There are many community resources to aid our families.
Please Note: Information posted below is for reference only and endorsement by West Shore School District should not be implied.
Community Libraries
The libraries in the Cumberland County Library System offer many local resources. Besides borrowing books, movies, and music from their collection, they offer:- computers with internet access
- information about state resources, voting, and taxes
- job and career help that includes help with writing resumes, searching for a job, and preparing for an interview
- library services for people with special needs
Fredricksen Library
100 N. 19th Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011
(717) 761-3900
http://www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org/FRE
New Cumberland Library
1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland, PA 17070
(717) 774-7820
http://www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org/NCU
Simpson Library
16 North Walnut Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 766-0171
http://www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org/SIM
New Cumberland Library
70 Newberry Commons, Etters, PA 17319
(717) 938-5599
https://www.yorklibraries.org/etters-red-land/
Adult English Classes
The Employment Skills Center in Carlisle offers free English classes for non-native speakers. See the website to register online.
Contact:
Tania Bourdon
29 South Hanover Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-6040, extension 4424
email - [email protected]
https://employmentskillscenter.org/programs/esl-program/
The Catholic Charities of Harrisburg also offers classes to immigrants and refugees in our area. They offer 15 classes per year, ranging from beginner English to advanced English classes. They offer instruction on English in the workplace, computer labs, US Citizenship, and tutoring programs.
Contact:
Sara Beck
Catholic Charities
939 East Park Dr., Suite 102, Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 232-0568
email - [email protected]
http://www.cchbg.org/get-help/immigration-refugee-services/english-second-language/
Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) also offers Adult classes and GED classes. To learn about Community, College and Career, sign up for new student orientation or schedule placement testing, contact:
Contact:
(717) 780-2449
email - [email protected]
http://www.hacc.edu/ProgramsandCourses/AdultEducationGED/ESL-for-Workplace-and-Community.cfm
Immanuel Church also offers Adult English classes. The classes are held on the following days:
Tuesdays - 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Thursdays - 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Contact:
Immanuel Church
800 South Market St., Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 766-4633
email - [email protected]
https://www.immanuelcma.org/englishclasses/
Tri-County OIC offers English classes to students whose native language is not English. Classes are designed to help students better understand the basic structure of the English language. Teachers will help students speak, listen, and write in English. Our classes are contextualized. They are designed to meet the needs of our learners in their everyday lives. What students learn in class can be applied immediately. Classes are held at several locations in Dauphin and Cumberland counties. Small group, one-on-one, and distance learning instruction are available.
Contact:
Call (717) 238-7318
https://tricountyoic.org/adult-education/
Bible Baptist Church offers English classes for all levels as well as a citizenship class. Call the number below for more information.
Contact:
201 West Main Street
Shiremanstown, PA 17011
(717) 761-6040
Social Services
Here are some local agencies that may be of help, copied from What to Know about Cumberland County: A Beginner's Guide to Human Services prepared by the Cumberland County Homeless Assistance Program, Revised June 8, 2021.
GENERAL ASSISTANCE
New Hope Ministries
Weekday Hours: 9 am. to 4 pm.
Provides persons living in the West Shore area with emergency & referral services such as heat, utilities, housing, medical assistance, transportation and Job Junction. A food bank is available on site. Food pantry open daily from 9am-4pm (Call for information). If they qualify, clients can be referred for free/reduced rate medical services, PA American Water Co. and utility bill services such as Met Ed and Penelec electric help for the CAP program are also on premises. Clients are able to access COMPASS service which allows individuals access to screen for, apply for and renew a broad range of social programs: health care coverage, food stamps benefits, and cash assistance.
Contact:
Mechanicsburg
5228 East Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 766-7333
West Shore
701 Bosler Avenue, Lemoyne, PA 17043
(717) 774-6255
Additional information for general assistance can be found by clicking here.
FOOD
County Assistance Office Food Stamp information available:
(717) 240-2700
(800) 269-0173
Department of Public Welfare Helpline(800) 692-7462
TDD for hearing impairments (800) 451-5886
Apply online for information through
Compass website.
