Programs | The YWCA of Greater Harrisburg

Housing and Homelessness Programs

YWCA Greater Harrisburg's Housing and Homeless Programs offer a continuum of housing options, but the programs provide more than housing assistance; they focus on the establishment of well-defined goals and objectives. The YWCA offers women - and men - an opportunity to break the cycle of homelessness in order to achieve self sufficiency. The following housing options are coordinated by the YWCA: 30-day Emergency Shelter, Transitional and Bridge Housing, Single Room Occupancy, and Permanent Housing for Persons with Disabilities. The primary population is homeless women and women with children. Additionally, we assist homeless veterans in securing housing. While enrolled in the long-term housing programs, individuals are assigned case managers, and are expected to particpiate in life skills classes, that include, but are not limited to housing options, finances, employment, self care, parenting and recovery.

Violence Intervention and Prevention Services

The YWCA Greater Harrisburg's Violence Intervention and Prevention Programs (VIP) provide comprehensive crisis and counseling services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including a crisis hotline, individual and group counseling, and medical and court accompaniments. Services are available to victims and non-offending family members of all ages and genders, and are free and confidential. The VIP Department also offers Violence Prevention Education services; instructors who are specifically trained with regard to sexual assault and domestic violence issues, and who use age- and language-appropriate formats, facilitate workshops for school-age children, teens and adults, including medical workers, police cadets.

Domestic Violence Legal Center

The YWCA Greater Harrisburg Domestic Violence Legal Center was established to provide free civil legal assistance to victims of domestic violence or sexual assault who are unable to afford an attorney.

Family Visitation Services

The Visitation Center was created by YWCA Greater Harrisburg and the Children's Resource Center in response to the need for a site where supervised interactions between children and their parents could be conducted. The center is committed to enhancing the safety of children while providing a friendly, nurturing environment in which families experiencing difficulty interacting can meet. We promote the physical and emotional well-being of each individual using this service.

Children and Youth Services

YWCA Greater Harrisburg operates two daycare centers, one on the east shore, The Grace M. Pollock Child Development Center in Allison Hill, and Kids on Campus in Enola. Both centers provide care for children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age. Additionally, both sites provide before and after school care for children up to the age of 12. The centers are fully liscenced and part of the STARS program (a standardized state-administered quality assurance program).

The YWCA also operates a summer camp in Fishing Creek Valley for children ages 5 to 12. The 27-acre property provides plenty of space forchildren to experience outdoor activities, swimming, crafts and more. The property is also available for rent for family reunions, corporate picnics and other gatherings. For more information about renting Camp Reily, please contact Gilly Byerly at 724-2250.

YW Works Employment Program

YW Works is a comprehensive employment empowerment service that helps low-income or unemployed members of the community build the skills they need to find, keep and improve their employment. The goal of this program is to help clients achieve self-sufficiency by earning a living wage, and to increase self-confidence through the achievement of personal goals.

Supported Employment

Supported Employment staff provide services and support to individuals with mental health disabilities or complex barriers, including addiction or a criminal record.

CEEED - Center for Employment, Education, and Entrepreneurial Development

The Center for Employment, Education and Entrepreneurial Development (CEEED) is located in the heart of Allison Hill. The YWCA Greater Harrisburg works in collaboration with Tri-County OIC, Potential Reentry Opportunities in Business and Education (PROBE), United Way of the Capital Region, Goodwill, HACC, Sound Community Solutions, Inc., Community First Fund, PNC, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), Community Action Comission, and the Latino Hispanic Community Center (LHAC).

Racial Justice

The goal of the Racial Justice Program at the YWCA is to counter racism in ourselves and in our community through education, awareness and empowerment.

Ticket to Work

The Ticket to Work program assists and provides Social Security beneficiaries with the choices and opportunities to become employed, increase their earnings, and eventually leave and remain off benefits by becoming fully self-supportive. The Ticket to Work program is a free and voluntary program available to people ages 18-64 who are blind or have a disability.