CHESTER — Greenhouse Project Pastor John Clifford marked 18 years of sobriety this month, a milestone representing 6,575 days free from addiction.
His journey from homelessness and incarceration to full-time ministry has led the Greenhouse Project founder to become a source of inspiration for many seeking hope and transformation in the Delaware County area.
Growing up in Morton, Clifford’s struggle with addiction began in his teenage years, with what seemed like harmless experimentation, progressing through his early adulthood, while he worked in the food and restaurant industry.
“Addiction destroyed my relationships, my future, and my sense of self,” Clifford recently shared. “I lied, cheated, and stole from everyone I knew. I was trapped in a cycle that I couldn’t break on my own.”
Clifford’s turning point came in 2006, while serving time as a convicted felon.
“In prison, I met a man who had a joy and peace I had never known,” Clifford stated. “He shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with me, and at that moment, my life changed. I realized I couldn’t fix myself, but God could.”
Since then, Clifford has dedicated his life to ministry, serving in full-time recovery work for 17 years, formerly at CityTeam in Chester before starting Greenhouse Project, also based in Chester, where he now resides with his wife and children. Through Greenhouse Project, he mentors men battling addiction, providing spiritual guidance, recovery support, and practical resources for long-term transformation.
“Recovery is about daily surrender to God,” he said. “I stay grounded by helping others — because to keep it, you must give it away.”
Despite the challenges he faced post-recovery — including homelessness and financial instability — Pastor John remained steadfast in his faith.
“I didn’t know where I’d sleep or eat, but I trusted that God had a plan,” the Greenhouse Project founder said. “Step by step, He provided.”
During the past two years, addiction recovery efforts have expanded through the Greenhouse Project.
Last year alone, 57 Chester neighbors received over 376 hours of free counseling.
A small network of sober living homes, managed by Clifford to help others in their own sobriety journeys, served 49 men with 9,102 nights of shelter to meet critical needs like safe community, accountability and practical support.
Today, Greenhouse Project’s Discipleship Recovery Houses in Delaware County provide shelter and support for 24 men in recovery, with an average cost of $700 per person per month.
“As the seasons change, God’s love and power to transform lives remain the same,” Clifford said, reflectively. “If He could redeem my story, He can do it for anyone.”
To sustain and expand this vital ministry, Clifford encourages community partnership.
To learn more about Discipleship Recovery Houses, and how to help, or to reach out to get help, visit http://ghproject.org or contact jclifford@ghproject.org.
Manoa American Legion holds bi-weekly cash bingo games
The Manoa American Legion Post 667 holds bingo, with cash prizes, every other Thursday at the post, 1112 Steel Road, Havertown.
The next bingo, which will include a Super Bonus Game, will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 20. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
For questions or more information, visit http://Post667.com or call 610-446-9986 or email AmericanLegionPost667@gmail.com.
New business development manager takes lead role at Goodwill Staffing
Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County announced the appointment this week of Christopher Banker to the role of business development manager for Goodwill Staffing Services, a program of Goodwill.
Banker will focus on forging partnerships with businesses across various industries, particularly engaging with organizations to establish and expand staffing contracts. His leadership will help strengthen Goodwill’s mission of providing employment services that empower individuals and transform communities.
Banker brings over a decade of experience in education and workforce development. He holds a master’s in special education. He began his journey with Goodwill as a career navigator, where he played a pivotal role in guiding job seekers toward sustainable employment opportunities.
Goodwill Staffing Services provides talent management solutions to businesses, government agencies and nonprofits in Delaware and in Delaware County.
More than 600 people from an array of industries, skillsets and backgrounds are employed with Goodwill Staffing Services, in both competitive employment and set-aside positions.
“We are excited to have Christopher step into this essential role, helping to grow our staffing services program,” shared Goodwill of Delaware’s President and CEO, Colleen Morrone. “His passion for workforce development, combined with his proven ability to build meaningful relationships, will be invaluable as we continue to provide skills training and employment opportunities to all those we serve.”
Goodwill is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people facing barriers to self-sufficiency through the power of work. Goodwill’s donated goods/retail program funds its mission and aims to help protect the planet through the responsible reuse and recycling of donated items. Goodwill’s community-based workforce development programs empower people to reach their full potential, provide for themselves and their families, and contribute to the economic and social growth of their communities.
For more information, go to www.GoodwillDE.org.
St. Joseph Parish to hold spring craft and vendor event
The Church of St. Joseph, 3255 Concord Road, Aston, will hold its annual craft and vendor event on Saturday March 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Over 40 vendors and crafters will display home decor, pet accessories, baked goods, kitchen ware and more.
The community is invited for shopping for Easter, spring and Mother’s Day needs. For more information, contact Bazaar@churchofstjosephaston.org.
