In a crisis? For local crisis support, call CCR at 1-844-757-3224. Call 911 for immediate danger.

Start here

Not sure where to start?

You do not have to know the name of a program or which office handles it. Find the situation below that sounds most like yours, and it will tell you the first call to make. If nothing fits, call the Family Navigator and we will figure it out together.

Ten situations, one page. Every link goes to a page on this site, so you will not be sent somewhere unexpected.

For questions about educational needs, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or other school concerns, start with Haylie Spicer or Tammy Hawk. Contact them for educational assistance and advocacy.

By situation, not by agency

Choose the situation that sounds like yours

Each one lists the first steps to take and where to go on this site for the details.

Someone may not be safe right now

This is for you if: You are worried about a person's immediate safety, or about a child at home.

  1. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
  2. For local crisis support, call Center for Community Resources (CCR) at 1-844-757-3224 or text 63288. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  3. If you are worried about a child's safety, call ChildLine at 800-932-0313.

I need food this week

This is for you if: Money is short and you need groceries or a hot meal before the week is out.

  1. Look at this week's free community meals, including Warren County breakfast, lunch and dinner options.
  2. Find the food pantry closest to you, and call ahead to confirm the day and time.
  3. If you need help today, call 211. They will find the nearest open pantry for you.

Someone in my family is struggling with mental health or substance use

This is for you if: You are looking for counseling, treatment or support for yourself or a family member.

  1. Start with Forest Warren Human Services — they can tell you what is available locally and how to get in.
  2. If the situation is urgent but not an emergency, call CCR at 1-844-757-3224 or text 63288 for local crisis support.
  3. Ask about the Mental Health Family Navigator, who can walk you through the options and the paperwork.

My child is having a hard time at school or at home

This is for you if: You are worried about a child's behavior, mood, learning or safety.

  1. For educational needs, IEPs or school concerns, start with Haylie Spicer, Education Liaison, or Tammy Hawk, Family Advocate. Call them at 814-730-3623.
  2. The Mental Health Family Navigator can work alongside the educational advocates to support your family and help address mental health needs.
  3. Contact Kayloni McQuillan, CASSP Coordinator, at 814-726-2100 ext. 8434 or cassp@wc-hs.org about a CASSP meeting, which brings your family, the school and other agencies to one table.
  4. Read the guide on what to expect at a mental health appointment so you know what happens next.

I am raising a child with a disability or autism

This is for you if: You need services, a waiver, or someone to help coordinate support for a family member.

  1. Read the two-page ODP Waiver Quick Guide so you know what a waiver is and what to ask for.
  2. Ask about supports coordination — a person whose job is to help you plan and manage services.
  3. For IEP questions, educational needs or other school concerns, start with Haylie Spicer or Tammy Hawk. They are the educational first contacts; the Mental Health Family Navigator can support the family alongside them when mental health needs are involved.

I need help with rent, heat or utilities

This is for you if: You are behind on rent or a utility bill, or you are worried about losing your housing.

  1. Apply for LIHEAP if you need help with heating or cooling bills. Renters and homeowners can both apply.
  2. Apply for other benefits — SNAP, Medicaid or cash assistance — through COMPASS.
  3. Call the Economic Opportunity Council (EOC). They help with housing, weatherization and emergencies.

I need a ride to an appointment

This is for you if: You do not have a car, or you cannot drive to a medical or service appointment.

  1. If you have Medical Assistance (Medicaid), ask about MATP — it can pay for rides to medical appointments.
  2. In Warren County, call the Transit Authority of Warren County (TAWC) about bus routes and times.
  3. In Forest County, call Forest County Transportation to arrange a shared ride.

I need health insurance or help with medical bills

This is for you if: You or your children do not have coverage, or you got a bill you cannot pay.

  1. Apply for Medicaid, SNAP and other benefits in one place through COMPASS.
  2. Call PA Enrollment Services if you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP and want free help choosing a plan.
  3. For a coverage denial or termination, the Pennsylvania Health Law Project gives free legal help.

I am looking for work or training

This is for you if: You need a job, a new skill, or a diploma to get one.

  1. Start with PA CareerLink — job search help, training and connections to local employers.
  2. Ask about the adult diploma program if you never finished high school.
  3. If you have a disability, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) can pay for training and job coaching.

I need help understanding my rights or appealing a decision

This is for you if: A benefit was denied or cut off, or you need someone to advocate for you.

  1. The Pennsylvania Health Law Project gives free legal help with Medicaid, CHIP and other coverage problems.
  2. ACHIEVA advocates for people with disabilities and their families.
  3. Call 211 if you are not sure who to call — they keep local referral lists.

Still stuck

Call and we will sort it out with you

Sometimes the hardest part is knowing what to ask. That is exactly what the Mental Health Family Navigator is for.

For questions about educational needs, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or other school concerns, start with Haylie Spicer or Tammy Hawk.

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