Centre County nonprofits face challenges due to the coronavirus. Here’s what you can do

Community organizations continue to serve Centre County while adapting to changes brought on by the spread of coronavirus.

AIDS Resource has suspended HIV and STI testing. Its office is closed to the public, but case managers by available by phone, email or Zoom. The agency is accepting donations to help meet increased client need at www.givegab.com/nonprofits/aids-resource.

Visit aidsresource.com for more information. (updated March 23)

Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter notes that social distancing “is nearly impossible for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, who rely on family caregivers and others to live their daily lives. This reality affects these individuals across all settings, including home, adult day services, residential and assisted living facilities and nursing homes.”

The organization is offering additional resources for caregivers, including virtual education programs and support groups, at alz.org/pa and the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. (updated March 23)

Centre County Youth Service Bureau has adjusted nonessential services and programs to allow for social distancing. Burrowes Street Youth Haven and the 24/7 hotline can be reached at 234-2100. The agency continues to look after several people in its Stormbreak Girls Group home and in independent living locations in the county. YSB is also still serving families in the Reunification and Parenting Plus programs.

“We are essentially triaging — doing phone and video sessions where possible, but we have identified those households that need to continue to be visited in person in order to help assure child safety and assist with needs,” the agency said. Families and children in need can call 234-2100 or complete an online contact form at www.ccysb.com/contact. (updated March 24)

Centre Foundation staff members are working remotely until at least March 27. March and April events have been canceled or rescheduled. More information is at centre-foundation.org.

“We will be monitoring the situation and will be considering options to support nonprofits as needed,” the agency said. (updated March 19)

Centre Helps is still operating its emotional support, information and referral hotline 24 hours a day at 237-5855 or 800-494-2500. The organization is not taking walk-ins, but the emergency food pantry can be accessed onsite anytime. Those who lack food, shelter or other basic needs, or need emotional support, can contact Centre Helps anytime.

The agency is accepting donations to its Basic Needs Case Management program, which assists low-income people who are facing a financial crisis. Due to closures at Penn State and local businesses, Centre Helps is seeing more clients who are out of work and need help with basic expenses such as rent and utility payments.

“Additionally, some of the organizations we rely on to provide financial assistance are unable to provide their usual help while they are closed. Our goal is to work through these challenges to continue assisting our community members in need, but we could use extra help at this time,” the agency said.

Donations to the basic needs program can be sent to 410 S. Fraser St., State College, PA 16801, with “basic needs” in the check’s memo line. Contributions also will be accepted via PayPal at centrehelps.org. (updated March 17)

Centre LifeLink EMS suggests that community members can show their support by participating in the annual membership campaign or making a tax deductible donation. Centre LifeLink is dealing with a drop in calls that will affect the organization’s finances and is facing unexpected expenses from purchasing protective equipment for crew members during the pandemic.

Centre LifeLink is accepting donations of N95 masks, which can be arranged by contacting 237-8163 or Lshurgalla@centrelifelink.com. Memberships are available at www.centrelifelink.com or by phone. Donations can be made online or by mail to Centre LifeLink EMS, P.O. Box 272, State College, PA 16804.

“We are continuously inspired by the generosity of the community that we serve and thank you for your support,” the agency said. (updated April 2)

Centre Safe is operating with reduced staffing, but anyone seeking services or having questions can call 877-234-5050. A trained counselor advocate will be available at that 24-hour number for those needing assistance. Those interested in helping are asked to donate gift cards to Walmart, Target, local grocery stores or gas stations. Gift cards can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at 140 W. Nittany Ave. (updated March 17)

Centre Volunteers in Medicine is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon daily for phone calls, in-person scheduled appointments and medication pickups. Patients who need to make special arrangements for medication pickups should call and leave a message. Scheduled phone appointments will be held at the planned time. patients, but hours and some services are reduced.

CVIM does not receive government funding and is asking the community for donations. “We will remain open to serve our patients and we hope you will consider making a gift to help your uninsured friends and neighbors of Centre County during this current health care crisis,” the agency said in a statement.