MN Drama to present ‘Legally Blonde: The Musical’ this month
Marple Newtown Drama, the award winning extracurricular theater program at Marple Newtown High School, will present “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” at Marple Newtown Performing Arts Center, 120 Media Line Road, Newtown Square.
The show are Thursday through Saturday, March 20, 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. with a matinee performance on the 22ndat 2 p.m.
“Legally Blonde: The Musical” tells the story of Elle Woods, a fashionable sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend.
The character ultimately discovering her own strength and proving that being “legally blonde” can be a powerful asset, defying expectations while staying true to herself through a journey filled with catchy songs and dynamic dance numbers. The show is based on the popular movie of the same name.
Tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for seniors and students, with a service charge of $1 per ticket. For more information and tickets, go to http://MNDRAMA.org. For questions, email bwalden@mnsd.org.
Tickets on sale for Delaware County Victim Assistance Center benefit
The Delaware County Victim Assistance Center will hold its Joining Together, Inspiring Hope gala, 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 4 at Anthony’s At Paxon Hollow, 850 Paxon Hollow Road, Marple Township.
Everyone is invited to don their cocktail attire and attend the special evening to benefit the Delaware County Victim Assistance Center and honor its 2025 award recipients.
The Founder’s Award will be given to William Baldwin, CEO of Montgomery Child Advocacy Project. The Community Impact Award will go to Family Support Line Children’s Advocacy Center.
Sponsorship opportunities and tickets to the event are available. For information, contact Candice Linehan at 610-566-4342 or clinehan@delcovictimassistance.org.
The Delaware County Victim Assistance Center, formerly known as Delaware County Women Against Rape, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more about the organization: www.delcovictimassistance.org.
Community invited to learn more about Springfield Hero Project at library
Representatives of Springfield American Legion Post 227 will be at the Springfield Township Library to talk about the Springfield Hero Project at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9.
The Springfield Hero Project was developed by the American Legion Post 227 to ensure the stories of courage, service and commitment of local heroes are preserved and shared with future generations. Representatives from the post will present an overview of the Project, as well as share its origins and implementation, and discuss five featured Springfield military heroes.
Everyone is welcome to learn more about the heartfelt initiative and to help celebrate the contributions and commemorate the sacrifices of all veterans. To register: www.springfieldtwplib.com/events.
Strath Haven students give helping hands and donated school supplies to Teachers’ Teammates
Students in Strath Haven School District recently dedicated several hours to assembling pencil pouches filled with essential supplies — such as pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, and glue sticks — to help students served by Teachers’ Teammates to restock their materials for the second semester.
While many donors focus on back-to-school time, Teachers’ Teammates recognizes that students often run low on basic supplies as the year progresses, especially during the third and fourth marking periods.
“The students thoroughly enjoyed working on it and were very invested in the project,” said Mrs. Jessica Domsky, Strath Haven’s sixth grade school counselor and project adviser.
Now in its third year, this initiative is part of Teachers’ Teammates’ broader mission to support educators and students in Delaware County’s under-resourced schools. Since its founding by local educator Realyn Harman, the nonprofit, all-volunteer organization has distributed more than $2.5 million in donated school supplies to teachers and students in public, charter, and parochial schools where at least 65% of students qualify for the National School Lunch Program. The impact is felt across classrooms, easing the financial burden on teachers who often reach into their own pockets to provide for their students.
Last year alone, Teachers’ Teammates fulfilled hundreds of teachers’ orders, delivering everything from notebooks and writing utensils to art supplies and classroom essentials. The organization operates out of a warehouse in Folcroft, where educators can request supplies free of charge once per quarter, ensuring that classrooms stay stocked throughout the year.
Teachers’ Teammates operates a free online store where educators can request supplies quarterly, with the average order valued at around $500. A two-year membership costs $40, often covered by schools or local organizations, allowing teachers to choose supplies that best meet their students’ needs.
The collaboration between Strath Haven students and Teachers’ Teammates exemplifies community spirit and the collective effort to support education in Delaware County. This initiative not only provides essential supplies but also fosters a culture of empathy and service among students.
To make a donation, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit www.TeachersTeammates.org or email Info@TeacherTeammates.org.
Haverford School District presents Evening of Jazz
The Haverford Music Department’s 44th annual Evening of Jazz will take place 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 4 in the auditorium at Haverford High School, 200 Mill Road, Havertown.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or online. Proceeds will benefit the Haverford School District Jazz Program.
The Haverford High School Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band, and Jazz Combo, and the Haverford Middle School Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Fords will perform. Guest artist and 2025 Haverford Jazz artist-in-residence Greg Kettinger will perform on guitar with all the ensembles.
For more information, go to www.haverford.k12.pa.us/home-high-school/academics/music/concert-schedule.
Readers can send community news and photos to Peg DeGrassa at pdegrassa@21st-centurymedia.com.
