• Indiana County has received monies to assist with rent and utility payments for those who have been affected by COVID-19. The county has entered into an agreement with ICCAP to administer and deliver the services for the Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance Program. More information is available on the ICCAP Facebook Page or call ICCAP at (724) 465-2657. There are specific eligibility requirements including 80 percent average median income or lower. Applications can be completed on the online COMPASS Program, by calling ICCAP and providing information over the phone, by making an appointment with ICCAP to use their computers and/or obtain assistance with computers, by requesting a hard copy application be sent to your home, or by working with the Pittsburgh Food Bank’s SNAP representative at (833) 822-7627 who will also enter the information into the COMPASS Program. Any questions about the program should be directed to ICCAP. ICCAP is also asking for assistance with a short survey to see what financial impact COVID-19 has had on households in Indiana County. The survey link can be found on their Facebook page.
• The CDC has developed a Vaccine Toolkit to help the community communicate vaccine information. To use and share the toolkit, visit https://www.cdc.gov/corona virus/2019-ncov/vaccines/toolkits/community-organization.html.
• The REACH Partnership continues to disseminate information concerning COVID-19. A group of local community leaders formed Resources, Education, Announcements, Communication, Help — a collective voice and official source for news and information around emerging concerns and opportunities for the citizens of Indiana County. The concept evolved from the COVID-19 Recovery Task Force spearheaded by the Indiana County Board of Commissioners. The first countywide concern REACH is addressing is the impact of COVID-19 on Indiana County residents. For information, visit www.IndianaCountyPAREACH.org; on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Indiana-County-REACH-106736077930704/ and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/IndianaReach.
• The Family Promise store, “Beyond Shelter,” is open and serving consumers. This store provides low-income and underemployed individuals an opportunity to purchase non-food items for a reduced price so they can use their cash resources to pay their rent and utilities, therefore aiding their ability to maintain independent living. Call (724) 464-5220 or email ihnindiana@gmail.com to check eligibility, see what you need to bring to your first visit, register for the program, learn the process and the hours of operation.
• Indiana Borough launched the “Together Indiana” Outreach Campaign to provide a unifying voice for community members working together to combat the Coronavirus. For more information, visit https://www.togetherindiana.com.
• The Open Door — Services are provided both on site and via telehealth on a case by case basis for both Alcohol and Other Drug Services, as well as Gambling Addiction Services. In such a time of uncertainty, The Open Door wants everyone to know they are available 24/7 to assist with getting people into outpatient or inpatient treatment services. For more information, call (724) 465-2605.
• The Open Door — Crisis is still responding to all mobiles when safe. However, they are not entering buildings or homes. They are meeting consumers outside or on a porch to maintain social distancing. They also have the ability to do remote and mobile assessments over the phone if needed for their or the clients’ safety. For more information, call (724) 465-2605.
• The Open Door — Support groups are meeting at their own discretion. As this information changes periodically, call with questions. A list of tele or online meetings is available for those to safely connect with others for a meeting. For more information, call (724) 465-2605.
• Indiana County Office of Planning and Development — The Housing Accessibility Program provides financial assistance in the form of a grant to Indiana County residents with permanent physical disabilities. The work performed will enable residents to maintain their independent living status by modifying their homes to accommodate their disability. Eligibility requirements must be met including income and homeownership guidelines. There is a waiting list at this time for new applicants. For more information, call Tina Coleman at (724) 465-3872 and leave a message. Staff are working from home. They will return your call.
• Indiana County Office of Planning and Development — The 55+ Roof and Furnace Replacement Program provides furnace replacements for inoperable or inefficient older furnaces that do not operate properly. To qualify, applicants must be age 55 and over, Senior homeowners, low-moderate income eligible (Section 8 Guidelines), current on property taxes or on an approved payment plan with Tax Claim. Wood burners, coal furnaces or outdoor furnaces will not be installed. Assessment of the home’s building envelope will be made upon inspection. Additional improvements may be made to aid the efficiency of the new furnace if funds are available. There is a waiting list at this time for new applicants. Call (724) 465-3872 and leave a voicemail. Staff are working from home. They will return your call.
• Naloxone (Narcan) Training is offered by the Armstrong Indiana Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug (i.e. prescription pain medication or heroin). It blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and restores breathing within two to eight minutes to prevent death. Anyone can obtain free Naloxone by completing training with a staff member. To schedule an appointment, call (724) 463-7860 in Indiana County, (724) 545-1614 in Armstrong County and (814) 226-6350 in Clarion County.
