Centre Helps Since 1972, Centre Helps has continually aided Centre County residents in crisis. As we celebrate our 45th anniversary this year, we have simplified our name from “Community Help Centre” to “Centre Helps,” because that’s exactly who we are: We are Centre County volunteers, helping our neighbors in Centre County. We provide direct help, and we act as a navigator, connecting people in need with the services that will assist them in reaching personal and financial stability. We help people just like you to solve their problems. Centre Helps has four key program areas: •24-hour Hotline, staffed 24/7/365 by skilled, compassionate volunteers. In 2016, we answered more than 10,000 calls. •Basic Needs Case Management, providing counseling, emotional support, advocacy, education, financial packaging, budget counseling, and resource identification. In 2016, we provided case management to 387 people, and referred 805 to the State College Food Bank. •Educational programming Youthful Offenders Program in partnership with the State College Police Department, offers an alternative educational adjudication program for youth cited for violating alcohol laws. In 2016, 454 students completed the YOP. Parents of Addicted Children Coming Together (PACCT), an educational support group for parents of children struggling with addiction. •Volunteer training for Penn State students and other volunteers who each fulfill a 340- hour commitment to staffing the agency; many volunteers go on to pursue careers in law enforcement, social work, and education. In 2016, volunteer service opportunities were provided to 80 people. Centre Helps is able to provide these essential services thanks to the generous support of our key partners: Centre County United Way, Centre County Government, and Centre Foundation. This support has allowed us to utilize new technology to assist our clients. Last summer, we offered our first completely online Youthful Offenders Program course. Soon, clients will be able to communicate with Centre Helps staff through text messaging and chat/instant messaging. It’s all part of our ongoing mission: Empowering Lives on the Line in Centre County.
1972: 1995: 1998: 2001: 2017:
On Drugs Inc. begins offering alcohol and drug intervention, information, and education. On Drugs Inc. becomes Well Spring. Well Spring assumes contract for Volunteer Center of Centre County and begins providing additional services. Well Spring officially merges with Volunteer Center of Centre County to become Community Help Centre. Community Help Centre becomes Centre Helps to better communicate our mission and mark our 45th year of serving Centre County residents.
www.centrehelps.org 410 S. Fraser St., State College 814.237.5855 or 800.494.2500
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