September 5 email: Investing in Our Community: Education, Wellness & Financial Empowerment

Rep. Melissa Cerrato September 5, 2025

Dear Friends,

I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting updates about the work I’ve been doing in our district, connecting with local leaders, supporting community initiatives, and championing opportunities that uplift and empower.

?? Exploring Financial Empowerment in Ambler

When Ambler Borough Council Member David Hui reached out to discuss new ways to support residents facing financial challenges, I was eager to listen. He’s exploring two promising initiatives:

Path to Homeownership: to help first-time buyers navigate today’s tough housing market, potentially in partnership with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Authority (PHFA).
Financial Literacy Education: A community session led by a Certified Financial Planner to share budgeting and saving strategies accessible to all income levels.

These ideas are still in the early stages, but they reflect David’s deep commitment to empowering Ambler residents. Our office is reaching out to PHFA to explore collaboration, and we’re looking into ways to support the financial literacy effort as well. We’re also working together to develop a community expo that will address these issues and more.

Standing with Aspire: Advocating for Access and Equity in Autism Services

I had the privilege of joining Senator Maria Collett for a visit to Aspire Child and Family Services, where we witnessed the compassionate and transformative work being carried out each day. Aspire is a vital resource for families throughout Montgomery County, offering children with autism and related diagnoses the personalized care they deserve. Their services include behavioral support, clinical testing, and family-centered guidance that helps children thrive.

Aspire’s mission is built on empathy, inclusion, and collaboration. Their commitment to empowering families and helping children reach their full potential is making a meaningful and lasting impact across our region.

Despite their success and dedication, Aspire is facing a significant challenge. Their newest location in Horsham is currently unable to accept Medicaid due to restrictions on expansion. This limitation is not the result of any shortcoming on Aspire’s part, but rather a broader funding issue that has placed all Medicaid expansion efforts in Montgomery County and many neighboring counties on hold.

Although my office does not have the authority to resolve this issue directly, we have been actively engaged. Over the past year, we have held multiple meetings to better understand the situation and to advocate for a solution. We continue to push for answers and for progress, because families should not be denied access to essential services due to administrative delays or budget constraints.

We are also deeply concerned about the impact of potential federal funding cuts, which could further hinder efforts to expand access to care. These challenges make it even more urgent that we work together to find a path forward. Every child deserves the opportunity to receive high-quality support, regardless of their financial circumstances or where they live.

To the Aspire team, thank you for your unwavering dedication to care, advocacy, and innovation. Your work is a model of what community-based support should look like. I am proud to stand with you and remain committed to doing everything I can to help move this issue forward.

Together, we can build a future where every child has access to the services they need and every family feels supported.

?? Celebrating STEM Excellence at FMI

Representative Nancy Guenst and I had the incredible opportunity to attend Presentation Day at the Forensic Science Mentoring Institute (FMI), hosted by the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education (CFSRE). Over the past seven weeks, high school students from across Greater Philadelphia immersed themselves in forensic biology, chemistry, and toxicology—guided by practicing forensic professionals.

Their student-led case presentations and mock trial demonstrations were nothing short of impressive. Watching these young scientists present complex findings with clarity and confidence was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we invest in equitable, hands-on STEM education. Huge thanks to CFSRE and all the partners who make this free program possible, including scholarships for transportation and meals. The commitment to accessibility and excellence was evident in every detail.

Each of these experiences reflects the heart of my work: listening, collaborating, and investing in people. I’m proud to stand alongside leaders, educators, and advocates who are building a brighter future for our communities.

Thank you for staying engaged and informed. Together, we’re making meaningful progress, one conversation, one initiative, and one opportunity at a time.

Upcoming Events

Fall Shredding Event

Join us for our Free Shredding Event—a fantastic opportunity to protect your personal information while making a positive impact on your community! ??????

Safely dispose of old documents and keep your sensitive information out of the wrong hands. Paper shredding is a powerful deterrent to identity theft, making it nearly impossible for thieves to reconstruct private details. Plus, shredding supports paper recycling, helping to reduce waste in landfills!

And here’s another way to give back—bring non-perishable food items for donation and support local food banks while you’re here.

We’re thrilled to offer this service again for our constituents. Protect your identity, reduce waste, and help your community—all in one event! Hope to see you there!