Direct Financial Assistance

Our Financial Assistance Program is designed to provide support to individuals in need.

What We Cover: Basic living expenses, Essential utilities, Critical medical needs

What We Don’t Cover: Fines or legal fees, security deposits, personal debt or credit card payments, storage unit costs, appliance/furniture rentals

Application Process: To apply for financial assistance, individuals must complete an application online or in-person, if requested. Upon submission, applications will be required to schedule a meeting with our Client Services Director.

Evaluation and Decision Process: The Client Services Director will review each application and present the financial need to our committee for evaluation. Based on the committee’s instructions, the Director will determine the assistance amount that cane be provided. Please be aware that processing financial assistance requests may take up to a week to ensure thorough evaluation and appropriate allocation of funds.

Our Commitment: We are dedicated to maintaining a supportive journey for all recipients of financial aid. Our goal is to utilize volunteers and resources efficiently to ensure the sustainability of our assistance program and the well-being of our community.

For more information, please contact us or visit our office during operating hours. To begin the application process, click here.

Toiletry Program

Our Toiletry Program aims to provide essential toiletry items to residents in need within Perry County. Here are the key details you should know:

Eligibility: Any resident of Perry County experiencing need is welcome to access our Toiletry Program. However, individuals may visit no more than once every 30 days, with the calculation based on the previous month’s visit.

Available Items: Toiletry items provided through our program are 100% donated. While we strive to maintain a stocked inventory, we cannot guarantee the availability of specific items at all times. We do our utmost to ensure a diverse range of toiletries to meet the needs of our community.

How to Access: Residents seeking toiletry assistance can visit Join Hands Ministry during our operating hours. Our team will assist you in accessing the available toiletry items based on your needs and current inventory.

Donations: We greatly appreciate donations from the community to support our Toiletry Program. If you wish to contribute, please contact us or visit our office to learn about the items we accept and how you can donate.

Get Involved: Volunteers play an crucial role in maintaining and organizing our toiletry inventory. If you’re interested in volunteering with our Toiletry Program or any other aspect of Join Hands Ministry, please reach out to us for more information.

For further details or to access our Toiletry Program, please contact us or visit our office during operating hours.

Back to School Program (for Children)

Join Hands Ministry is proud to offer our annual Back to School Program for children in Perry County. Here are the details you need to know:

Eligibility: Every year, residents of Perry County are invited to complete an application to attend our Back to School Program. The application will be available on the Join Hands Ministry website. Please note that attendance is limited to Perry County residents.

Event Details: The Back to School Program event is typically held on a Saturday in the beginning of August. Upon completion of the application process, applicants will receive information regarding the event date and time.

What to Expect: At the event, attendees will have the opportunity to receive the following items for each participating child: a pair of sneakers, a winter coat, two bags of new or gently used clothing (including new underwear and socks), a new backpack, and basic school supplies

How to Participate: To participate in the Back to School Program, applicants must bring their child(ren) to the event and be prepared to receive the provided items. It’s important to note that attendance is required to receive assistance.

Get Involved: Volunteers and donations place a crucial role in the success of our Back to School Program. If you’re interested in volunteering or contributing to support this initiative, please contact us to learn how you can help.

Stay Updated: Keep an eye on our website for updates and announcements regarding the Back to School Program, including application availability, event dates, and more.

For further inquiries or assistance, please contact us or visit our office during operating hours.

Back to School Program (for Teachers)

Join Hands Ministry is delighted to offer our annual Back to School Program specifically for Perry County teachers. Here are the details you need to know:

Eligibility: Every year, teachers from Perry County are invited to complete an application to participate in our Back to School Program. The application is open to all teachers who work for a Perry County school.

Event Details: The back to School Program for Teachers is held on a Friday in August. Teachers who have completed the application process will receive information regarding the event date and time.

What’s Provided: At the event, participating teachers will have the opportunity to pick up free school supplies for their classrooms. These supplies are generously provided by Join Hands Ministry to support local educations in their important work.

How to Participate: To participate in the Back to School Program for Teachers, eligible teachers must complete the application process. Once approved, teachers can attend the designated event to collect their free school supplies for the upcoming academic year.

Get Involved: Volunteers and donations are instrumental in ensuring the success of our back to School Program for Teachers. If you’re interested in volunteering or contributing to support this initiative, please contact us to learn how you can help.

Stay Updated: Stay tuned to our website for updates and announcement regarding the Back to School Program for Teachers, including application details, event dates, and more.

Christmas Program

Join Hands Ministry is excited to extend our Christmas Program to all Perry County residents. Here’s everything you need to know about participating:

Eligibility: Any Perry County resident is welcome to apply for our Christmas Program. To ensure fairness and accountability, applicants are required to provide the following: valid driver’s license, proof of address, custody documents (as needed), and any other document that may be requested.

*Please note that all applications undergo thorough vetting, and acceptance into the program is not guaranteed. We reserve the right to deny applicants based on various criteria.