For more information, visit www.cvim.net or Centre Volunteers in Medicine on Facebook. (updated March 20)

CentrePeace is closed, but donations of furniture in sellable condition and household goods can be left behind the building. Staffers stop by twice a day to move donations inside. (updated April 21)

Child Access Center is providing remote supervised visitation services for clients and placing new clients on a waiting list. Staffers are offering support, information and referrals to clients.

Visit childaccesscenter.com for more information. (updated April 14)

Dyslexia Reading Center of Central PA has closed to protect students and staff. Because testing has to be done in person, those services are not available. At the same, tutors are working with students remotely.

The center’s second Donut Dash fundraiser, originally scheduled for March 28, has been turned into a virtual event that will last throughout April. “We’re hoping that the change to a virtual race will be an advantage as the run can be done anywhere at anytime,” the center said. “Plus, we thought it could be something fun to do while we’re all practicing social distancing.” Register for the race here.

For more, visit www.dyslexiareadingcenter.org, Facebook or Instagram. (updated April 11)

FaithCentre in Bellefonte has closed its store and is asking that donations of clothing and household goods not be dropped off.

With the store closed and a need for food assistance, community members can support the organization’s efforts by donating at faithcentre.info.

“Our most vulnerable neighbors need our help more so than ever,” the organization said in a statement. (updated March 17)

Goodwill has closed stores and moved sales online. The organization also has suspended job training services. Items can be dropped off at brick and mortar donation centers, which reopened March 29. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The centers that reopened are: Clarion, DuBois BLine and Brady Street, Jersey Shore, Mill Hall, Olean, St. Marys, Seneca, Titusville and Williamsport.

“Donations ensure our continued ability to provide services in the future and to reopen when this crisis has passed,” the agency said.

Questions about services can be directed to the director of mission services by calling 371-2821. For information about donation centers and online stores, visit goodwillinc.org. (updated March 29)

House of Care has outlined several ways the community can help, including: sending cards to residents; making low-salt, low-sugar meals for five; providing ice cream, cases of vanilla Ensure or word puzzle books; and making financial donations toward staff bonuses or facility repairs. (updated April 21)

Housing Transitions staff members continue to work and provide services by phone or email. The main phone numbers are 237-5508 and 237-4863. Residents of the Centre House homeless shelter residents have been temporarily relocated to allow for greater social distancing. New residents cannot be accepted into the shelter program, but the organization will work with those at risk.

“Our staff members will continue to address the needs of those who may face challenges paying their rent in the future as work schedules are changing and people may experience a reduction in income,” the agency said.

Housing Transitions is facing “unexpected” costs from placing clients in hotels and has had to cancel fundraisers this month while facing uncertainty about a large fundraiser in June. “At this moment we are doing okay but sustaining is a concern. We feel it is important to still be able to pay our staff and continue to provide our essential services,” the organization said.

Donations can be made at housingtransitions.org. (updated March 18)

Interfaith Human Services will shift to cell- and email-based operations. “Agency voicemail will direct people to either leave a message or for existing clients how to contact their caseworker,” the agency said. “Voicemail will be monitored and messages returned from off site staff. (updated March 17)

Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania & West Virginia has postponed all wish travel as well as wish kid participation in all activities that involve large gatherings. Many events and fundraisers have been postponed or canceled. The chapter has postponed 61 of 400 pending wishes in its territory.

“Our mission has been interrupted and we need your support now more than ever,” the agency said, and asked supporters to donate at greaterpawv.wish.org/donate. (updated March 18)

Mid-State Literacy Council is requesting gifts in light of the cancellation of the Ron and Mary Maxwell Community Spelling Bee fundraiser. Contact the agency at: 238-1809; 248 Calder Way, Suite 307, State College, PA 16801; or mslc@mid-stateliteracycouncil.org. For more information, visit mid-stateliteracycouncil.org. (updated March 26)

MidPenn Legal Services is closed to the public, but staffers are working remotely. To apply for legal help, visit apply.midpenn.org. Advocates can be contacted through local offices. Visit www.midpenn.org for more information. (updated April 13)