• The Salvation Army Food Pantry is held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. The pantry is open to the public, but appointments are required. No walk-ins are permitted. Those attending must show photo identification. For more information, call (724) 465-2530.
• County residents can dial the 2-1-1 Helpline and be connected with a live operator 24 hours per day, seven days a week who can connect them with human services help. Share this number with family and friends who may not be sure where to turn for help with such things as emergency shelter, food banks, crisis intervention, childcare and other health and human service resources. For more information, visit www.pa211sw.org.
• Aging Services, Inc. — Social Centers have resumed normal hours. Daily attendance is limited along with limited activities (fitness classes, craft classes and bingo). Congregate meals are provided. To attend a center, call and reserve a meal by noon the day before. Reservation times will be staggered to accommodate as many participants as possible. Takeout meals will be continued, and individuals must also call the day before by noon to reserve a meal. Those attending the center will be required to consent to a temperature and health screening and to follow handwashing, mask and social distancing protocols. Those who are ill are asked not to attend and must understand that if they are visibly ill, their entrance will be denied. For more information, call (724) 349-4500 or (800) 442-8016.
• Aging Services, Inc. — Administrative Offices are open by appointment only. If anyone needs to see the Apprise Counselor or a Care Manager, call first and make an appointment. For more information, call (724) 349-4500 or (800) 442-8016.
• Aging Services, Inc. can help individuals request an appointment for the COVID-19 vaccine if they do not have internet access. IRMC has limited vaccine available for Indiana County residents age 65 and over, established IRMC patients age 65 and over or health care workers. For assistance, call (724) 349-4500.
• Aging Services, Inc. — The Armagh center is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays with exercise classes from 10:45 to 11:30 a.m. Congregate meals will be served at noon. Call (724) 349-4500 the day before to order a meal. Transportation is available.
• Aging Services, Inc. — The Aultman center is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays with exercise classes from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Congregate meals will be served at noon. Call (724) 349-4500 the day before to order a meal. Transportation is available.
• Aging Services, Inc. — The Mahoning Hills center is serving breakfast from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Mondays. For more information, call (724) 286-3099.
• The Creekside Area Food Pantry is available by appointment for residents of Creekside, Ernest, and Washington Township from 10 a.m. to noon the second Thursday of the month at Creekside United Methodist Church. For more information or an appointment, call (724) 463-0580.
• The Grace United Methodist Church Food Bank supplies fresh meat, produce, dairy and pantry items. For more information, call (724) 463-7530 and leave a message. Volunteers pick up messages from their homes, and calls are returned within 24 hours.
• My Best Friend’s Closet, sponsored by Saltsburg United Methodist Church, is open from 9 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of every other month February through September. It is closed October through January. They provide free, gently used clothing. To confirm dates, call (724) 639-9454.
• The Arc of Indiana County, ICCAP, and the USDA Farm to Family Program partnered to offer a small-scale site distribution of food for individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, other disabilities and their families. Produce distribution is from 10:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, except the third Wednesday of the month at 120 N. Fifth St., Indiana. For more information on ordering boxes, contact Michelle Jordan at (814) 441-7981, (724) 349-8230 or at mjordan@arcindiana.org.
• Chevy Chase Community Center — Grab and Go Lunches, which take the place of the soup kitchen until further notice due to COVID-19. Free healthy balanced lunches are available through a pick-up window from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Lunches are available to the community. Individuals will be asked to “sign in,” and lunches will only be given to those present at the window or in a vehicle. People will no longer be able to pick up for others. For more information, call (724) 463-0674. During regular hours, those age 65 and older or healthcare workers can sign up for the COVID-19 vaccine if they need help.
• Chevy Chase Community Center — The Gleaning Program is held from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. The program provides free bread, baked goods and grocery items donated by area merchants year-round for residents in need. For more information, call (724) 463-0674.
• Chevy Chase Community Center — Meals 2 You, an outreach program of the Chevy Chase Community Center, serves home-cooked meals to people in Indiana Borough and White Township who are homebound, disabled or who cannot cook for themselves. There are no age restrictions. The cost is $5 per day. Volunteers deliver to an individual’s home. For more information, call Brandi Ports (client coordinator) at (412) 309-1494 or email ccmeals2you@gmail.com.
• Chevy Chase Community Center — Small Diaper Bank is for people who need diapers. They can get diapers during their lunch time, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, call (724) 463-0674.
• Chevy Chase Community Center — Small Dry Pet Food Bank is for people who need pet food. They can get pet food during their lunch time, 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, call (724) 463-0674.
• The First United Methodist Church of Marion Center Clothing Closet is open by appointment only from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays. The closet provides free clothing. Masks are required. For an appointment or more information, call (724) 397-5517.
