. Targeted Healing

2. Improved Quality of Life

3. Empowering Clinicians

4. Reduced Stigma

In conclusion, COMHAR‘s achievement in being awarded the opportunity to train clinicians in Prolonged Exposure Therapy is a significant step forward in the quest for evidence-based, data-driven mental health care in Philadelphia. Prolonged Exposure Therapy, as a critical component of this endeavor, promises to make a lasting impact on the community by addressing trauma-related mental health issues and fostering healing and resilience.

COMHAR‘s commitment to senior leadership in the field, paired with its dedication to evidence-based practices, is a beacon of hope for individuals and families who have longed for effective, accessible mental health support in the community.
August/September 2023 Newsletter

August/September 2023 Newsletter

Welcome to Volume 8 of PEOPLE FIRST, COMHAR’s Agency Newsletter.  In this issue you will read about how the children in COMHAR’s Latino Treatment Program were prepared for the first day of school; the 25th Anniversary party for the Independence House; a preview of SafeinHome; the COMHAR/NAMI Kick-Off Walk; and more!   

If you are interested in receiving the newsletter electronically, please email a request to info@comhar.org.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month

The theme for 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month, Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together, seeks to recognize the trailblazers who have paved the way for all who have followed. This theme invites us to celebrate Hispanic Heritage and our history, while building up the generations that will follow our lead in the future.  

National Hispanic Heritage Month traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equitorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela. 

Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, under President Lyndon Johnson, and expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988. During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the immeasurable impact Hispanic and Latinx people have made in our nation. We honor those who inspired others to dream, study, work, serve and succeed. For us at COMHAR, this also means acknowledging, appreciating and celebrating the proud legacy of Hispanics dedicated to the members and residents of COMHAR.

Please take a moment to thank all of COMHAR’s Hispanic team members who make a difference in our members’ lives every day!

Latino Treatment Program Backpack Party

Latino Treatment Program Backpack Party

Latino Treatment Program (LTP) hosted over 100 children at the 2023 Backpack Party!  The festivities began outside with face painting, games, giveaways, and a surprise visit from the Philadelphia Fire Department. Even in the rain, the children enjoyed touring the fire truck and playing games.

Game playing led to enjoying pizza, pretzels, and flavored ices!  YUM!

 

 

The highlight of the day was the backpack giveaway!  Now it’s back to school.