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Supporting Our Community: Resources for Children and Families in Need

Essential Resources to Help Families Thrive in Our Community

By Kendra Bradford, publisher of Macaroni KID Carlisle - Shippensburg - Boiling Springs September 24, 2024
Supporting Our Community

In every community, there are families facing challenges that make daily life a struggle. Whether it's financial hardship, lack of access to essential services, or needing support in times of crisis, it’s important to know that help is available. Our local community is rich with resources dedicated to supporting children and families in need, ensuring they have the tools and assistance necessary to thrive. Below is an overview of the key resources available in our area.

1. Food Assistance Programs

Local Food Pantries
Several food pantries operate within our community, providing nutritious food to families in need. These pantries offer non-perishable items, fresh produce, and even hygiene products. Some well-known pantries include:

  • Project SHARE is a community-based organization focused on helping those in need by providing access to food, nutrition education, and other resources. They offer food distribution programs, fresh produce initiatives, and educational workshops to support local families in need. Their mission is to promote health and self-sufficiency while fostering a sense of community.
  • The Salvation Army provides essential services to individuals and families in need within the community. They offer assistance through food programs, emergency housing, utility help, and seasonal support like holiday meals and toy drives. Their mission is to offer hope and practical aid to those facing tough circumstances.

Backpack Programs
To ensure children don't go hungry over the weekends, some schools and organizations run backpack programs that provide kids with a bag of food to take home on Fridays. Contact your child’s school or local community center to learn more.

2. Housing and Utility Assistance

Emergency Shelter Services
Families facing homelessness or housing instability can access emergency shelters that provide safe lodging, meals, and support services to help them get back on their feet.

  • Safe Harbor is a nonprofit organization in Carlisle, PA, that provides housing and supportive services to individuals and families facing homelessness. They offer emergency shelter, transitional housing, and long-term housing programs, along with case management to help residents regain stability and independence.
  • Carlisle Cares (now known as Community CARES) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emergency shelter and supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Carlisle, PA. They offer overnight shelter, case management, and connections to essential resources, helping people transition to stable housing and self-sufficiency.

Utility Assistance Programs
To help with heating, electricity, and water bills, several programs are available to assist low-income families, particularly during the colder months.

  • Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) not only regulates essential utility services like electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunications but also provides resources for residents struggling to pay their utility bills. Through programs like the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs), PUC connects eligible individuals and families with financial aid to help cover heating, electric, and water bills. They also offer information on weatherization assistance and other resources to reduce energy costs.
    Utility Assistance Information:
    • LIHEAP: Provides grants to help with heating costs. Apply through your local County Assistance Office.
    • Customer Assistance Programs (CAPs): Available through your utility provider to offer reduced rates based on household income.
    • Hardship Funds: Additional financial aid from utility companies for customers in need.
      • Contact Information:
      • Phone: 1-800-692-7380
      • Website: puc.pa.gov
      • Address: 400 North Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120
      • Email: consumer@pa.gov
  • Free Laundry Nights: Hosted by the Carlisle Area Religious Council, the 2nd Tuesday of each month, beginning Sept 10th. Families can get 2 free loads.

3. Health and Wellness Services

Free and Low-Cost Clinics
For families without health insurance or those underinsured, free and low-cost clinics offer medical, dental, and mental health services. These clinics are vital for ensuring children and families have access to the healthcare they need.

  • PA 211 is a free, confidential service that connects individuals and families across Pennsylvania with essential health and human services. By dialing 2-1-1, residents can access information and referrals for resources like food, housing, utility assistance, healthcare, and more. PA 211 operates 24/7, offering support for anyone in need of local services.

Mental Health Support
Mental health resources are available for children and parents struggling with anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges. Local counseling services and hotlines provide confidential support and guidance.

  • Merakey Stevens Center is a comprehensive behavioral health provider in Carlisle, PA, offering a wide range of services for individuals with mental health and developmental disabilities. Their programs include outpatient therapy, psychiatric services, addiction recovery, and residential support, focusing on improving the quality of life for individuals and families in the community. Merakey Stevens Center is dedicated to providing compassionate care and support for those in need for free.

4. Educational Support

School Supplies and Clothing Drives
For families struggling to afford school supplies or clothing, local drives and programs provide essential items to ensure every child is prepared for the school year.