• The Jacksonville Presbyterian Church Clothing Closet in Kent is open from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the last Saturday of the month. The closet provides free clothing. The closet is closed November through February. For information, call (724) 479-8941.
• Kiwanis Virtual Trivia Night will be held April 23 via Zoom. Log on at 6 p.m. Game begins at 7 p.m. Proceeds benefit Kiwanis charities. There will be cash prizes. For information and registration, contact Melanie at (724) 465-4089 by April 13.
• Family Promise of Indiana County Financial Literacy Classes are now offered one-on-one virtually via Zoom. No group classes are offered at this time. Topics include: Wants vs Needs, Tracking Spending Habits, Preparing a Budget, Living Within Your Means, Saving Money and Debt Repayment. The workshop is free. For information and registration, call (724) 464-5220 or email FLCindco@gmail.com.
• The Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission offers Small Games of Chance Training. Two options are available: For Liquor Licensees Only (entities that sell alcohol, not to be confused with the Special Occasion Permit); and the session for Non-Profit Organizations (featured segment on the rules and regulations of the Special Occasion Permit). Both training options are free and offered several times in April. The trainer is Sgt. Shawn Fischer of Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement. Don’t take a chance, understand the laws. Register for Liquor Licensees session at https://forms.gle/Y4ke3uVzQE JGxc2C7. For Non-Profit Session, register at https://forms.gle/w7hB 4GyPpoz8U4e16. For session dates, see the calendar at https://aicdac.org/events/. For information, contact Terra at (724) 354-2746, ext. 309 or tcravener@aicdac.org.
• The Arc of Indiana County Community Disability Awareness Workgroup will have a Zoom meeting at 8:30 a.m. Monday. This group meets the first Monday of the month. The group is for providers, parents, support staff, educators and community members interested in learning about disability awareness in the community. It also gives community provider updates, networking and support. For more information, call (724) 349-8230.
• The Children’s Advisory Commission of Indiana County will have a Zoom meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. For more information, call (724) 463-8200, ext. 8.
• The Arc of Indiana County Parents with Purpose will meet at 6:30 p.m. April 16 and the third Thursday of the month via Zoom. To provide opportunities for participation, the workgroup will offer morning and evening sessions.
These times will alternate each month. Have you ever had questions about your child’s education but were afraid to ask? Are you worried about your child’s future and how you can support them? Do you want to know more about the opportunities and support for your child within our community? The upcoming workgroup is for parents of school-age students with disabilities. Directed by The Arc of Indiana County and ARIN IU#28’s Local Task Force 28, the workgroup’s purpose is to provide parents with support, education and advocacy.
The American Red Cross — For information, call the Chestnut Ridge Chapter at (724) 834-6510 or the Indiana County Office at (724) 465-5678. If you are 16 years of age or older (16-year-olds must have parental permission), weigh at least 105 pounds and are in good health, you may donate blood every 56 days. For an appointment, call (800) RED CROSS or visit https://www.redcross.org/local/pennsylvania/greater-pennsylvania.html.
Call for next scheduled class, cost and registration information for all classes unless otherwise noted. Most classes require early registration.
• Aging Services Inc. Exercise Classes for individuals age 60 and over will be held at five senior center locations. Call (724)-349-4500 or (800) 442-8016 for a location near you. You do not have to be a senior center participant. Classes will be conducted by a trained Instructor and are geared toward strengthening muscles, improving balance and staying limber.
• Aging Services Inc. Geri Fit Classes have resumed at the Indiana and Two Lick Valley social centers. Classes at the Indiana center are held from 9 to 10 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Participants must call ahead to reserve their spot due to limited capacity. For more information call (724) 465-2697. Two Lick Valley center classes will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Clymer Presbyterian Church. For more information call (724) 254-9820.
• American Red Cross of Chestnut Ridge Babysitting is designed primarily for youth age 11 and older, this online course will prepare students to be better babysitters. Topics include how to provide care for infants and children; how to stay safe; what to do in an emergency; how to choose age-appropriate activities; and how to recognize and handle a variety of behaviors. Students will also learn the basics of starting a babysitting business. The course consists of six interactive modules featuring video, activities, games and tools babysitters can use to build their knowledge and skills and manage their babysitting business. This course, which includes a final exam at the end, takes about 4 hours to complete. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a printable certificate. This is an online course. For more information or to register, visit www.redcross.org and click on Training & Certification at the top of the page or call (800) RED CROSS.
