School Operation Information

Dauphin County Technical School will continue to post school operational information here thoughout the year. Please check this page often to stay up to date with the most current information and planning about the steps DCTS is taking to return to school in a safe and organized manner. Updates will occur regularly as guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Department of Health evolves and as plans are approved by our Joint Operating Committee.

If you have questions, please call or email Dr. Karen Pflugh, Director at 717-652-3170 or kpflugh@dcts.org.

Please find the 2021-2022 Opening Day Letter here.

Family update links
PA State Resources

PA State Resources for Indivisuals

Financial

If you have seen a reduction in pay due to COVID-19 and are struggling to make your rent, mortgage, credit card, or loan payments, contact your lender right away. Explain your situation and ask about hardship programs that may be available. Regulatory agencies have encouraged financial institutions to work with customers impacted by the coronavirus.

Unemployment Benefits-It is recommended you apply online for fastest results and processing.

Utility Assistance-If you are struggling to pay your utility bills, contact your service provider right away. Many utility service providers offer emergency assistance programs at this time. Additional information and press released can be reviewed at the Pennsylvania Utilities Commission.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs 1-866-452-6152

Housing/Emergency Assistance

2-1-1 United Way – Call: 2-1-1

HELP Ministries: sometimes referred to as “The HELP Office,” is a social service hub in Dauphin County, providing a comprehensive approach to homelessness and poverty alleviation through crisis resolution, emergency aid, and housing assistance.

Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness: The Capital Area Coalition on Homelessness “CACH” utilizes its resources to help our region’s families and friends who are homeless or are dangerously close to becoming homeless.

Where To Go When You Need Help: A comprehensive document compiled by CACH with local resources on a variety of concerns

Valley Youth House, Synergy Project: emergency support and coordination for youth under 21 displaced from permanent housing; includes case-management and street outreach support, as well as supported living program

Food

COMPASS, for SNAP Benefits/Food: COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information. Or, apply by phone: HELPLINE 1-800-692-7462

Central Pennsylvania Food Bank -717.564.1700 o 3908 Corey Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109
-Food is provided by the Central PA Food Bank via Community Partners. If you are experiencing food insecurity, utilize the Find Food page to find the nearest agency partner in your area or call our HELPLINE: 1.877.999.5964 for more information.

FoodPantries: Food pantries in Central PA (not comprehensive); please call ahead as hours/ protocol may have been updated

FoodFinder app: Free resource for finding free meals close to your location; available via web browser, or App store/ Google play stores

School districts have individual plans for distribution of school lunches. Please note that locations/ dates may change, so it’s helpful to check weekly. For accounting purposes, many school districts are requiring that the child be present during the meal pick-up. Additionally, some may require signing up in advance so that adequate supplies are available. These websites may also include additional local resources.

Additional resources: PA Sheetz stores providing free bagged meals for minors https://www.sheetz.com/news/kidzmeals

Safety
Domestic/ Interpersonal Violence

National Domestic Violence Hotline: available online or by phone: 1-800-799-72331-800-787-3224 (TTY).
-You may also text LOVEIS to 22522. You are not alone!

YWCA of Greater Harrisburg: Dauphin County domestic violence intervention and prevention services, as well as Rape Crisis Center. 24-hour crisis hotline: 1-800-654-1211

Pennsylvania Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-888-772-7227

Child Abuse/ Neglect

Keep Kids Safe PA: Suspect abuse? Report it- Call ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313

Health

***DISCLAIMER***
These resources are for informational purposes only and DO NOT TAKE THE PLACE of evaluation or treatment by healthcare professionals. Please do not hesitate to call 911 in the case of an emergency.

COMPASS, for Medical Assistance application: COMPASS is an online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for many health and human service programs and manage benefit information. Or, apply by phone: HELPLINE 1-800-692-7462to apply

Hamilton Health Center: Multicultural, multilingual, family-friendly, community health care center in Harrisburg, Pa providing Medical, Dental, and Behavioral primary health care services to individuals, regardless of their income status. 717-232-9971

PA Department of Health

Drugs and Alcohol

***DISCLAIMER***
These resources are for informational purposes only and DO NOT TAKE THE PLACE of evaluation or treatment by healthcare professionals. Please do not hesitate to call 911 in the case of an emergency.

Dauphin County Drug and Alcohol Commission: Service delivery for county residents shall provide accessible and comprehensive care for both adolescents and adults that are in need of treatment, prevention, and/or intervention services. 1100 South Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104-2531. Phone: (717) 635-2254

Get Help Now Hotline (for substance use disorders): 1-800-662-4357

Online Group (12 Step) Meetings: AA meetings around the world

In the Rooms: online recovery tools

Mental Health

***DISCLAIMER***
These resources are for informational purposes only and DO NOT TAKE THE PLACE of evaluation or treatment by healthcare professionals. Please do not hesitate to call 911 in the case of an emergency.

Crisis Intervention: Crisis Intervention Program,100 Chestnut Street, Harrisburg, PA.

  • Phone number (717) 232-7511 or 1-888-596-4447
  • Fax number is: (717) 780-7074

 

Crisis Intervention is the 24 hour emergency mental health service provided by the Dauphin County Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities Program. Crisis Intervention staff provide supportive counseling, outreach, assessment, and referral information to individuals experiencing an emotional crisis or difficulty in coping with a personal problem.

PA Care Partnership: statewide System of Care cooperative agreement and one of many System of Care communities throughout the country working to bring youth leaders, family leaders, and system leaders together in equal partnership to integrate the child-serving systems.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454

Crisis Text Line: Text “PA” to 741-741

Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990

Accessing a mental healthcare provider:

  • contact the member services number on the back of your insurance card, or consult the website listed
  • Psychology Today– search for a clinician in your community

 

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

CDC Recommendations on Stress and Coping

Opinion piece- That Discomfort You’re Feeling is Grief