A New Chapter for Chester Community Coalition: Standing on Our Own
For years, Chester Community Coalition (CCC) has been dedicated to one mission: providing trauma-informed care and support to survivors of gun violence throughout Chester and Delaware County—always free of cost.
Today, we're proud to share an exciting milestone in our journey.
Chester Community Coalition is becoming an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
This transition marks the beginning of a new chapter, but it does not change who we are or why we exist. Instead, it reflects years of growth, community trust, and a commitment to building a stronger future for the people we serve.
A Journey Made Possible Through Partnership
From the beginning, CCC has operated under the fiscal sponsorship of the Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC). Fiscal sponsorship allowed us to focus our time, energy, and resources where they mattered most—serving our community—without the burden of building administrative infrastructure from day one.
We are deeply grateful to UAC for believing in our vision and providing the foundation that helped us grow into the organization we are today.
Think of this moment as a graduation.
With years of experience, proven impact, and the confidence of our community, CCC is ready to stand on its own.
What Changes?
The answer is simple: mostly what happens behind the scenes.
Our name remains the same. Our programs remain the same. Our team remains the same. Most importantly, the people we serve will continue receiving the same compassionate, trauma-informed care they have always known—at no cost.
Participants and clients can expect the same welcoming environment, familiar faces, and unwavering commitment to healing.
What Independence Means
Becoming an independent nonprofit gives CCC greater ownership of our future.
It allows us to:
Direct resources more efficiently toward the communities we serve.
Expand and strengthen our programs.
Increase transparency and accountability.
Build stronger financial sustainability.
Make decisions that best support our mission and long-term growth.
This is not a fresh start or a step backward.
It is the natural next step for an organization that has grown stronger, steadier, and more prepared to meet the needs of our community.
To Our Staff, Board, Partners, and Supporters
This achievement belongs to all of you.
To our staff and board, your dedication has made this moment possible. As we move into a full governing structure, your work continues with stronger systems and even greater ownership of our future.
To our community partners, our relationships and commitments remain unchanged. Existing collaborations continue, and our independence allows us to be an even more direct and accountable partner.
To our funders and donors, your support now reaches Chester Community Coalition directly. As a recognized 501(c)(3), charitable contributions remain tax-deductible, and every dollar helps us deepen our impact while strengthening transparency and stewardship.
Looking Ahead
This milestone represents more than organizational growth.
It represents what is possible when a community comes together around healing, hope, and lasting change.
The progress being made across Chester reflects that collective effort. Chester's 2025 homicide rate was the lowest recorded since at least 2004—a reminder that meaningful change happens when organizations, residents, partners, and supporters work together.
While there is still much work to do, our commitment remains steadfast.
We will continue providing trauma-informed care to survivors of gun violence, supporting families through healing, and investing in safer, stronger communities throughout Chester and Delaware County.
This moment belongs to everyone who has walked alongside us.
Thank you for believing in our mission, trusting our work, and helping us build a future rooted in peace, resilience, and hope.
The next chapter of Chester Community Coalition has begun—and we're just getting started.
