Local Resources
Community. It’s one of the most important factors to an individual’s mental well-being. Unfortunately building your own little community becomes more difficult the older we get so it becomes much more important to know what resources are available locally.
Having a community provides social support and a sense of belonging. It helps to be surrounded by folks with similar experiences and identities. There aren’t any rules on how big or small the community needs to be. Having a tight-knit group of 3-4 people still counts as a community. The point is having people there to help when needed.
Another benefit of community is having shared resources and knowledge. One person can’t know everything and have every skill possible. Building a community of folks with various skill sets and knowledge bases comes in handy when you encounter something beyond your scope. First Brick Counseling offers therapy services. Lititz Chooses Love and GLO provide food pantries. While we offer different services, we are still a part of the same community to benefit those within our community.
Here in the south-central PA area, there are many great resources available. The resource list below has been vetted by Jay through personal meetings with members of each organization:
LGBT Center of Central PA – offers a variety of programs from social groups to therapist-led groups; offers training & education opportunities; maintains a resource list
GLO Harrisburg – is an extension of the LGBT Center of Central PA for LGBTQ+ folks of color; has a food & hygiene pantry (accessible to all); offers various social support groups; offers HIV & STI education/testing/prevention; workstation w/ computers; shower & laundry facilities
Neurodiverse Network – located in New Cumberland; offers social groups & skill development groups for all ages; provides inclusion seminars; provides a quiet sensory space during large events, such as Pride events
Lititz Chooses Love – offers a food pantry & clothing closet; involved with mutual aid
Rainbow Rose Center – provides support groups; develops custom training sessions; offers a gender-affirming clothing closet; offers resource connections, name change assistance, and safe housing support
Eastern PA Trans Equity Project – assists with name changes; various options for financial assistance; offers support groups; provides education opportunities