• American Red Cross of Chestnut Ridge Advanced Child Care Training is an online course that teaches the knowledge and skills necessary to responsibly care for children and infants in and outside of the home. This includes training in leadership, child behavior and discipline, professionalism, safety, basic childcare (bottle feeding, holding, etc.). Learners will be engaged in virtual environments in which world-class animated characters respond specifically to choices made. Throughout, learning is supported through additional activities and informative videos. This program is not intended as certification for state licensed child-care providers and does not meet all state requirements for such certification. This is an online course. For more information or to register, visit www.redcross.org and click on Training & Certification at the top of the page or call (800) RED CROSS.
• American Red Cross of Chestnut Ridge Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course incorporates the latest science and teaches students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies such as burns, cuts, scrapes, sudden illnesses, head, neck, back injuries, heat and cold emergencies and how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies to help victims of any age — adults (about 12 years and older) and pediatric (infants and children up to 12 years of age). Students who successfully complete this course will receive a certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED valid for two years. Visit www.redcross.org and click on Training & Certification at the top of the page to register for this fee based course or call (800) RED-CROSS and choose option 5.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, changes have occurred with many support groups. Please contact the agency/organization/group prior to going to a meeting to confirm it is still being offered and in which format. Some are suspended, some are virtual and some may still be meeting in person.
— Christ Episcopal Church, Indiana; 8 p.m. Wednesdays October through May
— Graystone Presbyterian Church, Indiana; 8 p.m. Thursdays
— Marion Center Presbyterian Church; (Temporarily closed)
— Free Methodist Church, Blairsville; (Temporarily closed)
— First Church of the Nazarene, Indiana; 7 p.m. Saturdays
— Saltsburg Faith Alliance Church; 8 p.m. Saturdays
— Indiana County Recovery Center, Indiana; 7 p.m. Saturdays
— St. Thomas More Pavilion, Indiana; 8 p.m. Wednesdays during summer months
— The Open Door, Indiana; 7:30 p.m. Mondays, noon Fridays, 10 a.m. Saturdays and 1 p.m. Sundays
— Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 747 State Road 2023, Homer City; 8 p.m. Thursdays
— Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg, (877) 771-1234; 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sundays and 7 to 8 p.m. Fridays
• Narcotics Anonymous Helpline: For information, call (888) 251-2426 or visit www.lmhana.com.
— Getty Heights Park, Indiana; 10:30 a.m. Sundays (now offered by Zoom); Literature Study 7 p.m. Thursday (now offered by ZOOM)
— Zion Lutheran Church, Indiana; 7 p.m. Sundays (closed now)
— Indiana County Recovery Center, 574 Philadelphia St., Indiana; 7 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays
— Saving Grace Church, Indiana; 7 p.m. Mondays
— Graystone Presbyterian Church, Indiana; 7:30 p.m. Mondays (now offered by Zoom)
— One Hope Church, 100 Ben Franklin Road, White Township; 7 p.m. Tuesdays
— Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, Homer City; 7 p.m. Wednesdays (now offered by Zoom)
— First Unitarian Universalist Church, Indiana; 7 p.m. Fridays (now offered by Zoom)
— The Open Door, Indiana; noon Saturdays
— First Church of the Nazarene, Indiana; 7 p.m. Saturdays
• American Cancer Society offers online community support/programs for cancer survivors and caregivers. For information, visit www.cancer.org or call (800) 227-2345.
• AL-ANON: Meeting for families and friends of alcoholics/drug addicts.
— The Open Door, Indiana; 7 p.m. Thursdays (Meeting by Zoom now); for information, call (724) 726-5406
— Marion Center Presbyterian Church, 8 p.m. Fridays; for information, call (724) 397-8606
• Alzheimer’s Support Group, sponsored by AristaCare at Hillsdale Park, meets at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month via Zoom. For information, call Kim Neff at (814) 743-6613 or (814) 577-1334.
• Autism Awareness Parent Support Group provides dialogue and peer support for parents and caregivers with individuals of all ages on the autism spectrum. The group is not meeting at this time due to COVID. For support, call (724) 762-5464 or email aapsgroup89@gmail.com.
• Blairsville Support Group Against Drugs meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Formed to help spread awareness, education, prevention and support for addiction and the ever growing epidemic plaguing Blairsville and surrounding communities. The group also offers the Blairsville Area Reality Tour. Support is provided via phone and private meetings. For information, call (724) 388-1124.
• Caregiver’s Support Group is held via telephone at 2 p.m. on the last Wednesday of the month for caregivers of persons age 60 and over, or for grandparents, age 55 and over who are raising their grandchildren. Learn new tips, exchange ideas, provide expertise and give emotional support to others. For information, contact Rene at (724) 349-4500 or (800) 442-8016.
