Summer of Connection is here!

See how everyday connection strengthens communities.

Why is Connection Important?

Research and lived experience both show that connection is a protective factor for health and wellbeing.

  • Strong relationships support resilience in the face of stress and adversity

  • A sense of belonging reduces isolation and improves mental health outcomes

  • Safe, consistent connections help buffer the impact of trauma

  • Small, everyday interactions can have lasting effects

Connection is not a single event—it is built through consistent, supportive relationships over time.

When people feel connected, they are better supported, more resilient, and healthier across the lifespan. This summer, we are working together to strengthen everyday connection in simple, meaningful ways.

How to Get Involved

For Individuals & Families

Engage in connection activities & prompts

Strengthen relationships through small, intentional moments

Share campaign resources with people you know

For Community Partners

Help amplify campaign messaging

Host or support connection-based events or initiatives

Share materials with staff, participants, and families

Campaign Materials & Resources

Use the resources below to help bring Summer of Connection to your networks and communities.

Partner Toolkit

Ready-to-use messaging tools to help share the Summer of Connection campaign, including captions, newsletter text, and a brief overview.

Download Toolkit

Campaign Graphics

Downloadable visuals to support sharing the campaign across social media, websites, and print materials.

Download Graphics

Featured Activities & Opportunities

There's something for everyone—explore all the opportunities to connect this summer!

    • June 13th: Juneteenth Celebration & Flag Raising in West Chester 10:30am-12:30pm at the West Chester Community Center

      • A day of reflection, celebration, and community as we continue the journey toward freedom and justice. Includes a flag raising ceremony, spoken word performances, community engagement opportunities, and Taste of Freedom reception featuring foods from 1865.

    ‍ ‍

    • June 13th: Family Fun Day at Coatesville Area Senior High School from 11am-1pm

    • ‍ June 13th: Summer VetFest at West Chester University (Sykes Student Union Center) from 10am-3pm

      • Includes: food, games, car show, water slide, and information

        • More information: email Shardae Wescott at Shardae.Wesco@va.gov

    ‍ ‍

    ‍ ‍

    • June 18th: AHHAH 4th Annual Open House in West Chester (Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center) from 5:30pm-7:30pm

      • Includes: a screening of the short documentary “Invisible No More Part 2: Walk In My Shoes” created by AHHAH’s Restorative Justice Filmmakers, photography by Restorative Justice Photographers, Justice Restored 3.0 Traveling Art Exhibit, plus food and more!

    ‍ ‍

    • June 19th-21st: Chester County Balloon Festival at Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds

    ‍ ‍

    • June 20th: Juneteenth Jubilee 2026 in Kennett Square 10am-3pm at the Kennett Library

    ‍ ‍

    • June 20th: PrideFest in Phoenixville on Bridge Street 12pm-5pm

      • Includes live entertainment, community organizations, small businesses, local artists and makers, food vendors, and interactive activities for all ages.

    ‍ ‍

    • June 20th: Walk for Women at Great Valley Corporate Center from 9am-11am offered by Home of the Sparrow

    ‍ ‍

    ‍ ‍

    • June 25th: Quarterly Chester County Suicide Prevention Partnership Meeting 5:30pm-7:30pm at the United Way in Exton

    ‍ ‍

    ‍ ‍

    • June 27th: Freedom Fest in East Fallowfield (900 Buck Run Road) from 9am-3pm

    ‍ ‍

    • ‍July 1st: Stronger Together: A Community Conversation on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience presented by the Chester County ACEs Coalition from 7pm-8pm on Zoom

      • A welcoming space to learn how early stress and trauma can shape our lives and why connection and support matter so much. Together, we’ll explore hopeful, practical ways our community can help prevent harm and build resilience in people of all ages.

    ‍ ‍

    • July 6th & every Monday following: Healing the Wounds of Racial Stress & Trauma from 6:00pm-7:30pm virtual (Zoom)

    • July 11th: Exton Community Day 4pm-10pm

      • Enjoy a wide variety of kids activities! Face painting, Touch a Truck, Teddy bear hospital,
        Inflatables, Petting zoo, Pony rides, Food truck, vendors, Beer/wine garden. DJ, Corn hole,, disc golf, yard games, Kids tunes with Marchwood Music (4 - 8 p.m.), Community giveaways, Live concert at 6:30 p.m. - The Big House Band, Fireworks following the concert.

