IDC Executive Director to chair panel at Irish Campfire
Our Executive Director, Emily Norton Ashinhurst, will be chairing a dynamic panel, "Irish America Giving Back: A Shoulder to Lean on for The Irish Diaspora", at The Irish Echo's 2021 Big Irish Campfire on August 27th.
Attend in person or virtually! Click below for all details.
Diversity Lottery 2022
Free Naturalization Preparation Class this September
May is Mental Health Month
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. Now, more than ever, it is critical to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles, because that stigma often prevents individuals from seeking help. Click HERE for resources.
Our CHAT Committee has raised funds to launch and maintain a counseling program for community members. Click HERE to learn more.
Chester County Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance Program
Announced on April 16, 2021 by the Chester County Department of Community Development (CCDCD).
What it is: This program serves renters in Chester County who are behind in rent or utilities due to COVID-19. This program has no citizenship requirement. This program is funded by the US Treasury and Chester County has received over $34 million to assist renters in our community. According to the CCDCD there may be programs at a later date for homeowners. Gateway Medical Associates will follow and announce updates as we receive them.
Funding will serve individuals and families that are obligated to pay rent and meet the following three criteria:
1. Qualify for unemployment or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19.
2. Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
3. Have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median. See examples of area median below (For additional income thresholds, see checklist linked below. Income limits are subject to change per guidance from the federal government).
Area Median Income Guidelines:
Family of 1 = $54,150/year
Family of 4 = $77,300/year
How to access the program:
Dial 2-1-1and press 2 for “Homelessness and Housing Crisis”, press 2 for “Chester County’, finally press 2 for “Emergency Rental Assistance Program.” You will talk with a helper familiar with the program. You will need to provide various documents. Below is a link for a checklist of items you will need.
Unfortunately, our offices are unable to help with this process. Please call or use the link below for assistance.
Application checklist link:
https://www.chesco.org/DocumentCenter/View/62656/Chester-County-ERAP-Applicant-Checklist
Link to webinar explaining who is eligible:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HDfnQG342Y
Return of senior lunches
A Balancing Act
The young professional’s guide to mental health while remote working and career planning
Remote working has unique challenges that are different from working in an office. Adapting as a young professional can be taxing, so how do you manage it?
Click HERE to read more.
Intention to Retain Irish Citizenship
Under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956 as amended, the Minister for Justice has the power to revoke a certificate of naturalisation where an individual has been ordinarily resident outside of the State for seven years after naturalisation, unless;
They have registered annually in the prescribed manner their name and a declaration of an intention to retain Irish citizenship with an Irish diplomatic mission or consular office or with the Minister.
You must complete a “Declaration of Intention to Retain Irish Citizenship” if you reside outside of Ireland, by completing Form 5 annually.
Please complete this form if;
You became an Irish Citizen through naturalisation
If you have taken up residence outside of Ireland following naturalisation
Make sure you use the most recently published version of each form when making an application or declaration. If you complete an old version of a form, it will be returned to you and you will have to start again.
Click HERE for Intention to Retain Irish Citizenship form.
Clash of the Counties 2021
We're all proud of our roots. Whether drawn to the beautiful scenery, the fabulous food, or the friendly folks, Ireland holds a special place in the hearts of many. But beyond what the country has to offer, each county has a unique flair making those claiming ties back sure that their county is the best.
Once you've donated, share your support on Facebook as well as your favorite story or photo from your county. Click HERE to support your favorite county!
Walk for Wellness Challenge - Fundraising Total
CHAT Committee
WRESTLING WITH ANXIETY, DEPRESSION OR OTHER MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES? HERE’S HOW TO GET HELP
IrishPhiladelphia.com
When it comes to anxiety, depression, addiction, self-harm—and even thoughts of suicide, the act of suicide or the emotional aftermath afflicting survivors—no one is immune. Any of those issues can affect anybody at any given time.
During the pandemic, this has been particularly true. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports “considerably elevated adverse mental health conditions associated with COVID-19.”
Research also reports higher rates of mental health concerns among Irish and Irish-Americans compared to other ethnic groups, says Emily Norton Ashinhurst, executive director of the Irish Diaspora Center in Havertown, Delaware County.