• Celebrate Recovery is a recovery ministry based on biblical principles with a goal to let God work through individuals in providing His healing power through a Christ-centered 12 Step program. Participants share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with one another. Celebrate Recovery provides a safe place for individuals to start dealing with their life’s hurts, hang-ups, and habits. Some examples of recovery issues are: codependency, chemical addiction, sexual addiction, eating disorders, anger issues, depression and/or loss, etc.
— Homer City United Methodist Church; Held from 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. every Thursday. At 6:15 p.m., there is an optional light meal and fellowship with a $4.50 fee. At 7 p.m., the large group meeting begins, led by a pastor or a deacon. At 8 p.m., the newcomers meeting and open share groups start. At 9 p.m., there is fellowship. Childcare is offered at no charge. For more information, call (724) 479-2015.
— Word of Grace Fellowship, 603 S. 5th St., Indiana; Held at 6 p.m. each Monday. For information, call (724) 541-4875 or email jackiegreene01@gmail.com.
— Montgomery Church of the Brethren, 5227 Purchase Line Road, Commodore; Held at 5:30 p.m. each Tuesday. For information, call (724) 254-9720 or email pastor@montgomerycob.com.
• Bereavement Support Offered By Local Funeral Homes: Some offer specific support services to the families they serve; some offer support services to the general public; some offer meetings and others offer resources. Call to find out if their services can meet your needs.
— Bowser-Minich Bereavement Funeral Home, Indiana; call (724) 349-3100 or (888) 923-5550
— C. Frederick Bowser Funeral Home, Homer City; call (724) 479-9422
— Curran Funeral Home, Saltsburg; call (724) 639-3911
— James F. Ferguson Funeral Home, Blairsville; call (724) 459-7611
— John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home, Indiana; call (724) 463-4499
— McCabe – Roof Funeral Home, Clymer; call (724) 254-2555
— Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home, Indiana, call (724) 349-2000; Clymer, call (724) 254-4342
— Rairigh Funeral Home, Hillsdale; call (814) 743-6833
— Richard Shoemaker Funeral, Blairsville; call (724) 459-9115
— Richard C. Stewart Funeral Home, Armagh; call (814) 446-6699
— Robinson-Lytle, Inc. Funeral Home, Indiana; call (724) 349-9700
• Excela Health Adult Grief Support Group is offered in six-week sessions. Dates and locations vary. For information, call the Excela Health Call Center at (877) 771-1234.
• Excela Health Cancer Grief Support Group is offered from 2:30 to 4 p.m. every Thursday at Our Club House, 4893 Route 30 East, Greensburg. For information, call the Excela Health Call Center at (877) 771-1234.
• Healing Hearts Infant Bereavement Support Group is held from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at 5450 Second Ave., Pittsburgh. For information, email awilson@cribsforkids.org. Due to COVID-19, all meetings are virtual for the foreseeable future.
• Hopeful Hearts, a service of the VNA of Indiana County, is a child-focused, family bereavement support center. Hopeful Hearts provides peer support at no cost for all family members when someone close to the family has died. Families meet in the evenings every second and fourth Tuesdays of the month September through May in a safe, caring and confidential environment. For information about this program, volunteer opportunities or to see if services are provided in person or virtual, call (724) 463-6340.
• Indiana Regional Medical Center Bereavement Services are held in the obstetric unit for those suffering a neo-natal loss/miscarriage/tubal pregnancy. Trained counselors provide counseling and support via phone or from information on their Facebook Page. For information, call (724)357-7060.
• Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) of Western Pennsylvania holds Embracing Grief meetings at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month the Bolivar Community Center, 736 Lincoln St., Bolivar. The meetings are currently being held virtually. The support group is for anyone grieving the loss of a loved one. For information, call or text Becky at (724) 388-1124.
• Pennsylvania Tears Foundation Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group meets virtually from 7 to 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month. The group is for everyone who has suffered the loss of a baby. Anyone is welcome to attend no matter how long ago your loss occurred. For more information, call (724) 961-9489 or visit www.thetearsfoundation.org/pennsylvania/.
• Visiting Nurse Association Family Hospice Coping with Loss Support Groups have resumed at Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1496 Indian Springs Road, White Township. Groups are open to all of those who are coping with grief and loss. Groups are free and open to the community. The afternoon group is held at 2 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month. For information, call Lori Parks at (724) 762-3642. The evening group is held for six consecutive sessions. For dates, time and more information, call Janice Starry at (724) 463-8711.
Comments are closed.