COMHAR

02/18/2026

📣 Dr. Colleen Thomas‑Philip Elected to COMHAR Board of Directors
COMHAR is pleased to announce that Dr. Colleen Thomas‑Philip has been elected to the COMHAR Board of Directors.
Dr. Thomas‑Philip is a seasoned healthcare executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience in behavioral health, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of a behavioral health hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she oversees both inpatient and outpatient operations. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to lead operational turnarounds, expand access to care, and build high‑performing, mission‑driven teams in complex healthcare settings.
Her professional background spans inpatient hospitals, outpatient treatment centers, and community‑based behavioral health programs. Dr. Thomas‑Philip has deep expertise in trauma‑informed and recovery‑oriented care, and previously held key leadership roles in Philadelphia—including at COMHAR, where she oversaw multi‑site outpatient programs and drove improvements in service delivery and access for diverse and underserved populations.
Her areas of expertise include system operations and performance improvement; service line and program expansion; workforce development; clinical quality and compliance; strengthening community and stakeholder partnerships; advancing health equity and behavioral health access.
Dr. Thomas‑Philip holds a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy as well as a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Her lifelong commitment to community‑based care and equitable access aligns strongly with COMHAR’s mission and strategic direction.
We are honored to welcome Dr. Thomas‑Philip back to COMHAR in this important leadership role and look forward to the insight, vision, and expertise she brings to our Board of Directors.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Colleen Thomas‑Philip and welcoming her to the COMHAR Board of Directors.

02/13/2026

Today we celebrate the heart of our mission: community, compassion, and connection. Caring & Sharing Day is all about lifting one another up, supporting our neighbors, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued and seen.

Thank you to our staff, partners, supporters, and community members who embody COMHAR’s spirit every day. Together, we continue to build hope, healing, and opportunity for those we serve.

💙 COMHAR Cares. COMHAR Shares. COMHAR Shows Up.

02/10/2026

Strengthening Community Through Recreation

COMHAR is excited to announce the continuation of Game Nights, a joyful, community‑focused initiative created for individuals in our Intellectual Disabilities (ID) Division. These events are designed to foster connection, confidence, and meaningful social engagement—made possible through the generous support of the COMHAR Development Foundation.

Thanks to the COMHAR Development Foundation’s commitment to enhancing participant experiences, Game Nights are now funded and accessible at a minimal cost to the individuals we serve. This support allows COMHAR to provide high‑quality recreational opportunities that encourage relationship‑building, strengthen social skills, and promote joy.

This program is the result of both passion and vision within our organization, and we extend a heartfelt shout‑out to Ellen Jackson, Residential ID Compliance Director, and her team, whose creativity and dedication brought Game Nights to life.

Ellen shared the deeply personal inspiration behind her efforts:
“Seeing the people I support step out of their shells—connecting with strangers, sharing meals, singing, playing games—and then telling me ‘See you next month’ is the most meaningful proof that my time and skills are well spent.”

Her words embody the heart of Game Night: creating spaces where individuals feel valued, included, and excited to return. Because at COMHAR, everyone deserves a place to play, connect, and belong.

02/04/2026

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the history, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans whose leadership and lived experience continue to shape our communities.

This year’s theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” marks 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched the first formal effort to preserve Black history.

For COMHAR, this moment is deeply meaningful. Black communities—especially in Philadelphia—have long led with strength, healing, and resilience despite systemic inequities. We recognize that mental health and recovery are inseparable from history, culture, and lived experience.

This month, we honor that legacy and reaffirm our commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive, recovery‑oriented care. Black history is not only history—it is lived experience, and it continues to guide our work every day.

At COMHAR, we believe that community healing begins with recognition, respect, and relationship. Black history is not only history—it is lived experience, and it continues to shape the work we do every day.

02/03/2026

February is International Boost Self-Esteem Month, a dedicated time to focus on strengthening self-esteem and self-confidence. It encourages individuals to develop a positive self-image, recognize their inherent worth, and embrace their unique abilities.

Self-esteem plays a vital role in overall well-being—it influences how we cope with challenges, build relationships, and pursue personal and professional goals. This month serves as an important reminder that nurturing self-esteem isn’t a luxury; it’s essential to mental health, resilience, and personal success.

At COMHAR, we were proud to offer our members a meaningful opportunity to boost their self-esteem through a COMHAR Band Rehearsal. Participants took pride in their musical abilities, gained confidence through performance, and experienced the joy of sharing their talents with others. Their music not only empowered the performers but also brought happiness and inspiration to those who listened—beautifully reflecting the spirit of Boost Self-Esteem Month.

01/30/2026

✨ Celebrating Success & Opportunity in Action ✨

Yesterday, we had the incredible opportunity to spotlight COMHAR’s Employment Program on Channel 3! Emmy Award–winning health reporter Stephanie Stahl visited Brown’s ShopRite to share the inspiring story of Joan V., a COMHAR member who has been successfully employed there for five months—her very first job.

