COMHAR

03/20/2026

Eid Mubarak!

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to a close, we extend our warmest wishes to all who are celebrating Eid al‑Fitr. This joyful occasion marks a time of renewal, gratitude, and connection — values that resonate deeply with our mission and the work we do together each day.

Eid reminds us of the importance of compassion, generosity, and community. These are the same principles that guide the care we provide and the partnerships that strengthen COMHAR. Whether you observe the holiday or support those who do, we honor the spirit of unity and kindness that Eid brings.

To our Muslim staff, members, families, and community partners:
Eid Mubarak! May this day bring peace, blessings, and happiness to you and your loved ones.

Thank you all — staff, supporters, and friends — for your continued dedication to the individuals and communities we serve. Your commitment makes a meaningful difference, and we are grateful to share this work with you.

03/19/2026

🎉 Happy Certified Nurses Day! 🎉

Today, COMHAR proudly recognizes and celebrates the dedication, expertise, and heart of our Certified Nurses—the professionals who go above and beyond to ensure exceptional care for the individuals and communities we serve.

Certified Nurses Day is observed every year on March 19, honoring the legacy of Dr. Margretta “Gretta” Madden Styles, a pioneer in nursing credentialing.

At COMHAR, our certified nurses embody the very best of this tradition. Their commitment to advanced training, professional excellence, and compassionate service strengthens every program, every team, and every person whose life they touch.

💙 To our certified nurses:
Thank you for your knowledge, leadership, and unwavering dedication. Your expertise makes COMHAR stronger—and our community healthier.

Please join us in celebrating their extraordinary contributions! 👏💐

03/11/2026

03/10/2026

🌟 March is Intellectual Disabilities Awareness Month! 🌟

At COMHAR, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to live a full, meaningful, and self‑directed life. This month, we celebrate the strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—and we reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, dignity, and empowerment.

For more than 50 years, COMHAR has supported individuals and families through person‑centered services that promote independence, community connection, and quality of life. 💙💚

✨ Let’s work together to build a community where every person is valued, included, and supported. "We're Here. Then. Now. Always.," highlighting that people with developmental disabilities have always been part of communities.

02/18/2026

📣 Dr. Colleen Thomas‑Philip Elected to COMHAR Board of Directors
COMHAR is pleased to announce that Dr. Colleen Thomas‑Philip has been elected to the COMHAR Board of Directors.
Dr. Thomas‑Philip is a seasoned healthcare executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience in behavioral health, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of a behavioral health hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she oversees both inpatient and outpatient operations. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to lead operational turnarounds, expand access to care, and build high‑performing, mission‑driven teams in complex healthcare settings.
Her professional background spans inpatient hospitals, outpatient treatment centers, and community‑based behavioral health programs. Dr. Thomas‑Philip has deep expertise in trauma‑informed and recovery‑oriented care, and previously held key leadership roles in Philadelphia—including at COMHAR, where she oversaw multi‑site outpatient programs and drove improvements in service delivery and access for diverse and underserved populations.
Her areas of expertise include system operations and performance improvement; service line and program expansion; workforce development; clinical quality and compliance; strengthening community and stakeholder partnerships; advancing health equity and behavioral health access.
Dr. Thomas‑Philip holds a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy as well as a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Her lifelong commitment to community‑based care and equitable access aligns strongly with COMHAR’s mission and strategic direction.
We are honored to welcome Dr. Thomas‑Philip back to COMHAR in this important leadership role and look forward to the insight, vision, and expertise she brings to our Board of Directors.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Colleen Thomas‑Philip and welcoming her to the COMHAR Board of Directors.

02/13/2026

Today we celebrate the heart of our mission: community, compassion, and connection. Caring & Sharing Day is all about lifting one another up, supporting our neighbors, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued and seen.

Thank you to our staff, partners, supporters, and community members who embody COMHAR’s spirit every day. Together, we continue to build hope, healing, and opportunity for those we serve.

💙 COMHAR Cares. COMHAR Shares. COMHAR Shows Up.

02/10/2026

Strengthening Community Through Recreation

COMHAR is excited to announce the continuation of Game Nights, a joyful, community‑focused initiative created for individuals in our Intellectual Disabilities (ID) Division. These events are designed to foster connection, confidence, and meaningful social engagement—made possible through the generous support of the COMHAR Development Foundation.

