DCCC Social Work Department Hosts County-Wide Resource Fair

By Luis Herrera-Herrera

Staff Writer

MARPLE, Pa. — Delaware County Community College’s Social Work Department hosted a community resource event on the second floor of the Academic Building on March 26. Carley Ellman, assistant professor of Social Work, organized the gathering to “bring resources to students” and provide a networking platform for local nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses.

More than 25 organizations attended the event, which ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. While the fair was not formally advertised on social media, the hallways were busy with students and professionals connecting throughout the day.

Donna Smith of PA Careerlink attended not only to provide students with post-graduation job resources but also to raise awareness about the opioid crisis. When asked about her goals for the day, Smith said she aimed “to promote our opioid education and awareness for families and the community.”

Amy Komarnicki represented the Media Fellowship House, a local nonprofit that assists homeowners and helps first-time buyers navigate the housing market. She highlighted the work of the Housing Quality Center of Pennsylvania, located just below their main office, which educates tenants on their legal rights. Komarnicki’s goal for the DCCC visit was to “help students think about housing or getting into homeownership.”

Cara Ochs of the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office Diversionary Unit provided information on several programs that offer alternatives to traditional criminal proceedings. These include the Misdemeanor Diversion program, which allows offenders to complete community service hours instead of paying fines or attending court. Ochs also highlighted the Young Offenders program, which assists those charged with marijuana possession in avoiding felony charges.

Ochs is a DCCC alumna, having completed the paralegal program in 2025. She credited her educational background and her initiative in pursuing internships and events for her current professional success. When asked if she eventually plans to become an attorney, Ochs said she has considered it, noting that she currently “works with amazing attorneys.”

Rosanne Neal, representing M.E. Carpenter for Suicide Awareness, offered free educational materials for children and adults, as well as literature for those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. The organization also helps fund therapy for those affected by such losses. Neal noted that DCCC also provides its own mental wellness and suicide prevention resources on the college website.

The fair provided vital resources for students, staff, and the community. Organizers encouraged students to continue taking advantage of these opportunities to connect with professionals in fields they are passionate about.

Attending Organizations:

Media Fellowship House

Delaware County Office for the Aging

Child Guidance Resource Center

Purple Heart Project

Delaware County Register of Wills

Delaware County District Attorney’s Office

National Alliance of Mental Illness

Mainline Health

Phoenix Center Trauma Therapy

Family Support Line

High Focus Treatment Center