“I think that’s something that we all need to face,” Ashinhurst says, “and we need to recognize that getting help is not a failure. It’s actually setting yourself up for success.”
If you fall into this group, know that there is help—easy and affordable referrals to an experienced mental health counselor—and it’s offered through the Irish Diaspora Center.
The program is called C.H.A.T.—short for Community Help Awareness & Trust—overseen by a Diaspora Center committee and courtesy of funds raised in the Solace Sunrise Walk. The counselor has been in the mental health field for eight years, says Ashinhurst, and has extensive experience dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, anger management, addiction and relationship difficulties. She has a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.
What’s more, the counselor is an immigrant—not Irish, but she has had the experience of immigration and understands the challenges of leaving your home country and the issues that arise from that difficult and often wrenching experience. Immigrants can be especially susceptible to mental health issues.
The Solace Sunrise Walk in Philadelphia began in 2016, then simply known as Darkness into Light, to draw attention to suicide and suicide prevention. Funds from that event, then spearheaded by previous Diaspora Center executive director Leslie Alcock, supported the New York-based Solace House. Roughly a year and a half ago, the fund-raising emphasis switched from support for the New York effort to a broader-based Philadelphia-area initiative.
“The (local) committee decided that the money raised really needed to stay here in the Philadelphia community,” says Ashinhurst. “So we were able to get back some of the funds that were raised through the walk. And we decided to set up a fund that is available to anyone in the Irish community who, because insurance doesn’t cover it or they don’t have health insurance, needs help getting counseling. We have some money to put toward counseling appointments.” (The number of appointments is based on ability to pay.)
Una McDaid, chair of the C.H.A.T. committee, understands the need all too well.
“I had a few friends growing up that had passed away from suicide,” McDaid explains. “I’ve had family members who have lost loved ones to suicide. And so it was something I could relate to.”
The Solace Sunrise Walk, she says, had a big impact on the Irish community, she adds, and it was clear that she was not alone in her experience. “There were a lot of people who had been affected by suicide. And for me, it then became about giving someone a safe place to talk. For me, it was a steppingstone to why I really wanted to stay an active part in our community. I feel like our message is to value the life of the person and not to focus on what the form of death is. It more to highlight the life. The problem in our community is that not everybody wants to talk about it. I think Irish people in general talk through everything—but when it comes to private matters, private is private. We like to keep our problems to ourselves.”
From suicide awareness and prevention, she says, the Solace Sunrise Walk naturally bloomed into something broader.
“We just want to put it out there that you’re not alone and that we can find someone to help you if you need professional counseling or just someone to talk to.”
Siobhán McHugh, another member of the committee, has had similar personal experiences.
“I had a cousin who took her life way back,” she says. “It was eight or 10 years ago. And this cousin, she was only 28. She was really close to my sister and niece. She got herself into a bad place. So that’s why I always felt like I wanted to try and do something and put some sort of help out there. I’m not the person to help them, but I can help get them in touch with someone who can help them. We’re doing all that we can on a small scale.”
And now, perhaps more than ever in recent memory, the need has never been stronger, McHugh adds. “I can’t imagine if I was out of work and I had three kids and I was trying to survive and pay bills. I can’t imagine how people must be feeling. Even if what we’re doing is small, if it helps one or two people in the community, then it helped those one or two people.”
To seek help, contact Ashinhurst at 610-789-6355 or emily@icphila.org. All inquiries are confidential. Use this contact information also if you are able to help support the program financially.
Genealogy Group, 12 January 2021
Thank you to our special guest speaker, Emily Schmidt, author of The Galvin Girls. Our genealogy group coordinator, Aengus Lawlor, prepared the presentation in conjunction with Emily’s presentation on her family history and new book.
Click HERE to purchase a copy of Emily’s book.
Looking forward to 2021
As we prepare to turn the page on 2020, it is important to pause and reflect on the loved ones who will not be with us in 2021.
The Irish Diaspora Center responded early and decisively to the pandemic initiating a series of actions with a single purpose in mind … to eliminate or minimize risk to the people we serve in the local Irish community.