This milestone is a powerful reminder of what can happen when opportunity, preparation, and support come together.
Joan has been an active participant in the Day Program at the Vanderwoude Center, where she worked hard to build the confidence and workplace skills needed for employment. With the guidance and encouragement of Rev. Jeremiah Cousins, she was able to prepare for and secure this meaningful position.

We extend heartfelt thanks to ShopRite for being such a dedicated community partner and for supporting our members as they pursue independence, purpose, and pride through employment.
Moments like these remind us why our work matters. 💚


Brown's Chef's Market

A Philadelphia nonprofit is finding job opportunities for people with mental health and intellectual challenges.

01/27/2026

It’s chilly in Philly today! ❄️

Here are 3 quick mental wellness tips to warm your day:
✨ Take 5 slow breaths
✨ Check in with someone you care about
✨ Step outside for 2 minutes of fresh air

01/21/2026

January is Mental Health Wellness Month!

A fresh year brings a fresh opportunity to prioritize something we all deserve: well‑being.
At COMHAR, we believe mental health is just as important as physical health. This month, we encourage everyone to take a moment to check in—with yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

Simple ways to support your mental wellness this month:
• Practice small acts of self‑care
• Reach out and connect with someone you trust
• Take a walk or spend time outdoors
• Give yourself permission to rest
• Seek support when you need it—asking for help is strength

Mental wellness isn’t a destination; it’s an ongoing journey. Let’s walk it together with hope, compassion, and community.

01/12/2026

🎤✨ COMHAR Has Talent! ✨🎤
We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming COMHAR Has Talent showcase, led by the amazing Jamila Latham, Recreation Director for York Street Long Term Structured Residence (LTSR)!

This event is all about celebrating creativity, confidence, and community. Our talented members will share their gifts—whether it’s singing, dancing, poetry, or other unique performances. It’s a chance to shine, connect, and have fun together!

📅 Date: February 2
📍 Location: 100 W. Lehigh Avenue
⏰ Time: 1:30 PM

Bring your talented members or just come to experience the incredible spirit of COMHAR! 💙

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

01/08/2026

COMHAR is thrilled to share some incredible news—COMHAR has been named Best Mental Health Clinic in North Philadelphia for 2025! 🎉

This honor is especially meaningful because it is based on feedback from the people who matter most—our members. Their voices affirm the impact of the compassionate care, dedication, and professionalism each of our team members brings to our mission every single day.

This recognition is not just an award; it’s a reflection of the trust and hope we inspire in the community. It speaks to the quality of our services, the strength of our relationships, and the unwavering commitment to improving lives.

Thank you to the entire COMHAR team for their hard work, passion, and resilience. Together, we’ve set a high standard—and this is only the beginning. Let’s continue to innovate, collaborate, and make COMHAR a household name in mental health care.

Congratulations to all of you for making this possible!

01/05/2026

The Open Door Clubhouse Celebrates the Holidays Together

The holiday season is always a special time at the Open Door Clubhouse, but this year’s celebration shone especially brightly. Members and staff came together to share joy, laughter, and community—reminding everyone why the Clubhouse model is such a powerful source of connection and hope.

Rooted in the belief that every person deserves a place to belong, the Open Door Clubhouse once again transformed the season into an opportunity to strengthen relationships, celebrate accomplishments, and create new memories. For many members, the Clubhouse is not only a support system—it is a second home. The holiday festivities brought that feeling to life.

The day began with members and staff working side by side to prepare the clubhouse for the celebration. Tables were decorated with festive centerpieces, and the comforting smell of home cooked food filled the building. Members took leadership roles in planning the event—developing the menu, handling setup and logistics, and coordinating activities.
This collaborative spirit is what defines the Clubhouse: members are not merely guests but equal partners in shaping their community.

The holiday meal was the centerpiece of the celebration. For members who often experience isolation, stigma, or difficult circumstances, moments like these can be profoundly meaningful. Warm conversation and genuine connection created an atmosphere where everyone felt seen and valued.

What made the celebration extraordinary was not the decorations or the presents, but the sense of belonging that permeated the space. The holidays can be challenging for many, but at the Open Door Clubhouse, no one must navigate them alone.

As the celebration ended, members expressed gratitude for the support the Clubhouse provides year round. The holiday gathering was a reminder that recovery and well being flourish in community—where people are empowered, included, and supported.

To learn more about the Clubhouse, visit https://www.comhar.org.

12/31/2025

A New Year’s Wish from COMHAR
As we welcome a new year, COMHAR extends our deepest gratitude to the individuals, families, partners, communities, and dedicated staff who inspire our mission every day.
May 2026 be a year filled with renewed hope, healing, and possibilities. We celebrate the strength and resilience of every person we serve, and we remain committed to walking alongside you—supporting growth, well‑being, and community connection at every step.
In the year ahead, we look forward to expanding compassion, fostering inclusion, and creating even more opportunities for individuals to thrive. Together, we can build healthier communities, empower one another, and continue transforming lives.
From all of us at COMHAR,
Happy New Year! May the coming months bring peace, progress, and joy to you and those you love.