'Dedicated And Hard-Working' Executive Director Gets Best Of 2025 Nod

WEST CHESTER, PA — Every community has its bright spots — the neighbors, businesses and local favorites that make it feel like home. As 2025 comes to a close, Patch and T-Mobile are recognizing the people, places and moments that made this year brighter in West Chester through our Best of 2025 series.

This story was submitted by Carol Campenni, who nominated Jessica Chappell, Executive Director of Safe Harbour. To share your own Best of 2025 nomination, click here to answer a few questions, and we’ll take it from there.

Who or what are you nominating for Best of 2025?

Jessica Chappell, executive director of Safe Harbour

How did this person, place or experience make a difference in your life or community this year?

Jessica Chappell has made significant changes and contributions to the programs offered at Safe Harbor of West Chester. Safe Harbor provides temporary housing for people who find themselves needing assistance with homelessness.

She initiated programs for the residents to empower themselves to learn and grow and become independent. Jessica oversees many aspects of the programs at Safe Harbor. The staff provides breakfast, lunch and dinner for shelter residents and lunch for the food insecure of our surrounding community. They also connect those in need with agencies that can provide interview-ready clothing, as they prepare to enter the work force. The residents are also provided help with securing government issued IDs to those without, allowing them to take the next step to procure housing and employment.

Safe Harbor collaborates with other human services agencies to provide job training and weekly life skills training. On-site counseling and case management services are offered as well. Safe Harbor provides transportation assistance for residents, so that they can keep their appointments. Connecting those in need with agencies that can provide job referrals and employment placement is important to the residents' successful outcome. Safe Harbor also provides access to financial and legal aid services.

Jessica has developed relationships with landlords and works with housing authorities and placement groups to get people housing and help those in need get insurance and have relationships with medical professionals who can provide free work. This is a dynamic organization serving the community in amazing ways, thanks to Jessica Chappell's leadership and vision.

What would you like everyone in town to know about your nominee?

I would like people to know that Jessica Chappell is a dedicated and hard-working professional who identifies a need for those going through a tough time, and works with a terrific team to see how they can best meet the needs of each individual. Jessica is relentless in her vision to provide services for these individuals who need assistance getting on their feet. She is a calm, patient, and a caring leader who is respected by her staff. Jessica is motivating and inspiring to everyone she comes into contact with. She is well deserving of this recognition.

If you could tell them one thing, what would it be?

If I could tell Jessica Chappell one thing it would be that her work ethic is unparalleled and that her impact on so many men and women of Chester County is extremely positive. Many thanks for a job well done and continued success with your team at Safe Harbor.

What’s something you love most about your town or community?

West Chester is a wonderful town with friendly people and smiling faces. Our small town feel is real with our restaurants, shops, and entertainment options offering everything there is in a big city with the countryside just a short drive down the road. West Chester is a walk friendly town, and their parks and recreation department do a great job of providing fun activities and events all year long. Thank you!

We want to hear from you, too! Is there a restaurant, a contractor, a business, a person — even a place — that’s your pick for Best of 2025? Click here to answer a few questions, and your story could be featured on Patch.

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