Thanks to the COMHAR Development Foundation’s commitment to enhancing participant experiences, Game Nights are now funded and accessible at a minimal cost to the individuals we serve. This support allows COMHAR to provide high‑quality recreational opportunities that encourage relationship‑building, strengthen social skills, and promote joy.

This program is the result of both passion and vision within our organization, and we extend a heartfelt shout‑out to Ellen Jackson, Residential ID Compliance Director, and her team, whose creativity and dedication brought Game Nights to life.

Ellen shared the deeply personal inspiration behind her efforts:
“Seeing the people I support step out of their shells—connecting with strangers, sharing meals, singing, playing games—and then telling me ‘See you next month’ is the most meaningful proof that my time and skills are well spent.”

Her words embody the heart of Game Night: creating spaces where individuals feel valued, included, and excited to return. Because at COMHAR, everyone deserves a place to play, connect, and belong.

02/04/2026

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the history, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans whose leadership and lived experience continue to shape our communities.

This year’s theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” marks 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched the first formal effort to preserve Black history.

For COMHAR, this moment is deeply meaningful. Black communities—especially in Philadelphia—have long led with strength, healing, and resilience despite systemic inequities. We recognize that mental health and recovery are inseparable from history, culture, and lived experience.

This month, we honor that legacy and reaffirm our commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive, recovery‑oriented care. Black history is not only history—it is lived experience, and it continues to guide our work every day.

At COMHAR, we believe that community healing begins with recognition, respect, and relationship. Black history is not only history—it is lived experience, and it continues to shape the work we do every day.

02/03/2026

February is International Boost Self-Esteem Month, a dedicated time to focus on strengthening self-esteem and self-confidence. It encourages individuals to develop a positive self-image, recognize their inherent worth, and embrace their unique abilities.

Self-esteem plays a vital role in overall well-being—it influences how we cope with challenges, build relationships, and pursue personal and professional goals. This month serves as an important reminder that nurturing self-esteem isn’t a luxury; it’s essential to mental health, resilience, and personal success.

At COMHAR, we were proud to offer our members a meaningful opportunity to boost their self-esteem through a COMHAR Band Rehearsal. Participants took pride in their musical abilities, gained confidence through performance, and experienced the joy of sharing their talents with others. Their music not only empowered the performers but also brought happiness and inspiration to those who listened—beautifully reflecting the spirit of Boost Self-Esteem Month.

01/30/2026

✨ Celebrating Success & Opportunity in Action ✨

Yesterday, we had the incredible opportunity to spotlight COMHAR’s Employment Program on Channel 3! Emmy Award–winning health reporter Stephanie Stahl visited Brown’s ShopRite to share the inspiring story of Joan V., a COMHAR member who has been successfully employed there for five months—her very first job.

This milestone is a powerful reminder of what can happen when opportunity, preparation, and support come together.
Joan has been an active participant in the Day Program at the Vanderwoude Center, where she worked hard to build the confidence and workplace skills needed for employment. With the guidance and encouragement of Rev. Jeremiah Cousins, she was able to prepare for and secure this meaningful position.

We extend heartfelt thanks to ShopRite for being such a dedicated community partner and for supporting our members as they pursue independence, purpose, and pride through employment.
Moments like these remind us why our work matters. 💚


Brown's Chef's Market

A Philadelphia nonprofit is finding job opportunities for people with mental health and intellectual challenges.

01/27/2026

It’s chilly in Philly today! ❄️

Here are 3 quick mental wellness tips to warm your day:
✨ Take 5 slow breaths
✨ Check in with someone you care about
✨ Step outside for 2 minutes of fresh air

01/21/2026

January is Mental Health Wellness Month!

A fresh year brings a fresh opportunity to prioritize something we all deserve: well‑being.
At COMHAR, we believe mental health is just as important as physical health. This month, we encourage everyone to take a moment to check in—with yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

Simple ways to support your mental wellness this month:
• Practice small acts of self‑care
• Reach out and connect with someone you trust
• Take a walk or spend time outdoors
• Give yourself permission to rest
• Seek support when you need it—asking for help is strength

Mental wellness isn’t a destination; it’s an ongoing journey. Let’s walk it together with hope, compassion, and community.