Caregiving

General:

• PA Provider Search: This database provides users the opportunity to search for child care providers by zip code. A list of providers along with information about address, website, contact information, hours of operation, age groups, cost, subsidies accepted, meals provided, transportation, and discounts are included.
• A Guide to Choosing Quality Child Care in PA: This guide can be used to access information about (1) where to start your search, (2) what to look for when you visit a facility, (3) questions to ask while you visit, and (4) how to access a list of child care facilities in PA.

Philadelphia Centers:

• Philadelphia Free PreK: This site offers information about Philadelphia child care facilities who participate in the Philly PreK program, which provides free pre-school to residents of Philadelphia.
• Philadelphia Child Care Information: Additional information about child care centers in Philadelphia.

West Chester Centers:

• Child Care Centers in West Chester: This is not an inclusive list of child care centers, but simply a starting point.

• PA Help Paying for Child Care: A Screen for Benefits: This is a PA site where you can input your information to see if you qualify for assistance such as: (1) Health Care Coverage, (2) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, (3) Free or Reduced Price School Meals, (4) Cash Assistance, (5) Child Care Works, and (6) Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
• PA Child Care Works Program: This is a PA site where you can learn more about child care subsidy programs.
• Cap4Kids.org: This resource provides additional Information about Chester County's Child Care Information Services. They can answer questions about receiving subsidies for child care.

On-Campus

• Resource Pantry on Campus: The WCU Resource Pantry supports student success by minimizing food and basic need security and preparing students for life after graduation.
  • The Resource Pantry is open to ALL undergraduate and graduate students at West Chester University, regardless of need level. No appointment necessary, walk-in’s are welcome at any time during our hours of operation.
  • The Pantry offers non-perishable food, fresh produce from the campus gardens, personal care items, school supplies, and diapers/wipes.

Off-Campus

• City of Philadelphia Food Distribution Sites (includes Food Sites, Student Meal Sites, and Senior Meal Sites), Philadelphia, PA
• West Chester Food Cupboard, West Chester, PA
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Provides access to food for children in PA.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): This program helps Pennsylvanians buy food. People in eligible low-income households can obtain more nutritious diets with SNAP increasing their food purchasing power at grocery stores and supermarkets. Visit this link to learn more about eligibility, how to apply to SNAP, and FAQs about the program.
• Community Food Pantry: Utilize this link to search for a food pantry near your location. This link provides location, contact information, and distance from your location.
• Food Security Resources: Utilize this link to learn more about federal programs, national organizations, and Pennsylvania organizations.

On-Campus Resources:

• Lactation Centers on Campus

Off-Campus Resources

• La Leche League in Chester County
• La Leche League International
• Transgender and Non-binary Resources provided by La Leche League International
• National Breastfeeding Hotline: 1-800-994-9662

• CHIP: CHIP is an insurance program especially for children and is solely dependent upon your current income
• PACE Prescription Assistance Program: Pennsylvania's prescription assistance programs for older adults, PACE and PACENET, offer low-cost prescription medication to qualified residents, age 65 and older. For more information, call 1-800-225-7223.
• Immunizations for Older Adults: To learn more about the recommended immunizations for older adults, please visit this resource.

On Campus

• West Chester University's Speech and Hearing Clinic: The Clinic offers free, full diagnostic evaluations for children and adults suspected of having speech, language, or hearing disorders. Treatment is offered in both individual and group settings and bilingual Spanish-English evaluations and treatment are available.

• Area Agencies on Aging: Your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is the front door for aging services in your community. Your AAA is staffed with skilled workers who can provide information about services and also assist in obtaining access to those services. Pennsylvania has 52 Area Agencies on Aging that cover all 67 counties.
• Adult Day Centers: Adult Day Centers (ADC) provide social, recreational, and health services for older Pennsylvanians. They are a great resource for families and other caregivers who work and are unable to provide assistance during work hours.
• Senior Community Centers: Senior Community Centers offer meals, recreation, health and wellness programs, and a variety of other services for older Pennsylvanians. There are over 500 Senior Community Centers throughout Pennsylvania.
• Eldercare Locator: This resource is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging and it connects individuals to services for older adults and their families. The phone number to contact a representative about this resource is 1-800-677-1116.

• Caregiver Support Program:  The Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program works to ease the stresses of caregiving by focusing on the well-being of the caregiver.  The program provides the primary caregiver with reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs associated with caregiving, such as respite, caregiving-related services and supplies.  The program also offers education, training, counseling, and more.
  • The program is administered by your local Area Agency on Aging. Each caregiver is assigned a care manager who will come to the care receivers' home, conduct a comprehensive assessment of the needs of the caregiver, provide support, and work with them to develop a person-centered plan of care.
• Caregiver Action Network: This organization provides support to caregivers.
• Family Resource Network: This organization provides support for family members, significant persons, professionals, and others supporting someone with a behavioral health disorder. 
• Family Caregiver Alliance
• AARP Caregiver Resources