We’re incredibly honored to be recognized as a 2026 Whitford Classic/Charitable Fund beneficiary. This grant will fund the resources needed to sustain our model of free, one-to-one adult English language instruction by volunteer tutors.
The 2026 Whitford Classic takes place September 17-19, 2026. The event brings together members, supporters, guests and grantees for a weekend of golf, tennis, and pickleball tournaments, as well as their signature Gala. Since its inception in 2013, the Whitford Charitable Fund has granted over $1.5 million to over 75 nonprofit organizations throughout Chester County.
We encourage our supporters to learn more about this wonderful event. For details and tickets, visit whitfordcc.com.
Kimberton Whole Foods/Malvern “Rounding up at the Register”
Customers shopping at Kimberton Whole Foods’ Malvern location during the month of September will be able to round up to the nearest dollar at checkout, with the difference donated to VEP & 100% of those donations generously matched by Kimberton Whole Foods. For directions, visit www.kimbertonwholefoods.com.
Look for VEP at the St. Francis Fair in Celebration of Community and Nature (689 Sugartown Road, Malvern) on Saturday, September 26 from 12 to 4 pm. The St. Francis Fair will feature community organizations and artisans who help those in need or nurture our environment and help create a better world for all. Family, friends and neighbors are invited to this free event to enjoy fun games and activities for kids, food, music, crafts and much more.
The St. Francis-in-the-Fields community, a longtime supporter of VEP, recognizes the vital importance of community and environmental awareness and wellness and believes that serving others and preserving nature are the key to a sustainable world. Visit https://stfrancisfields.com for directions and information.
Tutor Dr. Mark DeWitte and VEP are proud to sponsor the 8th Annual D-Town Brew-Down, a home-brewed beer competition benefitting the Downingtown Library. The Brew-Down takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 1 to 5 pm at Minquas Fire Company No. 2, 141 Wallace Avenue, Downingtown, PA. Attendees will taste a wide variety of high-quality, home-brewed beers, which will be professionally judged for cash prizes. Food will be available on site for purchase from Chick-fil-A Downingtown.
As an integral part of the Downingtown area community, library services are in great demand and growing. Libraries are vital to the success of our students, providing free instructional space and access through library cards to a robust network of information throughout Chester County. For details, visit https://downingtownlibrary.org/dtownbrewdown/.
Highlights from 8th Annual Chester County Open Tennis Tournament
Congratulations to everyone on a successful Chester County Open Tennis Tournament! With 115 players and 95 matches at the Westtown School and Tennis Addiction, it was a record-breaking event! Together, we raised over $8,000 for VEP and collected 300 pounds of food and $2,000 for the West Chester Food Cupboard. A special thanks to Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, who kicked off the tournament with an inspiring speech. Thank you also to Radnor Racquet Club for offering additional indoor court availability.
A passionate group of tennis aficionados, proud residents of Chester County, and dedicated players with over 20 years of experience on the court, the Chester County Open offers club-level players a competitive tournament experience while raising funds for local nonprofits.
It was great to be back for our 14th year in a row as the beneficiary of WCASD’s Annual Strings Festival! Thank you to Katrina Kelly, Senior Strings Music Director, Dr. Sarah Graham, East High School Principal, Dr. David Christopher, WCASD Superintendent, & all of the ELD teachers throughout the district for their ongoing support. This year, families donated over $1,200 to VEP – our largest amount to date. This long-standing partnership is a natural fit, as VEP tutors know well the many benefits of using music as an ESL tool.
VEP is grateful for the recent grant towards our general operating fund from the Harry Chapin Foundation, whose mission is to support organizations that have demonstrated their ability to dramatically improve the lives and livelihood of people by helping them to become self-sufficient.
Research has shown that learning music and acquiring a new language engage similar pathways in the brain. Mastering an instrument or song and a language both involve the intricate coordination of auditory perception, memory, pattern recognition and emotion. Together, we celebrate the ways in which music, philanthropy, and volunteerism continue to move hearts and minds around the world.
When the Chester County community opens its doors to those seeking refuge from war, freedom from persecution, and relief from economic hardship, individuals turn to the Volunteer English Program for help.
This past year, VEP created pathways for 280 adult English language learners through the commitment of volunteer tutors, a 14% increase in demand since the pandemic began three years ago. As global crises forced millions from their homes in Ukraine, Afghanistan, West Africa, and throughout Latin America, VEP remained at the forefront, responding with compassion and innovation locally.
Once here, immigrants still face hurdles imposed by not having the words, understanding, or acceptance in their new communities. With an urgency to survive and a willingness to learn, VEP students courageously work to redefine their sense of home while reclaiming independence in their roles as parents, breadwinners, and individuals, now living in America.
Today, there are 196 active adult learners with over 100 more individuals still waiting for tutors. Over 60% of our current participants have families with children. Close to 75% face financial challenges living in Chester County, made more difficult with limited English proficiency.
The Volunteer English Program offers a vital link to success through language. Immigrants are then able to use their unique skills and talents, helping to make our communities places of peace and acceptance.
~Winter, 2022