WCGN

Germantown United CDC & State Senator Art Haywood hosted an amazing event on 9/17/25. Special guests included Dr. Sonia Lewis, “The Loan Doctor”, Louise Hayes an attorney with Community Legal Services, and Sheirce White, of GUCDC and Founder of #PhillyTeenJobs.

Things To Follow Up ASAP

Student Loans – November 1 Deadline
Sonia Lewis is the absolute GO-TO person about these loans. She hosts a free online workshop with everything you need to know about Student Loans and what you must do by November 1 to qualify for any loan forgiveness.
After November 1, under the new Big Beautiful (NOT!) Bill, you will lose the opportunity you still have. Check out her website as soon as possible to get the info you need!
Whether you attended a “for profit” or a non-profit school, whether your loan is in default or you are on schedule, whatever type of student loan you have, she has the answers for all your questions.
She assured us that you can do all the filing yourself for free, or you can hire her to complete them for you.

Changes in the SNAP Program
Senator Haywood spoke on these changes which went into effect on September 1. However, you still have time to file for reinstatement if you are being denied those benefits. Contact Senator Haywood’s office to get all the information and forms.
His Phone number is: 215-242-8171.

Medicaid Changes go into effect November 2026
Conveniently after the mid-term election, Medicaid changes are on their way but you have time to get those things in order so you don’t lose benefits on day 1.
Lousie Hayes, an attorney with Community Legal Services specializing in both SNAP & Medicaid, offered both broad and specific ways you can get the benefits that you need.
Again you can file everything yourself but you need forms and links to forms from Senator Haywood’s office (previous article) or Community Legal services.
Offices: 1410 W. Erie Avenue 215-227-2400
1424 Chestnut Street 215-981-3700

Video of 9/17 Meeting Available
Go to Germantown United CDC Website for the link.