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Home > Community Development > Community Profiles > State College, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) > Community Organizations

Community Profile: State College, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

Community Organizations

This section provides information about affordable housing, social service, economic development, and community revitalization organizations in the area whose interests, activities, and initiatives improve the housing conditions and employment opportunities of residents. These groups represent potential partners for bankers seeking to more fully address the credit needs of each region's low- and moderate-income people and communities.

The information in this section is obtained directly from the websites of the community organizations.

• Ben Franklin Technology Partners
• Center for Independent Living of North Central Pennsylvania (CILNCP)
• Centre County Women's Resource Center (CCWRC)
• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County
• Housing Transitions, Inc.
• Penn State Small Business Development Center
• SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG)
• Skills of Central Pennsylvania, Inc.
• State College Area Interfaith Mission
• State College Community Land Trust (SCCLT)
• YWCA of North Central Pennsylvania

Ben Franklin Technology Partners

Mission

Ben Franklin Technology Partners provide funding and business support services to technology-based start-ups and existing manufacturers throughout Pennsylvania.

Year of Origin

1983

Core Programs

• Investment Strategies: assist small businesses in developing their products and increasing sales to a point where firms can fund their growth internally, become eligible for traditional bank financing, or attract outside capital.
• Workforce Initiatives: help fund the consortia of service-based providers and manufacturers that provide workforce training.
• Centers of Excellence: entities that focus on specific technological areas and conduct both basic and applied research and development for commercial statewide industry implementation.
• Transformation Business Services Network: provide expertise in marketing, human resources, accounting, strategic planning and advertising to promising companies in the region at no cost.
• Incubator Partners: provide below market rental space in conjunction with hands-on counseling in all areas of business.

Service Area

There are four regional centers. The Central and Northern PA Center is located in Centre County and serves 32 counties: Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Cumberland, Dauphin, Elk, Erie, Forest, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, McKean, Mercer, Mifflin, Perry, Potter, Somerset, Venango, Warren, and York counties.

Contact Information

Ben Franklin Technology Partners
Central and Northern PA Center
115 Technology Center
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 863-4558
Website: http://www.cnp.benfranklin.org/

Center for Independent Living of North Central Pennsylvania (CILNCP)

Mission

To advance the rights of persons with disabilities through the elimination of barriers that people with disabilities experience. Community participation is an integral part of the Center for Independent Living of North Central Pennsylvania's activities.

Year of Origin

1995

Core Programs

• Offers training in the following areas: housing, income benefits, social/recreation, self care, mobility/transportation, education, vocation, communication, assistive technology, sexuality, service coordination, advocacy, and attendant care. Offers programs in budgeting and checkbook balancing, cooking and meal preparation, housing assistance, and job readiness.
• Information and Referral: Maintains information on accessible housing, transportation, employment opportunities, information of persons available to serve as personal care attendants, interpreters for hearing impaired, or readers for visually impaired people, and various other services.
• Peer Helper Services: Involves helping others to manage, remove, or cope with barriers they encounter. 
• Statewide Action Team (SWAT): Administers program designed to unite all persons with disabilities by providing effective implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Service Area

Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Tioga, and Union counties

Contact Information

Center for Independent Living of North Central Pennsylvania
210 Market Street, Suite A
Williamsport, PA 17701-6633
Phone: (570) 327-9070 or (800) 984-7492
Fax: (570) 327-8610
Website: http://www.cilncp.org

Centre County Women's Resource Center (CCWRC)

Mission

The Centre County Women's Resource Center (CCWRC) provides services for people who have experienced domestic and/or sexual violence.

Year of Origin

1975

Core Programs

• 24 Hour Rape/Abuse Hotline: Information and support, counseling, safety planning, and referrals to other resources. Toll Free 1-877-234-5050. All information is kept confidential.
• Sylvia Stein Shelter: A shelter for women and their children who need a safe place to stay.
• Bridge Housing Program: A goal-focused, transitional living program for families in need of long-term shelter.
• Counseling: Individual counseling and support groups for survivors of domestic and/or sexual violence. Also available for support persons.
• Advocacy/Accompaniment: Assistance is available to persons who are seeking medical attention and/or legal services, including filing for a protection from abuse (PFA) order and support during court proceedings.
• Children's Program: Counseling, support groups, and advocacy for child survivors/witnesses of domestic and sexual violence.
• Community Education: Prevention/education programs are provided to schools, community groups, and professionals in the hopes of creating better understanding within the community.
• Rural Outreach/Advocacy: The CCWRC provides services throughout Centre County. Offices are located in Bellefonte and Philipsburg.

