In December 2021, members of the Chester County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) and collaborating partner Alpha Kappa Alpha-Iota Tau Omega (AKA-ITO), an African American women's service organization, collected and delivered items for the Chester County Youth Center. Gifts included journals, snacks, gift cards, blankets and fun socks. The project, initiated by CCSO's Sgt. Paul Bryant, aims to build bridges among law enforcement and youths who may be afraid of or resistant to law enforcement.

Members of the CCSO interact with many of the youths who reside at the center's detention facility or shelter when they come to the Justice Center during stressful court cases. This fall, Sgt. Janis Pickell and USPCA-certified comfort K-9 Marley began visiting small groups at the Youth Center. Marley, who is nonjudgmental and attentive to the youths' moods and needs, can often calm a child or stabilize intense emotions quickly.

The Chester County Youth Center provides specialized programs for Chester County youths who receive services from the Chester County Juvenile Probation Department and the Chester County Department of Children, Youth and Families.

For information about opportunities to help, contact Megan Delaney at the Chester County Youth Center at 610-344-6700, ext. 7204 or mdelaney@chesco.org.