Out of the Cold: Centre County has extended the hours of its day shelter from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and has requested donations of items including grab and go snacks, plastic utensils, paper napkins, toilet paper, backpacks or duffel bags, gift cards for local grocery stores, puzzles and books. For a complete list, visit Out of the Cold: Centre County on Facebook. To find out about specific guest needs, call 852-8864. Monetary donations can be made by check payable to OOTC at P.O. Box 784, State College, PA 16804. Donations can be dropped off at the rear porch entrance of the shelter, 318 S. Atherton St. in State College. Parking is behind the building and can be accessed from Nittany or Foster avenues via H Alley. Donations of clothing or blankets cannot be accepted. (updated March 20)

PA CareerLink Centre County is closed until further notice. Staff members are working remotely. Customers with general questions can call 548-7587 and leave a message or email estruble@tiu11.org. Clients who wish to contact a specific staff member can call or email them directly. Those who need a staff member’s phone extension can request it from estruble@tiu11.org. For updates, visit PA CareerLink Centre County on Facebook.

Visit www.uc.pa.gov for more information about unemployment compensation. (updated April 13)

Park Forest Preschool expects increased need in the fall and is facing an uncertain funding situation, as it relies on grants and donations from individuals, civic and faith groups, and the United Way. Community members can make financial donations to the school at 1833 Park Forest Ave. in State College or online. (updated April 21)

Schlow Centre Region Library is closed until at least April 30. Visitors can access free Wi-Fi from the library parking lot. Items borrowed from Schlow or any Centre County Library locations will not be due through at least April 30 and fines will not accrue during that time. Virtual libraries at schlowlibrary.org and centrecountylibrary.org will remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week while the libraries are closed. Patrons can manage their accounts, and download digital materials such as e-books, magazines and movies.

The library is accepting donations to support online resources, which are costlier than print items. Donations can be made at Go.Schlow.Org/Donate. (updated April 13)

Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Our Lady of Victory Conference, in State College, has closed its thrift store and suspended in-person operations. The organization will still offer financial help for basic needs to Centre County residents and will take requests for assistance by phone at 867-3131. Intake interviews will be held by teleconference. Donations of clothing or other goods are not being accepted.

“The closure of the thrift store has deprived us of our primary source of funds,” the organization said. “Monetary contributions are most welcomed” and can be sent to Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 1300 Benner Pike, Suite B, State College, PA 16801.

For more information, visit www.stvincentstatecollege.org. (updated March 23)

State College Meals on Wheels is serving homebound residents on a modified schedule. Clients receive weekly deliveries of frozen meals and shelf-stable groceries. The agency is seeking donations toward the cost of groceries — $25 covers a week of shelf-stable groceries for a client.

“Our clients are some of our most vulnerable neighbors and we need to help them stay safely in their homes,” Executive Director Suelynn Shiller said.

The organization also would welcome donations of hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes for drivers. Financial donations can be made at www.scmow.org or mailed to State College Area Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 1235, State College, PA 16804. For more information, call 237-8135. (updated April 16)

YMCA of Centre County is seeking donations of food items to help feed children while schools are closed. The requested items are: cans of tomato or chicken noodle soup; family boxes of macaroni and cheese; spaghetti or rigatoni; cans or plastic jars of spaghetti sauce; loaves of bread; Nutrigrain bars; oatmeal; plastic bottles of jelly; bottled water; apples; oranges; and quarts of milk.

Items can be dropped off at the Bellefonte, Moshannon Valley and State College branches from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact ltoukonen@ymcaocc.org to schedule a time to drop off items at the Penns Valley branch.

Monetary donations can be made online or by mail to YMCA of Centre County Development Office, 677 W. Whitehall Road, State College, PA 16801. (updated April 21)

We’d like to hear from community organizations in Centre County about how you’re responding to coronavirus. Have your operations changed? Are there any needs the community can help meet? If you’d like to share a message with our readers or your staff/volunteers, please email mhymowitz@centredaily.com.

This story was originally published April 13, 2020 at 12:01 PM.