HDFS Community partners
Our department collaborates closely with a diverse array of organizations to foster mutual growth and development. These partnerships serve as vital conduits for practical application of our research and academic insights in real-world contexts. Explore our network of community partners and discover the impactful initiatives we undertake together in advancing human development and family well-being.
Catherine Hershey Schools
Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning serves children from six weeks to age 5, providing weekday education and care while connecting family with the resources needed to succeed—with all costs covered. Our program focuses on the whole child. It is based on leading principles in education and our experience at Milton Hershey School. A CHS education in early childhood ensures children have the knowledge, skills, and values they need to grow into their best selves.
Learn more about Catherine Hershey Schools
Heavenly Hands Learning Center
We are a Christian based daycare center located at Chestnut Grove Church. We are a ministry of the church, and provide a safe environment for your child to learn, grow, and develop to their full potential in a Christ-centered atmosphere.
Our program includes daily lessons, circle time, direct instruction, outside time, and above all we teach them who Jesus is and what He means to us.
Learn more about Heavenly Hands Learning Center
Joni and Friends
Joni and Friends is committed to reaching and serving people with disabilities with practical help and the saving love of Jesus. With every wheelchair and Bible delivered, every retreat and respite event held, and every church mobilized to integrate and honor people with disabilities, Joni and Friends follows the call of Jesus found in Luke 14.
Learn more about Joni and Friends
Messiah Lifeways
Messiah Lifeways is a non-profit organization headquartered in Mechanicsburg, PA, that provides a network of services for adults 55 and better living in South Central PA. Our roots trace back to 1896, when the Brethren in Christ Church founded Messiah Home in Harrisburg, PA to serve older adults with Christ-like love.
Learn more about Messiah Lifeways
Milton Hershey School
In keeping with the school’s Deed of Trust, Milton Hershey School nurtures and educates children in social and financial need to lead fulfilling and productive lives. This happens by achieving our mission and Sacred Values — an unwavering commitment our community makes each and every day. Because a family’s income should not determine a child’s outcome, Milton Hershey School offers a cost-free education to qualifying students. Founded over 110 years ago by Milton and Catherine Hershey, MHS continues to change lives.
Learn more about Milton Hershey School
Paxton Ministries
Paxton Ministries exists to reach into the darkness and bring light to those in need. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with over 40 years of experience, we have dedicated ourselves to shining Christ-like love into the shadows of poverty, mental illness, and intellectual disabilities. Throughout the Central PA community, many people are facing challenges such as homelessness or unstable housing situations, isolation and loneliness, poor health due to poorly-managed medications and irregular meals, a lack of social support, and empty days. They have turned to Paxton Ministries to find a true home, a loving family, and support through all the ups and downs of life.
Learn more about Paxton Ministries
Pennsylvania Counseling Services
As a large, multi-disciplinary practice, PCS offers a broad range of mental health services to children, adults and families. The diverse educational background, skills and expertise of our clinicians continue to help touch lives for greatness.
We strive to fulfill our mission by working with people to contribute to their personal growth, helping them learn more about themselves as unique individuals, and leading them toward more productive and fulfilling lives.
Learn more about Pennsylvania Counseling Services