Our vision for 2021 is to continue to make the safety and welfare of our community our primary goal. We also recognize the void that the quarantine has created and the direct and indirect effects of long-term isolation.
In 2021 our plan is to adjust our strategy according to the progress made in flattening the curve, reducing the number of active cases, and distribution of the vaccine.
Winter is likely going to be a time of ‘hibernation’ and we will continue to offer online content to maintain and develop our spirit of community.
Spring may provide early opportunities for monthly outdoor gatherings with attendance determined by public policy guidelines.
Summer will transition to weekly outdoor gatherings with attendance continuing to be determined by public policy guidelines.
In the Fall we hope to resume onsite activities at the Irish Diaspora Center including Senior Lunches, Genealogy Sessions, Gaelic Language studies, Foróige Youth Club, and 25 Card Games!
2020 has been a challenging year and we are hopeful that 2021 will usher in a year of opportunity for reconnecting with old friends and making a few new ones along the way!
Ireland's Diaspora Strategy
September News
Dear Friends!
As I look at my social media posts and see the children gearing up for a new term of virtual learning, I am moved by the adaptability of the human spirit! More than anything, I continue to marvel at the Irish Community and the ways everyone has come together over the past 6 months to support one another. We are proud to play a part in that support through food assistance, hardship grants, and online legal consulting!
While we miss being able to sit for a cup of tea and a chat, we love seeing your faces on Zoom! This fall, we will increase our educational opportunities to include a seminar by Conor Donnan, Irish language lessons for middle school and high school students with Alene O’Malley, and videos of Irish stories for the younger children. Our genealogy program consistently grows with fascinating sessions led by Lori Murphy, Aengus Lawlor, and Bill McCray. I hope you and your family can join us for some or all of the online series.
Please note that the cost for applying for US citizenship, changes of status, and other fees are significantly increasing very soon – by more than 80% in most cases. If you are interested in making applications, now is the time to schedule your appointment for our legal clinics. Be sure to reach out to Nicola to schedule at nicola@icphila.org,
As we move into the cooler weather of Fall, it may become more difficult for some people to get out of the house to run errands. If you find that you or someone in your life needs a helping hand to do the shopping or just needs a call or porch visit, please reach out and let us know. We are here to help!
Be well!
Emily Norton Ashinhurst
Executive Director
A Transatlantic Conversation - Irish and Native American Relations
Tuesday, September 15 at 7 pm
In 1847 the Choctaw people sent $170 to help Irish people impacted during the potato famine. That was the start of a long and interesting relationship between the Irish and Native Americans that continues to the present.
Join Conor Donnan, a doctoral student in the History Department at the University of Pennsylvania, as he reconstructs the interactions of Irish Catholics and Native Americans from 1841 to 1924 over Zoom.
To sign up please contact Nicola at nicola@icphila.org. All are welcome
Monday, September 21 from 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm via Zoom video conferencing.
Do you need some immigration advice? We are now offering our free immigration clinic through Zoom video conferencing.
Please note that USCIS is increasing its fees in October. Get help with your US citizenship application now by contacting Nicola at nicola@icphila.org. All are welcome.
Our appointments are confidential and can be booked via our website using the butting below. For those of you who are unable to access Zoom, we can also do phone consultations.
Irish American Genealogy Group - The Curtis Family Letters
Thursday, September 24 at 7 pm over Zoom.
Before modern technology, to communicate with their loved ones back home, people wrote long and engaging letters depicting their new lives. This genealogy session Lori Lander Murphy will take a look at the Curtis Family Letters.
The mid-1800s letters were written between mothers, sisters, brothers, uncles, and cousins of the Curtis family, between Ireland and Pennsylvania. These letters tell the stories of hardship and famine alongside opportunity and strength, as a family strives to maintain its connections from thousands of miles away.
To sign up please contact Nicola at nicola@icphila.org. All are welcome to join
Free Irish Language Classes for Middle and High School Students
Start Date - October 21 - Wednesdays
Time: 4.00 - 4.30 pm - Middle school students
Time: 4.30-5.00 pm - High school students
Join us over Zoom for a six-week course in the Irish language, introducing basic vocabulary, pronunciation, grammar, and practical use in conversation. The classes are free and all middle and high school students are welcome to join.
