ASTON— The “Sneakers for Smiles” initiative, founded by Dr. Claudio Cerullo of Teach Anti-Bullying, has reached a milestone of sending over 500 pairs of sneakers to children across the country.
Cerullo, a resident of Aston, is the founder and operator of the nonprofit, TeachAntiBullying.org, a national anti-bullying, school violence prevention program. The two-years-old Sneakers for Smiles initiative raises money to send sneakers to children who have been a victim of bullying or who struggle to afford “cool” shoes like the other kids have.
“Bullying is a pervasive problem today and kids take the biggest hit,” Cerullo, who experienced bullying himself as a young boy, said. “I am well aware of what it feels like to not have the coolest sneakers or clothes, the latest iPhone, or the next big trend. This initiative was created as a way to make these kids feel special and to let them know that they are not alone.”
Those who would like to nominate a child who could use a smile brought back to their face, or those who would like to donate to this cause, can visit teachantibullying.org.
The Teach Anti-Bullying organization came about when Dr. Cerullo began to spread the word about the traumatic effects of bullying through education, awareness and prevention, nationwide, to help students of all ages who are experiencing bullying.
Cerullo has been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, and Fox News, as well as The New York Times, The Washington Journal, LA Times, Newsweek, and on GMA.
Cerullo brings over 28 years of professional experience in the field. The anti-bullying crusader recently released his latest book, “Inside the Mind of a Bully, From Victim to Advocate.” The book is a guide to understanding why children bully, what the victim can do, and how parents, teachers and administrators can help.
For more information, or to book Cerullo to speak at an event, visit www.dr.claudiocerullo.com.
Neumann’s Child Development Center searches for ‘alumni’
Neumann University’s Child Development Center will celebrate its 50th anniversary this fall, and CDC Director John Sperduto is searching for “alumni” of the pre-school program to invite them to the celebration.
The festivities, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 25, from 10 a.m. to noon, will include an open house, a presentation on the history of the CDC, and a party complete with games and activities.
Sperduto is inviting anyone who has attended the CDC program — regardless of current age — to contact him at sperdutj@neumann.edu to receive an invitation to the CDC’s anniversary program.
A state-licensed child-care facility, the CDC houses an educational program for children aged 3 to 5. Sperduto estimates that, during the last 50 years, the CDC has served more than 1,200 children.
Although the current building was not finished until 1973, CDC services began in 1971, the year when the university, then Our Lady of Angels College, initiated a bachelor’s degree program for adult women. The administration soon realized that, for many adult women who were returning to college, professional childcare was essential.
To address this need, a childcare center opened in Bachmann Main Building immediately. By 1973, the Child Development Center for pre-school aged children was built, and it continues to serve the community today. The bachelor’s degree program for adults has also evolved and now includes the BS in Business and Organizational Studies and the BS in Public Safety Administration. To learn more about these programs, visit www.neumann.edu.
Mercy LIFE partners with Delco Housing Authority to break ground on senior housing
Mercy LIFE and Delaware County Housing Authority will hold an official groundbreaking ceremony Thursday, July 8 for their new senior housing building on Constitution Ave in Woodlyn.
The new Kinder Park building, owned by Delaware County Housing Authority, will provide space for a new Mercy LIFE center.
Mercy LIFE is a program of all-inclusive care for the elderly, also known as PACE.
“Mercy LIFE’s goal is to help seniors live independently and age in place within their home and community. Through this partnership with Delaware County Housing Authority, Mercy LIFE will be able to make this a reality for more seniors in the community we serve together,” says Dan Drake, president and CEO of Trinity Health PACE, the parent company of Mercy LIFE.
The new center, Mercy LIFE Kinder Park, will provide medical and social services for up to 250 seniors, most of whom will reside within the upper floors of the Delaware County Housing Authority Kinder Park building. Mercy LIFE Kinder Park will also create about 50 jobs for the Delaware County community to help provide medical care, transportation, meals, rehabilitation, social services and recreational activities for the seniors.
Mercy LIFE operates two other PACE centers in Delaware County — one in Sharon Hill and one at Valley View in Elwyn. With the addition of this newest Mercy LIFE Kinder Park center, Mercy LIFE will support up to 475 seniors in Delaware County.
To learn more about services that will be offered to the residents of the new senior housing building in Woodlyn, visit mercylife.org/.
‘Old Timers’ baseball game planned in July
The Delaware County Baseball League and The Sports Legends of Delaware County Museum will host an Old Timers baseball game to played at Narberth Field in Narberth, Sunday, July 11.
The Old Timers will be honoring two alums of the league who recently passed, Team Angelo Tiburzi, managed by Bob Brown, and Team Rich Merchant, managed by John Bullock.
Perhaps the most iconic alumnus of the league, an MLB World Champion as both a player and manager and current Team USA Baseball Olympic coach Mike Scioscia, has volunteered to be the Title Sponsor of this game. Scioscia played for Rich Merchant during his Senior Babe Ruth League days and always has been willing to give back to the Delaware County baseball community.
Another interesting aspect of the game will be the rivalry between the managers. Bob Brown played for St. Joseph’s College, which had its home games at Narberth in those days, while John Bullock was a Villanova Wildcat. Will The Hawk prove that it never dies or will the Wildcats roar at this game? For more information, contact Jim Vankowski at vankoski21@comcast.net/.
Delco Community College makes relief funds available to students
Delaware County Community College has received additional Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds from the American Rescue Plan which will allow the College to award grants to students this fall.
Students enrolled in credit courses can receive up to $600 in grant funds and a textbook voucher of up to $400 for the fall 2021 semester. Some exceptions may apply such as dual enrollment students and students whose tuition is paid by a third-party.
“We hope these grants assist students with their financial needs and make it easier for new and continuing students to get on track to achieve their educational goals,” said Delaware County Community College President Dr. L. Joy Gates Black.
Students are encouraged to contact the college’s Enrollment Central department with any questions by emailing wecare@dccc.edu.
Readers can email community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.