Service Area

Centre County

Contact Information

Centre County Women's Resource Center
140 W. Nittany Avenue
State College, PA 16801-4811
Phone: (814) 234-5050
E-mail: edteam@ccwrc.org
Website: http://www.ccwrc.org

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County

Mission

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, faith-based ministry that builds affordable homes for those in need.

Year of Origin

Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976. The affiliate in the State College, PA MSA was established in 1983 and was called TriCounty Habitat for Humanity. In 2006, TriCounty Habitat for Humanity became Habitat of Greater Centre County.

Core Programs

• Builds modest homes through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials. Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County considers three areas when evaluating potential partner families: (1) housing need; (2) income and ability to pay monthly mortgage payment; and (3) willingness to partner with Habitat in the construction of the home (350-500 hours of work are required from all homeowners).
• Provides no-interest mortgages.
• Operates ReStore, a retail outlet for new and used donated building materials. All proceeds are allocated to Greater Centre County's building program.

Service Area

Centre and Clifton counties

Contact Information

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County, Inc.
1155 Zion Rd.
Bellefonte, PA 16823
Phone: (814) 353-2390
Fax: (814) 353-2394
E-Mail: office@habitatgcc.org
Website: http://www.habitatgcc.org/Home.html

Housing Transitions, Inc.

Mission

To assist families and individuals in need to achieve a more independent lifestyle by providing a continuum of effective and well-managed services.

Year of Origin

Founded in 1984 as a housing shelter, Housing Transitions, Inc. has gradually become a primary housing resources provider in Centre County.

Core Programs

• Emergency Shelter: provides shelter and food to clients who are homeless or in crisis.
• Supportive Services Case Management: provides case management services to individuals who are homeless to assist them in obtaining/remaining in permanent housing.
• Housing Case Management: helps individuals work with the housing care manager to locate and secure affordable housing in Centre County.
• Adult Services Case Management: provides a safety net to Centre County's human services agencies.
• Family Self-Sufficiency Case Management: enrolls individuals and families on Section 8 into a 5-year savings plan.
• Transitional Housing: provides time-limited housing to individuals who are coming out of shelter.
• Home Buyers: assists with the purchase of homes within the borough of State College.
• Basic Computer Skills: provides participants with basic computer skills to assist with job search, employment, and housing search.

Service Area

Centre County

Contact Information

Housing Transitions, Inc.
217 East Nittany Avenue
PO Box 1391
State College, PA  16804
Phone: (814) 237-5508 (24 hours per day)
Phone: (814) 237-4863 (office)
Fax: (814) 237-7480
Website: http://www.housingtransitions.com

Penn State Small Business Development Center

Mission

The mission of the network of Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers is to grow the economy of Pennsylvania by providing entrepreneurs with the education, information and tools necessary to build successful businesses.

Year of Origin

1997

Core Programs

• Environmental Management Assistance: offers confidential compliance assistance with environmental regulatory requirements, permit applications, forms, and plans, environmental management strategies, energy efficiency and new technology development, waste minimization, finding sources of financing for environmental upgrades, and health and safety requirements
• Engineering Development Services: helps inventors bring products to market by offering engineering services early in the development cycle, before major investment is attracted
• Government Marketing Assistance: helps companies sell to federal, state, local, and quasi-government agencies by providing a computerized bid lead program and assisting in marketing products and services
• International Trade Assistance: helps companies export Pennsylvania products and services. Assistance includes assessing international trade readiness, evaluating products or services for export potential, identifying the best foreign market opportunities, developing strategic and marketing plans, identifying foreign sales agents and distributors, and planning market entry strategies
• Technology Commercialization Assistance: assists high growth and technology firms with sophisticated business management issues, including alternative financing, human resources, patents and trade marketing, intellectual property, and product commercialization

Service Area

Centre and Mifflin counties

Contact Information

Penn State Small Business Development Center
3 Keller Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: (814) 863-4293
Fax: (814) 865-6667
E-mail: sbdc@psu.edu
Website: http://www.sbdc.psu.edu/

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG)

Mission

SEDA-COG is a regional, multicounty development agency that provides leadership, expertise, and services to communities, businesses, institutions, and residents under the guidance of a public policy board. SEDA-COG seeks to enhance growth opportunities in an environmentally sensitive manner while retaining the region's predominantly rural character. It is both a direct-service provider and a link to other resources that can be applied to a wide range of community and economic needs. SEDA-COG is also an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels.