July Programs
I hope that you are all keeping well and enjoying a quiet and restful summer.
A few brief notes to highlight regarding the IDC.
At the moment the office has reopened but is strictly by appointment only. We are limiting the traffic to ensure that everyone remains safe.
Please note that the passport office in Dublin has yet to resume regular services so there are long delays with passport and citizenship applications. If you are eligible to renew your Irish passport online, that is the most efficient way to process the document.
Consultations for the legal clinic still remain virtual and our volunteer attorneys stand ready to answer your immigration questions. Take a look at our social media feeds for up-to-date information about the recent executive orders related to immigration.
We are pleased to announce our first, monthly will US Citizenship Day! Appointments can be scheduled for July 31 in the office to complete your application for the N-400 form requesting citizenship. If you are debating whether now is the right time, be aware that fees are rising significantly in the fall.
All of our other programs will remain virtual for the time being. We have a two-part study group starting this month and genealogy continues over Zoom.
For our teenagers, we have a fantastic Leadership for Life program (module 1) starting on Thursday over Zoom. This will run twice a week until September. Students are eligible to receive a certificate from NUI, Galway on completion of the third module of Leadership for Life. This program is free but you need to get your application in by July 14 at 6 pm.
We are monitoring the current local COVID-19 recommendations and as circumstances change we will modify our programs. If there are any programs or seminars that you would like to see the IDC offer, please reach out to me at emily@idcphila.org.
Please continue to stay safe and we hope to see you all again soon!
Emily Ashinhurst
Executive Director
Monday, July 20 from 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM via Zoom video conferencing or phone.
Do you need some immigration advice? We are now offering our free immigration clinic through Zoom video conferencing. Every Monday we have one of our Immigration Lawyers available to answer any of your immigration questions or concerns. All are welcome. Our appointments are confidential and can be booked via our website using the butting below. For those of you who are unable to access Zoom, we can also do phone consultations.
Leadership for Life. July 16 - September 3
***A few places left. Sign up now ***
Sign up for Foróige's free virtual summer program - Leadership for Life today. Graduate with a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and Community Action, which is accredited at NFQ Level 6 (National University Ireland, Galway). All are welcome
Module 1 Dates: July 16 - September 3
When: Every Tuesday and Thursday (3 PM - 4 PM over Zoom)
The history of An Gorta Mor and the Dust Bowl - Study group.
Tue, Jul 28 and Tue, Aug 4, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Join facilitator, Bill McCray, for the first in our new study group series. This series encourages participants to work together to create an interactive Zoom session.
Each topic is a two-part program. The participants need to register in advance. They will receive instructions one week prior to commencing. Each lesson contains a brief summary of the event, questions to direct research and stimulate discussion, and a list of recommended resources including history, arts, and culture.
The first topic comparing and contrasting An Gorta Mor (the Great Hunger, Ireland), and the Dust Bowl (US). Each participant will receive a certificate for completion.
Please register for this group by July 17 by emailing Nicola at nicola@idcphila.org.
Irish County Genealogy Resources - Evening Genealogy Group
Thursday, July 30, 7:00 PM 8:30 PM
Join Genealogist, Lori Lander Murphy, as she discusses the different county resources available for Irish genealogy research. She will discuss some of the most popular tools available and how to access them to further your own research.
To sign up for this group please contact Nicola at nicola@idcphila.org. This meeting will be held over Zoom.
USA Citizenship Day - Friday, July 31, 2020, 10:00 AM 5:00 PM
Do you need some help with completing your U.S. citizenship paperwork? With U.S.C.I.S. fees about to increase in the fall perhaps now is the time. Book your appointment now at our free legal clinic to complete your documents and speak with an immigration lawyer.
A Message from Our Board
Dear Friends of the Irish Diaspora Center,
To say these are strange times seems like the grossest of understatements. Between health crises, economic hardships, civil unrest, and the inability to gather we are certainly in uncharted territory. We are proud of the fact that the IDC has been able to pivot its programming to serve the needs of the community through food assistance, hardship funds, and online programming. A special thanks to Emily, Nicola, Ciaran, and all the volunteers who have made it all possible.
