From Congress Hall to Community Service: An Update from Team 151

Rep. Melissa Cerrato September 25, 2026

Dear Friends,

The month has been filled with moments that reminded me just how special it is to represent our community, from sitting in a room where Pennsylvania lawmakers gathered nearly 250 years ago, to rolling up my sleeves alongside neighbors for a day of service, to looking ahead to the next generation of people interested in public service.

I wanted to take a few minutes to share some of what I have been up to.

A Pretty Incredible ‘How Do I Get to Do This?’ Moment

There are certain moments in this job that make you stop, look around and think, “Wow, I actually get to do this.”

Attending a ceremonial House Session at Congress Hall in Philadelphia was definitely one of those moments.

As Pennsylvania continues celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, my House colleagues and I had the opportunity to gather in the same historic building where Pennsylvania legislators met more than two centuries ago.

And honestly, how cool is that?

So much of our nation’s story began right here in Pennsylvania. Sitting in those historic halls and thinking about the people who came before us, the debates that took place there and just how much our country has changed since those early days was pretty incredible.

This job moves fast. Most days involve bouncing between meetings, hearings, community events, constituent concerns and everything in between, so I really tried to take a moment and appreciate where I was.

History has always felt different to me when you can actually stand in the place where it happened.

It was a powerful reminder not only of Pennsylvania’s incredible role in the birth of our nation, but also of the responsibility that comes with representative government.

Nearly 250 years later, we are still entrusted with listening to our communities, bringing their voices to government and doing our best to leave things a little better for the people who come after us.

I am incredibly grateful to be part of this moment in Pennsylvania’s history and even more grateful that the people of the 151st District have trusted me to represent them.

Honoring September 11 Through Service

As we marked the 25th anniversary of September 11th, I was also grateful to join Mitzvah Circle for a very meaningful day of service.

Mitzvah Circle was awarded two AmeriCorps grants to host service projects commemorating this anniversary while helping grow a national movement to transform September 11 into America’s Day of Doing Good.

I love that idea.

There is something incredibly powerful about honoring such a painful day in our nation’s history by choosing kindness, service and community.

We remember the lives that were lost. We remember the first responders and everyday Americans who ran toward danger to help others. And so many of us also remember the way people came together afterward.

Neighbors checked on neighbors. Strangers helped strangers. Communities found ways to support one another.

Twenty-five years later, continuing that spirit of service feels like one of the most meaningful ways we can honor those memories.

Anyone who knows me knows how impressed I am by the work Mitzvah Circle does all year long. Their team works tirelessly to provide clothing, diapers, household necessities and other essentials to families facing difficult circumstances.

I always love getting the chance to jump in, lend a couple of hands and be part of the work.

Our district office is also proud to serve as a year-round donation dropoff location for Mitzvah Circle, so if you have items you would like to donate, you can always reach out to our office for information about what is currently needed.

As we reflect on 25 years since September 11, may we never forget the people we lost, the heroes who stepped forward and the way Americans came together.

And may we keep honoring that memory by showing up for one another and doing some good right here in our own communities. ??????

Want to Learn What Happens Behind the Scenes? Team 151 Is Hiring Interns!

One of the things I love about this job is giving people an opportunity to see how government actually works at the community level.

Our district office is currently accepting applications for interns to join Team 151!

Internships are typically 20 to 30 hours per week and last for a 10-week session, although many of our interns enjoy the experience so much that they choose to renew and stay with us for up to a year.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, live within the 151st Legislative District and be able to commit to the internship session.

This can be a great opportunity for political science students, young adults considering a career in public service, or really anyone interested in learning more about state government and how a legislative district office serves its community.

And trust me, there is a lot more happening behind the scenes than most people realize!

Our interns get hands-on experience with community outreach, constituent services, legislative work, communications, events and all of the everyday responsibilities that keep a district office moving.

Most importantly, they get to see firsthand that public service is really about people.

It is helping someone navigate a state program. It is answering a question from a neighbor who does not know where else to turn. It is attending a community event. It is learning how an idea becomes legislation. And sometimes it is simply listening.

If you or someone you know is interested in civic engagement, public service or learning more about state government, I would love for you to reach out.

You can email my office at repcerrato@pahouse.net, call us at (267) 282-6695, or stop by the district office and speak with Rafia about the internship program.

We are looking forward to welcoming the next members of Team 151!

As Always, We Are Here for You

Whether I am in Harrisburg, attending an event in our community, participating in an historic House session or working alongside local organizations, the most important part of this job continues to be serving the people of the 151st District.

If you need help with a state related issue, have a question about legislation, want to share an idea or simply want to let me know what is happening in your neighborhood, please reach out.

My team and I are always happy to help.

Thank you, as always, it is an incredible privilege representing you.

See you around the district!

Upcoming Events

?? Have old electronics collecting dust? Let’s recycle them responsibly!

I’m excited to once again host an E Waste Recycling Event for our community!

This is a great opportunity to safely get rid of old computers, laptops, printers, small appliances, DVD players, VCRs, miscellaneous wire, metal items, and just about anything with a plug.

A few important reminders: monitors, TVs, and items containing freon or other hazardous materials cannot be accepted. For everyone’s safety, please remain in your vehicle when you arrive and follow the directions of our volunteers.

Thank you to The Junkluggers for partnering with us to help keep electronic waste out of landfills and make responsible recycling a little easier for our neighbors.

Start gathering those old electronics now, and I hope to see you there! ????

??Trunk or Treat + community resources + food trucks = a pretty great Saturday afternoon!

Join Rep. Liz Hanbidge, Rep. Ben Sanchez, the Ambler YMCA, and me for our Family Resource Fair & Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 24 from 2 PM to 4 PM at the Ambler YMCA, 1325 McKean Road!

Bring the kids in costume, grab some treats, enjoy the food trucks, and connect with organizations offering helpful resources for families throughout our community.

This is all about bringing neighbors together, having some Halloween fun, and making it easier to learn about the services and support available right here in our area. ??

Costumes are welcome, so come dressed up and ready for some fun!

We hope to see you there! ??????