Local Food Banks Please go to the one closest to your house.
Christian Life Assembly Food Bank
2nd Tuesday, 9:00 - Noon
2645 Lisburn Road (at Church), Camp Hill, PA 17011
(717) 737-6560
New Hope Ministries Food Bank - Mechanicsburg
5228 East Trindle Road Mechanicsburg PA 717-766-7333
Monday-Friday 9am-4pm by appointment
Saturday 10am-12pm (no fifth Saturday
appointments)
Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7pm-9pm Tuesday 4pm-6pm (no fifth Tuesday appointments).
New Hope Ministries Food Bank - Mechanicsburg
701 Bosler Ave Lemoyne PA 717-774-6255
Monday-Friday 9am-4pm by appointment
Saturday 10am-12pm (no fifth Saturday
appointments)
Thursday evenings 6:30pm-8:30pm (by appointment)
Mobile Food Pantry: Third Saturday of each month from 10am-11am
CLOTHING AND FURNISHINGS
Bountiful Blessings offers non-consumable goods to those in need. Those who receive through Bountiful Blessings are required to give back to the program through volunteer time. Contact number: (717) 802-1222
Contacts:
Red Land Baptist Church
2nd and 4th Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
661 Big Spring Road, New Cumberland, PA
Vibrant - A Christian Church
1st and 3rd Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
1775 Lamb's Gap Road, Mechanicsburg, PA
Community Aid
Thrift store providing clothing, household and collectible items. 50% off all items on Wednesdays.
4833 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 412-7706
Goodwill Store
Monday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Source of low cost used clothing, used household goods and furniture.
1200 Market Street, Lemoyne, PA 17043
(717) 737-6134
Salvation Army Family Store
Monday through Saturday, 9:00 am. - 7:00 pm.
3901 E. Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011
(800) 728-7825
MEDICAL SERVICES
Ambulance - Call 911
CUMBERLAND CARES for Families (Cumberland County Aging & Community Services) An in-home visitation program to support and educate parents of children (Pre-natal to age 5). Cumberland Cares for Families focuses on goals the family wants to pursue with a family development social worker guiding and supporting those efforts. Direct help with child development and parenting skills is offered along with information and support to access other social services to meet financial, medical, counseling, housing, legal, and educational needs. No fees!
18 North Hanover Street, 3rd Floor Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 240-6172
UTILITIES
LIHEAP/Crisis/Weatherization Heat Programs
Three programs for low income households offered by the County Assistance Office that normally operate from mid November through March.
Contact:
County Assistance Office early November of each year
33 Westminster Drive, Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 240-2700
(800) 269-0173
Metropolitan Edison (MET Ed) Electric
(800) 545-7741
Contact:
Possible financial help at New Hope Ministries (PCAP)
5228 Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
PA American Water Company
(800) 717-7292
Contact:
Possible financial help at New Hope Ministries (PCAP)
5228 Trindle Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
(717) 766-7333
PPL Electric
1030 McClay Street, Harrisburg, PA 17103
(800) 342-5775
On Track
A low income program that helps with lower bill payments and debt forgiveness.
Contact:
Tri County Community Action
(717) 232-9757 - ask for the On-Track Program
UGI (natural gas)
(800) 276-2722
Contacts:
Customers Assistance Program (CAP) formerly known as LISHP.
Must already be on a payment service.
LIURP (Low Income Usage Reduction Program) if dwelling is heated by UGI, with landlord’s permission, UGI will weatherize unit.
Call (800) 844-9276 to see if eligible.
Operation SHARE is a UGI gas program for Cumberland County customers who are not enrolled in the CAP program.
(800) 844-9276
TRANSPORTATION
Capital Area Transit (CAT) (main bus station)
Provides transit services with reduced fees. Call for free bus route booklet.
901 N. Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 238-8304
http://www.cattransit.com
LEGAL
Mid-Penn Legal Services - Cumberland County Weekday Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Serves persons of low income with free legal advice. Performs services especially in areas of crisis, domestic violence, housing concerns, custody (limited), public benefits, and unemployment issues.
401 East Louther Street Suite 103, Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-9400
(800) 822-5288