As the Commonwealth moves into new phases of the quarantine, we recognize the desire to go back to “life as normal.” However, as the virus is especially difficult for those over the age of 60 and in the interest of promoting the healthiest community possible, the Board of the IDC has made the decision not to return to regular group programming for the time being. This includes our Wednesday lunches, card games, genealogy, and community meetings. We will continue to evaluate the progress made on treatments and vaccines and make decisions based on recommendations from local health professionals and the CDC.
The office will be open, by appointment only, for passport and other consular services as well as immigration support. To schedule an appointment, please call Nicola at the office at 610-789-6355 ext. 3200. If you do come to the office, please be sure to wear your masks. The health and safety of our staff and volunteers is vital to the work we do for the community.
There is still much to look forward to despite the fact that we are not gathering. Emily, Nicola, and Ciaran are looking into opportunities to gather people through outdoor activities or picnics later this summer or fall. We will also continue to offer online genealogy and other programs to those who are able to join. There are a few new programs coming to our online offerings including the Leadership for Life program for teens and a great educational program comparing and contrasting the Dust Bowl and the Great Hunger.
Your Irish Diaspora Center continues to serve as a community hub. If there is anything we can do to help you at this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to us or call Emily at 610-789-6355 ext. 3203.
Wishing you all good health and a great summer!
Kathleen Kenneally - President
John McDaid - Vice-President
Noeline Reardon - Treasurer
John Tooher - Secretary
Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much” ~ Helen Keller
Together we have already helped so many. Seeing the outpouring of support from our community is incredible! Each day, our volunteers are collecting food from the drop off containers and preparing parcels for drop off to families and individuals who need a helping hand. The packages offer a great, nutritious mix of food, including dairy, eggs, cheese, fruit and vegetables, and other perishable items along with the non-perishables we’ve collected from you. THANK YOU!!
Food assistance remains a vital need for our community; however, we also recognize that there are many in need of assistance to pay bills at this time. Together with several Irish organizations in the community and with support from the Irish government, we have established a Hardship Fund that is available to help those in need.
We are grateful to those who have already donated to the Hardship Fund and invite you to do the same. The more we raise, the broader the impact for our community! Please click below to make your donation today.
Emily Ashinhurst
Executive Director
Hardship Fund
This fund has been set up to help Irish community members whose income has been impacted by COVID-19 and need help to cover essential bills such as rent, utilities, or medical needs. Each application will be assessed by an independent committee and funds will be allocated on a needs basis. All identifying information is removed prior to the committee review for confidentiality. Please spread the word and connect anyone that you know who may need a small grant to make ends meet at this time.
Food Assistance Program
If you or someone that you know may need some help to get through this period of time, please click on the button below. Our volunteers will happily deliver to your porch or you can pick up at the Irish Diaspora Center by scheduling a time for pick up by texting 484-886-9028.
Irish Community Relief is a joint effort of:
Resources for the Time
We understand that this time is extremely confusing with changes in job security, immigration questions, medical questions, and mental health needs. Please know that the IDC is standing with you and that we have a number of experts in various fields who can help answer your questions. Please let us know if you need to speak with a human resources expert, a criminal attorney, an immigration attorney, a mental health professional, or some other professional. We can also help with running errands such as grocery shopping, picking up medication, or even a social distance visit via our porch buddy system. All of our services are free and confidential.
Book an appointment with our HR Specialist
Book an appointment with our Immigration lawyers
Book an appointment with our Mental Health Specialist
Ways You Can Be Involved
Donate food or funds
Volunteer to be a porch buddy or non-home helper
Lend your expertise in some area at this time
Let us know if you or someone in your life is in need of help
Contact the Irish Diaspora Center at ciaran@idcphila.org to sign up.
Happy to help
We are here to serve the Irish community in any way that we can. Please reach out to us if you need some assistance via phone 610-789-6355 ex 3203 or email emily@idcphila.org