  • Carlisle 4 Kids Back to School Supply Drive is an annual initiative aimed at ensuring that children in the Carlisle area have the necessary school supplies to start the academic year prepared and confident. This drive collects donations of school supplies, backpacks, and other essential items, which are distributed to local students in need. By providing these resources, the program seeks to alleviate the financial burden on families and promote educational success for all children in the community.

Additional Educational Support
Resources that extend beyond before/after school care for those in need.

  • SPY (Supportive Partnerships for Youth): is a nonprofit organization based in Carlisle, PA, dedicated to empowering and supporting youth in the community. They focus on providing mentorship, educational resources, and life skills development to help young people achieve their full potential. Their programs are designed to foster resilience, self-confidence, and personal growth among youth, ensuring they have the tools they need for success. 
    • For students in Carlisle, South Middleton & Big Spring School Districts that are entering 1st through 6th grade that are struggling academically
    • Also features Spy Fun Days to help provide childcare to those in need during scheduled days off during the school year as well a 6 week summer camp.
    • Contact Jeanna Som for more information

5. Financial and Legal Assistance

Financial Counseling Services
Families facing financial difficulties can access free counseling services to help manage debt, create budgets, and navigate financial challenges. These services often include one-on-one sessions with a trained financial advisor.

  • Salvation Army's Pathway of Hope: program in Carlisle offers a holistic approach to addressing the root causes of poverty and homelessness. This initiative provides personalized support services, including case management, financial assistance, and life skills training, to empower families and individuals to achieve self-sufficiency. The program aims to break the cycle of poverty by helping participants set and achieve personal goals for long-term stability.
  • Samaritan Fellowship: is a faith-based organization dedicated to providing assistance and support to individuals and families in need. They offer various services, including food assistance, clothing, and financial support for housing and utilities. Their mission is to serve the community with compassion and dignity, helping those facing hardships to regain stability and hope.

Legal Aid
Legal aid organizations provide free or low-cost legal assistance to families dealing with issues like eviction, custody disputes, or other civil matters. These services are crucial for ensuring families have the legal support they need.

  • MidPenn Legal Services offers free legal assistance to low-income residents in areas such as family law, housing, consumer protection, and public benefits.

6. Community and Social Support

Parenting Support Groups
Parenting can be challenging, especially in difficult circumstances. Support groups offer a space for parents to share experiences, gain advice, and find solidarity with others in similar situations.

  • Strengthening Families Program by Cumberland/Perry: is a family-focused initiative designed to enhance the well-being of children and strengthen family bonds. This program provides support and resources for parents and caregivers, including workshops and skill-building activities that promote effective parenting, communication, and conflict resolution. By fostering healthy family dynamics, the program aims to improve child development and create safer, more nurturing home environments.
  • Pomfret Street Outreach: Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month distribute FREE food packages and FREE Diapers to anyone in need.
    • 11am - 12:30pm
    • 79 East Pomfret St. Carlisle, PA 17013

Community Centers & Thrift Stores
Local community centers often provide a variety of resources, including educational workshops, recreational activities, and social services, all aimed at supporting families in need.

  • Green Life: Thrift store located in Mt. Holly, nothing is over $5 and they also have a small food pantry.
  • New Life Community Church: Thrift store where you can shop for items to furnish homes. They also have a clothing closet, bikes available (if someone is without transportation), help finding employment and healthcare (referral needed).

How to Get Involved

If you’re interested in helping families in need, there are numerous ways to get involved. Volunteering your time, donating to local charities, or participating in community drives can make a significant difference in the lives of others.

Final Thoughts

Our community is stronger when we support one another. By utilizing these resources or contributing to their efforts, we can ensure that all children and families have the opportunity to thrive. If you or someone you know needs help, don’t hesitate to reach out to these organizations—support is just around the corner.

If you have any suggestions for additional resources or organizations that can help, please reach out to us! We are always looking to expand our list of community supports and appreciate your input in making our community a better place for all.

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Macaroni Kid Carlisle-Shippensburg-Boiling Springs is a is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in Carlisle, Shippensburg, and Boiling Springs. We gather together all kinds of local family events and activities each week, and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and camp guides and more. We proudly serve families in Carlisle, Shippensburg, Newville, Newburg, Boiling Springs, Mt. Holly Springs, Gardners, Orrstown and more.

Disclaimer: This article had a little help from our AI sidekick—because even words need a co-pilot sometimes!


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