Health and Welfare Council awards scholarship to Cambria County Students

Johnstown, PA (June 1, 2021) –

The Cambria County Health and Welfare Council has awarded two $500 scholarships to  individuals residing in Cambria County who have been accepted to attend a post-secondary institution in Cambria County with the goal of receiving a certificate, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree in a human service field.

Ty Mallin is graduating from Blacklick Valley going to St. Francis for Psychology. He has a passion for the field of psychology and to help others who suffer from mental health. In his essay, Ty wrote, “My mental health has definitely played a direct role in my passion for psychology. In the future, I want to help others who suffer from mental health disorders. By attending Saint Francis University, I plan to do great things in my field and hope to help others who struggle in similar ways.”

Cameron Pennington is graduating from Greater Johnstown HS going to Penn Highlands for Social Work. He has goals to help needy children right here in Cambria County, to not have to face the same struggles that he has had to. In his essay, he wrote “I do not want children to grow up with abuse being normalized for them; I do not want children to go to bed hungry and love-starved, wondering when things will ever go right for them. No child deserves to live like that, and I want to help prevent that from ever happening.”

This scholarship was created by the Scholarship Committee of the Cambria County Health and Welfare Council when the Council identified a need to support those entering the human service field. The scholarship was made available to high school students as well as non-traditional students who may be considering a career change or re-entering the workforce.

“We are so excited to be able to offer these scholarships to students in Cambria county for the first-time and hope to continue to do so for years to come. As human service professionals of many different backgrounds, we see and know the importance of investing in our community and in the lives of those we serve.” – Jocelyn Hartman

These scholarships are awarded through a fund at the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies. For questions regarding the scholarship or to donate to the fund, please contact Marisa Lehman at 814-225-1266 or mlehman@cfalleghenies.org.

Press Release

Pictured: Chelsey Novak and Jocelyn Hartman (Cambria County Health and Welfare Council Executive Committee members) presenting Cameron Pennington from Greater Johnstown High School this year’s scholarship on June 1st, 2021 at the high school.

Pictured: Chelsey Novak and Jocelyn Hartman (Cambria County Health and Welfare Council Executive Committee members) presenting Cameron Pennington from Greater Johnstown High School this year’s scholarship on June 1st, 2021 at the high school.

PTSD in Military Veterans

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly referred to as PTSD, is a type of anxiety disorder that develops after exposure to a traumatic event. An event can be considered traumatic if it is terrifying, shocking, or extremely stressful.

Military service members are at considerable risk for developing PTSD due to the traumatic nature of combat. Many veterans have either witnessed traumatic events or directly experienced them during their service, making them increasingly susceptible to unwanted and troublesome symptoms associated with PTSD.

Visit https://socalsunrisemh.com/ptsd-in-military-veterans/ to learn more.

Agency Updates - COVID-19

Alleghenies United Cerebral Palsy

  • Operating Hours:

    • 8:00-4:00pm weekdays

  • Regular/emergency services being provided:

    • Providing service coordination/case management services to community members of all physical disabilities in PA. We also provide in-home, non-medical personal care services to individuals with disabilities, autism, the elderly, and those recovering from an injury or an illness who may need assistance to remain in or return to their homes.

  • Contact Info:

    • Toll-Free: (844) 819-4455 | Local: 814-619-3398 | Fax: 814-262-7174 | Email:info@scalucp.org

  • Additional Comments:

    • Staff are working remotely and are going on limited visits to participants homes

Cambria County Drug Coalition

  • Operating Hours:

    • Offices are closed

  • Regular/emergency services being provided:

    • The Drug Coalition is not a direct service provider however please follow our Social Media for relevant information and support during this time.

  • Contact Info:

Cambria County Library

  • Operating Hours:

    • Closed to the public

  • Regular/emergency services being provided:

    • All electronic resources are still available, including cloudLibrary, Freegal, Bookflix, Trueflix, Creativebug, PowerLibrary, and more. Visit cclsys.org to access them.

  • Contact Info:

    • campub@cclsys.org

  • Additional Comments:

    • No late fees will accrue at this time, and all due dates have been automatically extended to April 7.

Coaches4Kids Foundation

  • Operating Hours:

    • Closed

  • Regular/emergency services being provided:

    • Making donations for food assistance

  • Contact Info:

    • Coaches4Kids: 554 Glenwood Ave. Johnstown, Pa. | Tony Penna Ex.Director

Community Action Partnership of Cambria County

  • Operating Hours:

    • 8:30-4:30pm weekdays

  • Regular/emergency services being provided:

    • WIC, MATP, Housing/Rental/Utility Assistance (downtown location)

  • Contact Info:

    • Please call 536-9031

  • Additional Comments:

    • Community Action is continuing to provide services to our clients despite the social distancing modifications that are being implemented. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our clients during this difficult time.

Communities In Schools, Greater Johnstown School District

  • Operating Hours:

    • Closed

  • Regular/emergency services being provided:

    • Please call school buildings if parents/families need assistance or have questions as school is out.

  • Contact Info:

    • Greater Johnstown School District Buildings

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

  • Regular/emergency services being provided:

    • SNAP application assistance: call us directly at 1-833-822-SNAP (7627) or text SNAPPA to 555-888.

Independent Family Services

  • Operating Hours:

    • 9:00am - 3:00pm

  • Regular/emergency services being provided:

    • Family Based Mental Health Services, Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient Services - 636 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15904

    • Crisis Intervention

  • Contact Info:

    • Sddress: 636 Scalp Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15904

    • Phone: 814-262-0007

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

  • Operating Hours:

    • Building is currently closed (through at least March 29); offices are available via phone, email and Zoom appointments Monday thru Friday 8am to 5pm

  • Regular/emergency services being provided:

    • Classes have temporarily transitioned to online through April 12

    • Offices are available via phone and Zoom

  • Contact Info:

    • 814-262-6400

St. Vincent de Paul - Food for Families, Inc.

  • Operating Hours:

    • Kitchen serving from 11:30 to 12:30

    • Warehouse open 8-2 for food pantries

    • Thrift stores are currently closed, please do not call food pantry regarding this matter.

  • Regular/emergency services being provided:

    • Kitchen serves a hot lunchtime meal - currently take out only.

    • Warehouse supplies Cambria County Pantries with food

    • Will continue to provide lunchtime meals and do provide emergency food boxes for those not currently attending food pantry distribution (true emergency)

  • Contact Info:

    • Facebook Food for Families - SVDP and Johnstown Soup Kitchen

Veterans Leadership Program

  • Operating Hours:

    • 8 am -4 pm

  • Regular/emergency services being provided:

    • Working remotely to serve veterans in need of housing, supportive services, and employment assistance

    • Curb side delivery of emergency food supply

  • Contact Info:

    • 412-481-8200 ext 239