    • July 21-23, 28-30, & August 4-6: Volunteers needed for a summer STEM Camp offered by ORION Communities in Phoenixville

      • The camp brings children together to build resilience, make new friendships and explore new interests which they can build into their lives every day.

    • ‍ July 29th: CALM - Conversations on Access to Lethal Means 6:00pm-7:30pm

  • ‍ ‍

    • August 8th: 10th Annual Comm”UNITY” Day in Coatesville 3pm-9pm

      • Come out and enjoy:

        • Music

        • Food Trucks

        • Kids Zone

        • Vendors

        • Family-friendly fun

        This special event is all about bringing people together and celebrating the strength, diversity, and spirit of our community.

    • August 12th-December 9th: Getting Ahead Course Wednesdays 5:30pm-7pm at Kennett Area YMCA

      • A free 16-week workshop designed to help adults explore the hidden challenges of living in poverty, build community connections, and gain tools and resources for planning a better future.

      • Contact Clark Davis to sign up today at Clark@KACSImpact.org

    • August 13th: Ice Cream Social & Open House in Paoli 1pm-3pm

      • If you're a mental health professional, join this Ice Cream Social & Open House to connect with fellow providers, build new relationships, and enjoy a sweet treat!

      • Hosted by High Focus Treatment Centers, Seeds of Hope, and The Willow Space for Trauma Treatment. RSVP by August 10th to gdemilio@highfocuscenters.com

    • August 15th: Changing Lanes – An E-Bike Awareness Ride at Everhart Park in West Chester 10am-12:30pm

      • Changing Lanes is a free community event designed to bring together youth, families, cyclists, community organizations, and public safety partners through a shared experience focused on education, responsibility, and connection. The event promotes safe riding habits, awareness of e-bike laws, and positive decision-making while creating opportunities for meaningful interaction between community members. By bringing together organizations such as Good Fellowship EMS, Trek Bicycle West Chester, and Chester County Juvenile Probation, the event helps strengthen relationships, encourage community engagement, and create a supportive environment where young people can learn, connect, and grow.

    ‍ ‍

    • Sharing Hope Through Our Stories

      • A new meetup for Black and African ancestry community members with facilitators Sharon Hardin MSN, RN and Robin K. Ingram, M.Ed., CPS. Join a safe and supportive space to connect and continue conversations about mental health and wellness.

      • Occurring: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7pm-8:30pm, virtually

      • More information: www.namichescopa.org/calendar

    ‍ ‍

    • Early Head Start

      • This program provides full time early education services/childcare through the CCIU. They have a team of Social Workers who partner with each family to connect them to their community, and resources available to them that they may not be familiar with. Once enrolled in the program, they host programs for enrolled families which include partnerships with local libraries, the Wardrobe, Free Book Fairs, and health focused events.

      • More information: www.cciu.org/headstart

    ‍ ‍

    ‍ ‍

    ‍ ‍

    • Suicide Loss Survivor Support Group

    • Springfield Behavioral of PA

      • Springfield Behavioral of Pennsylvania provides accessible, high-quality mental health care for children, adolescents and adults across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. This includes our Chester County locations in Exton and West Chester. We offer a broad range of services, including therapy, psychiatric evaluation and medication management, and specialized care for children and teens. Virtual and in-person services offered.

    • GRAND-Family Connections

      • Offers support for Grandparents, other relatives, and non-relatives, who are raising a child(ren) of a loved one. Caring Circle (support group), All Grandfamily staff have lived experience of either raising grandchildren or by being raised by a grandparent or other relative caregiver.

      • No Set Hours - reach out to Deb Willet at Deb@coatesvillecenter.org

      • More Information: https://www.coatesvillecenter.org/event/program/grandfamily/


    ‍ ‍

  • ‍ ‍

Submit a Connection Opportunity Now!

Share Opportunity Here

Building Connection. Strengthening Resilience.

Building Connection. Strengthening Resilience.