Collaboration and Coordination: In our commitment to serving the community, we collaborate with Bread of Life’s Christmas program and actively engage with guidance counselors and other organizations offering Christmas assistance programs in Perry County.

Program Details: If accepted into the program, children are assigned a sponsor who will shop for them based on their Christmas list. The gifts are then brought to our office, where they are sorted, tagged and prepared for distribution.

Distribution Process: Once the gifts are prepared, the client is notified to pick them up from our office. Gifts are provided in a discreet manner, typically packaged in a trash bag to ensure privacy and dignity for the recipients.

Get Involved: We welcome volunteers are donations to support our Christmas Program. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, volunteering your time, or contributing in any way, please contact us to learn how you can help make a difference this holiday season.

Stay Updated: For updates and announcements regarding our Christmas Program, including application deadlines and distribution dates, please visit our website or follow us on social media

For further inquiries or assistance, please contact us or visit our office during operating hours.

Financial Management Workshops

Join Hands Ministry is pleased to offer free financial management classes and workshops to all Perry County residents. Whether you’re looking to gain better control of your finances or simply enhance your money management skills, our educational sessions are designed to provide valuable insights and practical strategies.

Who Can Attend: Our financial management classes are open to any Perry County resident interested in learning how to effectively manage their money. Whether you’re facing financial challenges or simply seeking to improve their financial position, these classes are for you.

Encouragement for Financial Aid Recipients: Recipients of financial aid through Join Hands Ministry are strongly encouraged to attend these financial management classes. We believe that equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to manage their finances empowers them to achieve greater stability and independence.

What You’ll Learn: Our financial management classes cover a range of topics, including: Creating a realistic budget, Managing debt effectively, Saving and investing strategies, Understanding credit and credit scores, Planning for emergencies and future expenses, and much more.

How to Sign Up: Signing up for our budgeting classes is easy! Simply contact us to inquire about upcoming class schedules and reserve your spot. Space is limited, so be sure to secure your place early.

Get Involved: Are you passionate about financial literacy, wealth management, and empowering others to achieve financial wellness? Consider volunteering as a facilitator for our financial management classes. Your expertise and dedication can make a significant difference in the lives and our community members.

Stay Updated: For updates on upcoming financial management classes, including dates, times, and locations, please visit our website or follow us on social media.

For further inquiries or assistance, please contact us or visit our office during operating hours.

Youth Assistance Program

At Join Hands Ministry, we are dedicated to providing support and opportunities for students to excel academically and personally. Our programs are designed to help students K-12th grade navigate their educational journey and achieve their goals.

* Note: This program is still in its early stages, and some activities are not yet accessible.

What We Offer:

  1. Scholarship Opportunity: We believe in investing in the future. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our scholarship opportunity, designed to empower and support aspiring individuals like you in pursuing your academic and career goals.
    • Eligibility Requirements
      • Open to any student who is a senior attending a Perry County, Pennsylvania school.
      • Applicants must be attending a trade school, college, or university after graduation.
      • Areas of interest include, but are not limited to social services, human services, community outreach, or nonprofit management.
      • Preference given to first generation college students.
    • Complete the scholarship application and submit to [email protected] or mail to: Join Hands Ministry, 51 S. Church Street, New Bloomfield, PA 17068
  2. Youth Advisory Board: At Join Hands Ministry, we’re committed to nurturing student leadership and empowerment. Our Youth Advisory Board serves as a platform for high school students to shape our programs and initiatives, ensuring they meet the needs of their peers.
    • Announcement: Join our Youth Advisory Board and become a driving force in our organization! As a board member, you’ll have the opportunity to influence decisions, provide valuable insights, and shape the direction of our initiatives. This is your chance to make a meaningful difference and be heard. Apply now for open positions and embark on a journey of empowerment and leadership!
  3. Scholarship Support: (COMING SOON) We assist high school-aged students in finding scholarships tailored to their program and individual circumstances, helping to alleviate the financial burden of higher education.
  4. Extra-curricular Activities: We provide opportunities for students to participate in a variety of extra-curricular activities, including band, sports, clubs, and more, enriching their educational experience beyond the classroom.
  5. STEM Workshops: (COMING SOON) We offer workshops focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for students in grades K-12, fostering curiosity and exploration in these critical fields.

Our Impact:

  • Financial Relief: By applying for scholarships directly related to their field of study, students can reduce the amount of debt incurred to attend college, university, or trade school.
  • Academic Motivation: Our programs inspire students to pursue studies in sciences and mathematics, encouraging academic excellence and future career prospects in STEM fields.
  • Improved Performance: Through participation in STEM workshops and extra-curricular activities, students demonstrate improved test scores and grades in STEM-related classes.
  • Enhanced Participation: We aim to increase student engagement and participation in extra-curricular activities, fostering a well-rounded educational experience.

Join Us:

Empower students’ educational journey with Join Hands Ministry. Donate to the Youth Assistance Program today.

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Providing HELP and HOPE to Perry County for more than 24 years!

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