Helpful Community Services
If you are in the PA WIC program, you and your family will benefit from referrals to other PA services. While some services are listed below, this is not a complete list.
Education and Parenting
Child Care/Early Learning Resource Centers
Call 1-877-472-5437 – Provides help in finding childcare and helps low-income families pay their childcare fees. www.dhs.pa.gov (Type Child Care Works Program in search box)
Education
Provides help in finding reading and writing, GED, and ESL (English as Second Language) programs. www.nld.org
Head Start / Early Head Start Programs
Head Start provides high quality early learning and comprehensive family support services for low-income children (ages 0 through 5) and their families. www.paheadstart.org (Once on the site, select your county)
Migrant Education Program
Call 717-783-6466 – Provides educational and support services to migrant children.
www.education.pa.gov (Once on the site, type Migrant Education in search box)
Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)
Free help for first-time moms in 50 Pennsylvania counties. NFP is a parent support program that pairs you with a free personal nurse who can help you have a healthy pregnancy and provide advice and support as you care for your new baby. To apply, go to www.nursefamilypartnership.org/first-time-moms or call/text 844-637-6667.
Pre-K Counts
Provides quality half-day and full-day pre-kindergarten to eligible 3 and 4-year-olds. www.education.pa.gov (Type Pre-K Counts Grants in search box)
Family Safety
Car Seats / Bike Helmets
Call 1-800-683-5100 – Provides information on child passenger safety laws, car seats and bike helmets. www.pasafekids.org or www.nhtsa.gov
Safe Sleep for Infants
Provides infant safe sleep guidelines and educational materials and assists with portable cribs for families in need. www.cribsforkids.org
Health Resources
Childhood Lead Poisoning
Call 1-800-440-LEAD – Provides information on lead poisoning and testing. www.health.pa.gov (Click: I am a/an, Parent, 0-5 years old, Lead Poisoning)
Childhood/Adult Immunizations
Call 1-877-724-3258 – Provides help in finding free or low-cost shots to protect you and your child against diseases. www.health.pa.gov (Click: I am a/an, Parent, 0-5 years old, Immunizations)
Department of Health
Keeping your child healthy may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry! We have many resources to help you. www.health.pa.gov (Click: I am a/an, Parent, Resources for Parents)
Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services
Call 1-800-662-HELP – Provides help in finding a treatment or counseling program in your community. www.ddap.pa.gov (Click: Get Help Now)
Drug and Alcohol Referral Tool (DART)
An online resource designed to help Pennsylvanians find substance-use disorder treatment options, and other related services, in their area for themselves or for loved ones. The tool is fully anonymous and can be translated into more than 100 languages. www.ddap.pa.gov/GetHelp
HIV/AIDS
Call 1-800-662-6080 – Provides help in finding testing centers, treatment, and support groups. www.health.pa.gov (Click: I’m Looking for, Disease & Conditions, HIV)
National Hispanic Family Health Helpline
Call 1-866-783-2645 – Provides community health services and information. www.healthyamericas.org
PA Smoking Cessation Program
Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) – Free Quitline Pregnancy Program offers up to 10 free coaching sessions to pregnant women with rewards for each session. Get free nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, or lozenges), if available. You can get help to quit for good! https://pa.quitlogix.org/
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Call 1-877-724-3258 – Provides help in finding free and confidential testing and treatment centers. www.health.pa.gov (Click: I’m looking for, Diseases & Conditions, Sexually Transmitted Diseases)
Special Kids Network System of Care
Call 1-800-986-4550 – Provides help in finding resources and services for children with special health care needs. www.health.pa.gov (Click: I am a/an, Parent, 0-5 years old, Special Kids Network)
Insurance and Health Care
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Call 1-800-986-KIDS – Provides help in finding free or low-cost medical insurance for children frombirth to age 19. www.chipcoverspakids.com
Healthy Beginnings Plus
Call 1-800-692-7462 – Provides help in finding health care for pregnant women. www.dhs.pa.gov (Type Healthy Beginnings Plus in search box)
Mental Health and Support
Mental Health Association in PA
Call 717-346-0549 or 1-866-578-3659 Ext. 2 – Provides help finding behavioral/mental health services and supports. mhapa.org
Mental Health Services
Call 1-800-692-7462 – Provides help in finding mental health services. www.dhs.pa.gov (Once on the site, type Mental Health Services in search box)
Postpartum Support International
Call 1-800-944-4773 or text 503-894-9453 – Provides a “Get Help Warmline,” confidential information, and local referral services for those suffering from anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum. www.postpartum.net
Nutrition and Food Assistance
WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Hotline
Call 1-855-427-5666 – Provides breastfeeding help and support by WIC Peer Counselors. Hours of operation: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Emergency Food Pantries
Call 1-800-548-6479 – Provides help in finding food pantries and food assistance programs in your area. www.foodpantries.org
Penn State Extension, Nutrition Links
Call 1-888-778-3535 – Learn how to eat better for less. Free classes provide simple tips to save money, cook tasty healthy meals and prepare food safely. www.extension.psu.edu/health/nutrition-links
School Breakfast, Lunch and Summer Food Programs
Provides help in finding free or low-cost meals for school-aged children. https://www.fns.usda.gov/school-meals/applying-free-and-reduced-price-school-meals
USDA National Hunger Hotline
Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY – Provides help for free food resources near you. Call between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Social Services
Child Support (Domestic Relations)
Call 1-800-932-0211 – Provides help in getting support payments for children whose parent is absent. www.childsupport.state.pa.us
Housing Assistance
Provides homeless resources and public housing agencies to help in finding affordable housing. https://www.hud.gov/states/pennsylvania/renting
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 1-800-799-7233 – Provides resources for help, information on housing, medical care, and counseling 24 hours a day. www.thehotline.org
Text4baby
Text BABY to 511411. Get FREE text messages on your cell phone to help you through your pregnancy and your baby’s first year. www.text4baby.org
PA Benefits Helpline
Call 1-855-284-2494 – PA Benefits Helpline provides information on Health Care: Medical Assistance (MA) and CHIP, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), cash assistance, Child Care Works Program, school meals, Early Intervention, and energy assistance (LIHEAP). www.dhs.pa.gov (Click: Application for Benefits)
Have a question? Check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
or ask us a question.