Year of Origin

1957

Core Programs

• Provides assistance to central Pennsylvania's communities to address issues such as housing, recreation, downtown revitalization, and public infrastructure
• Provides services including financing, sales to the government, and assistance with exporting

Service Area

SEDA-COG's core service area includes Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, and Union counties. The Procurement Technical Assistance Program and the SBA 504 program also serve the neighboring counties of Adam, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York.

Contact Information

SEDA-Council of Governments
201 Furnace Road,
Lewisburg, PA 17837
Phone: 570-524-4491
Fax: 570-524-9190
Website: http://www.seda-cog.org/seda_cog/site/default.asp

Skills of Central Pennsylvania, Inc.

Mission

To assist individuals with disabilities obtain and maintain employment.

Year of Origin

1960

Core Programs

• Residential Services: provides funds for rent, household items, utilities, food, clothing, emergency housing, moving services and personal finances.
• Community Services: provides skills and assistance to individuals in obtaining and maintaining employment.
• Behavioral Health Services: creates an individualized plan to help individuals develop adaptive behaviors and reduce problem behaviors that interfere with learning and community life.
• Children and Youth: provides safety, protection, and support services in a community home for children and adolescents requiring protective custody in Blair County. Three community homes are operated in Altoona.

Service Area

Adams, Blair, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Cumberland, Huntingdon, Jefferson, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Perry and York counties.

Contact Information

Skills of Central Pennsylvania, Inc.
Corporate/Centre Co.
341 Science Park Rd.
State College, PA 16803
Phone: (814) 238-3245
Fax: (814) 238-5117
Website: http://www.skillsofcentralpa.org

State College Area Interfaith Mission

Mission

To provide situational emergency assistance to meet basic human needs for low-income residents of primarily the State College Area School District and the 692 exchange in Port Matilda.

Year of Origin

1969

Core Programs

• Referrals: coordinates services for clients working with more than one human service agency.
• Furniture Recycling: coordinates the donation of appliances and furniture to clients residing anywhere in Centre County free of charge.
• Financial Assistance: makes payments for clients to cover short-term needs such as utility bills, transportation costs, etc. Program provides assistance in emergency situations and does not provide long-term support.

Service Area

State College

Contact Information

Interfaith Mission, Inc.
215 Robin Alley
State College,  PA  16801
Telephone: (814) 234-7731
Fax: (814) 234-7411
E-mail:  interfaithmission1@juno.com
Website: http://interfaithmission.centreconnect.org/index.htm

State College Community Land Trust (SCCLT)

Mission

To provide housing opportunities by purchasing, rehabilitating, and selling homes in the borough of State College to income-qualified buyers.

Year of Origin

N/A

Core Programs

• Creates affordable housing and helps to reduce the cost of buying a home by "splitting" the ownership of the property. (SCCLT will purchase a house and the property on which the house resides and then sell the house itself (called the improvements) to a qualified applicant. In this process, the SCCLT maintains ownership in the land. The homeowner purchases the improvements to the land, or the house itself, significantly reducing the overall cost of the home. In exchange, the homeowner agrees, if he/she ever wishes to sell the house, he/she will sell it to the trust or another low- or moderate-income family.)
• Helps combat community deterioration in residential neighborhoods by promoting the rehabilitation and maintenance of quality housing.
• Promotes the general social welfare of the community by broadening housing opportunities for those currently priced out of the market.

Service Area

Borough of State College

Contact Information

State College Community Land Trust
420 West College Avenue
State College, PA 16801
Phone & Fax: (814) 867-0656
E-mail: director@scclandtrust.org
Website: http://www.scclandtrust.org

YWCA of North Central Pennsylvania

Mission

The YWCA of North Central Pennsylvania is affiliated with the YWCA of the USA, a women's membership movement committed to the empowerment of women and the elimination of racism. The YWCA has a commitment to community service, focusing on the special needs of women. It is the YWCA's goal to help women achieve self-sufficiency and to encourage their personal development.

Year of Origin

1893

Core Programs

• Offers programs and services focusing on these major areas: domestic violence services, residential and bridged-housing, advocacy and prevention-based programs.
• Provides homeless women with children in Lycoming County with transitional housing through Liberty House. Liberty House provides shelter, food, clothing, life skills education, access to medical services, child care, counseling, case management, parenting, and structure to families for up to 24 months.
• Offers the young and the young at heart a warm water pool with a variety of classes ranging from tai chi to kickboxing, parenting classes for both men and women and many other services and programs.

Service Area

Bradford, Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union counties

Contact Information

YWCA of North Central Pennsylvania
815 West Fourth Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: (570) 322-4637
Fax: (570) 322-3029
Website: http://www.ywcawilliamsport.org/ywcawlmsprt/site/default.asp

• Last updated: Wednesday, August 13, 2008