Events

NAPO-GPC members Carla Shipman, Yasmin Goodman, Debbie Lillard, Darla DeMorrow and Annette Reyman were speakers at the 2016 Philly Home Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Our members shared with the audience their expert knowledge on various organizing topics

When Jackie Dawson entered the drawing at the Kids/Teachers/Educators Understanding Deployment Operations (TUDOS & KUDOS) at Dover Air Force Base, little did she know that her family would be the recipient of the Project Thanks: One-Day Organizing Home Makeover 2016! Jackie and her husband, Senior Airman Christopher Dawson, welcomed members of the National Association of Professional Organizers, Greater Philadelphia Chapter (NAPO-GPC) on Veterans Day, November 11, 2016, into their home. NAPO-GPC members Carla Shipman, Sue Frost, Yasmin Goodman, Angela Ficco, Martha Spittal and Denise MacMurtrie felt privileged to volunteer their time and express their gratitude to this representative military family.

The day could have been entitled “Operation Closets” as the team organized four closets including the master, hall and two bedroom closets. All four of the Dawson children were eager to assist. When the three older children realized why this mysterious team of ladies was there, they squealed with delight, “I can’t believe we won!” Even their one-year-old sister helped!

SrA Dawson has served in the Air Force as C5 Crew Chief since 2013. The family just received word they will be relocating to Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany in February, 2017. They expressed gratitude that Project Thanks is their first step in preparing them for their next Air Force assignment!

NAPO-GPC members Carla Shipman, Yasmin Goodman, Debbie Lillard, Darla DeMorrow and Annette Reyman were speakers at the 2016 Philly Home Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Our members shared with the audience their expert knowledge on various organizing topics.

Fifteen volunteers from NAPO-GPC helped out at a local children’s charity called Cradles to Crayons. We have helped out here before and always had a rewarding experience. Cradles to Crayons (C2C) collects gently used clothing, toys, books and outerwear for children living in poverty in the Philadelphia area. They then work with 250 local organizations to provide care packages for individual children. C2C is run by only 12 employees and relies heavily on volunteers. Volunteers sort, quality-check donations and then shop for the children in need. Visit www.cradlestocrayons.org/philadelphia for more information on their most needed items and to find out how you can help.

NAPO-GPC hosted an Antiques Roadshow-Style Appraisal Event at the Tredyffrin Public Library. Our guest appraiser was Jeffery Henkel of Kamelot Auction. Jeffery appraised items that ranged from tea sets to a unique alligator purse and even a Picasso painting. It was a fun and informative evening thanks to with Jeffery who provided interesting background on many of the items. He also educated NAPO-GPC about the value of many commons items organizers encounter as we work with clients.

The Philadelphia Hoarding Task Force has launched a new website. Visit www.philadelphiahoarding.org for information about hoarding and resources for people who hoard. Community Legal Services (CLS), the Office of the Mayor, and other organizations are collaborating to address the issue of hoarding in Philadelphia. In 2013, CLS’ Pam Walz, Jennifer Schultz, and David Wengert organized a meeting of twelve organizations, including the National Association of Professional Organizers in Philadelphia to discuss starting a Hoarding Task Force to better coordinate services for people who hoard and improve outcomes. Around the same time, Mayor Nutter convened a task force of city agencies to implement hoarding prevention strategies. In January 2014, CLS and the Mayor’s Office combined the task forces to create the Philadelphia Hoarding Task Force co-chaired by CLS paralegal David Wengert and Mayor’s Office Deputy Director of Policy Katie Martin. Click here to read more.