Valerie Smallwood has spent 20 years in public service, returning to the role after a brief leave in 2018 due to health concerns. Her decision to come back was driven by one reason: service.
“I am here because I like the people and I like to help people,” she says. “If I am going to hurt you, I would rather just not deal with you. But if I am here and I can help you, that is where my blessings come from.”
This mindset shapes how the office engages with the community, ensuring that residents, whether struggling with food insecurity, housing crises, or benefit access, know they have an advocate.
Fighting Food Insecurity
The district faces a major food access problem.
“Our people are hungry—not only for knowledge but for physical food as well,” Smallwood says.
With the area classified as a grocery store desert, families rely on corner stores where fresh produce is limited. The district office organizes food drives and giveaways to help residents meet basic needs.
Beyond that, the office is actively addressing an alarming trend: EBT fraud. Many families wake up to find their food stamp benefits stolen overnight due to skimming scams.
“People are losing their food stamps overnight. They get their benefits at 12:01 AM, and by 8:00 AM, it’s gone,” Smallwood explains.
For mothers relying on these benefits to feed their children, the impact is devastating.
Assistance for Housing and Utility Needs
Beyond food access, the district office works to keep residents in their homes and ensure utilities stay on. They collaborate with PECO and local gas companies to help families avoid service shut-offs.
Emergencies also arise, and the office steps in to support those in crisis. They do not just direct people to programs, they work to ensure families are not left behind when they need help the most.
Spreading Awareness About Benefits
A key part of the office’s work is making sure residents know about available financial assistance programs. Too often, Smallwood says, people assume they do not qualify and miss out on support.
“So much money goes back to the federal government every year from the LIHEAP program because people do not think they qualify,” she explains. “Even if you do not think you qualify, apply. Let the program tell you that you do not qualify.”
Staff members take a hands-on approach, visiting senior housing facilities to help residents apply for property tax rebates and utility assistance. The goal is simple: get money into the hands of those who need it.
A Leadership That Listens
Speaker Joanna McClinton’s leadership drives the office’s approach. Her journey from public defender to Speaker of the Pennsylvania House has been shaped by listening to the people she serves.
“When you give excellence, you get excellence in return,” Smallwood says. “That is why she is the Speaker.”
McClinton expects her team to reflect that excellence, ensuring that every resident receives the attention and assistance they deserve.
An Open Door for the Community
The district office remains a place where residents can turn in difficult times. The team is committed to connecting people with resources, advocating for solutions, and making sure every voice is heard.
“Times are very rough. And they are not going to get any easier,” Smallwood acknowledges. “We just have to hunker down for these next four years and do the best we can.”
For residents of the 191st District, that means knowing there’s a team working for them, one that understands their struggles and is ready to help.
More Information:
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Philadelphia Housing Authority
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
Lenfest Institute for Journalism
This article is made possible with the support from the following organizations:
Dr. Eric John Nzeribe is the Publisher of FunTimes Magazine and has a demonstrated history of working in the publishing industry since 1992. His interests include using data to understand and solve social issues, narrative stories, digital marketing, community engagement, and online/print journalism features. Dr. Nzeribe is a social media and communication professional with certificates in Digital Media for Social Impact from the University of Pennsylvania, Digital Strategies for Business: Leading the Next-Generation Enterprise from Columbia University, and a Master of Science (MS) in Publication Management from Drexel University and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Temple University.
