State Rep. Youngblood hosts open house at new Chelten Ave. field office

Last weekend, state Rep. Rosita Youngblood hosted an open house to welcome constituents to her relocated field office, a Chelten Avenue storefront which once housed a pharmacy.

The move to 243 W. Chelten Ave. from the nearby Burgess Center became necessary when traces of mold led to the hospitalization of two staffers.

Youngblood, whose new digs are located near the Chelten Plaza development she vehemently opposed, said she hopes to overcome not having a local office for several months.

“This weekend’s open house is a way to let constituents know that we have a new location and that we are fully operational again,” she said. “It has been a difficult few months, but my staff is as eager as ever to help the people of this community.”

Getting face time

Attendees had the opportunity to personally meet one-on-one with Youngblood and staffers including legislative assistant Donielle Martin who said, “This is a chance for us to hear everyone’s concerns and follow up on them.”

Resident Fannie Watts, who learned of the event via an invitation in the mail, explained that she attended because, “I would just like to know what resources this office has available.”

Community involvement

One issue discussed was the lack of community involvement; it is an issue that newly appointed outreach coordinator YahNe’ Baker said she hopes changes soon.

“Members of the community need to work together and not alone,” Baker said.

Added Youngblood, who plans to seek re-election in November, “I am so happy to see so many people come out to learn about my office and the resources available to them.” The office is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.