NuMedX Integrated Medical Clinic in Punxsutawney recently conducted a community project through the NuMedX Outreach Program to collect and provide basic necessities for homeless individuals and families in the Punxsutawney area. Patients donated items such as toiletries, towels and washcloths, blankets, afghans, pillows, socks, clothing, non-perishable food staples, and clothing baskets. Dr. William Reed, DC, with NuMedX Integrated Medical Clinic, stated “the employees and patients at NuMedX wanted to give back to the community where they work and live.” “We hope if we needed help, someone would be there to help us; therefore, we need to help when we can.” “We recognize homelessness exists in our community, but until we started this project in January, we didn’t realize how significant the need was or how enthusiastic and interested our patients and staff would be” added Dr. Reed. “Community Action, Inc. receives 4 – 10 calls per week regarding individuals or families in homeless or near homeless situations”, noted Cheryl Craft, Community Services Supervisor for Community Action, Inc. “While we may not see people sleeping in the park or on street corners like you do in the big cities, we do have people sleeping under bridges, in cars, abandoned or vacant buildings, or just moving from one friend’s sofa to another,” Craft noted. “TV shows depicting homeless people as addicts, criminals, or bums isn’t what we experience,” elaborated Craft. “Many of our homeless or near homeless became ill, had ill family members, lost their job, or experienced divorce or a death of their partner and lost their livelihood, home or apartment, etc. Homelessness can happen to anyone and more easily than we realize in today’s economy,” concluded Ms. Craft. “The baskets and boxes of donations provided by NuMedX patients and staff will provide for the basic daily needs and comfort for our men, women, and family shelters in Punxsutawney. Some items will even go with the individuals to new homes,” added Ms. Craft. “Just as NuMedX ‘s goal is to help individuals with regenerative therapy for their joint and back pain to avoid medication or surgical interventions, our NuMedX Outreach Program’s goal is to help those in our communities to improve their life situations and regain direction in supporting themselves and their families,” explained Dr. Reed. “We have the ability to help and wanted to make a difference.” Dr. Reed noted that NuMedX is currently seeking community projects for their next Outreach Event and look forward to expanding their Outreach from their new location opening on 119 South of Punxsutawney, in the former Longview School building, later this month. For more information on NuMedX, please call (814)618-5295, visit numedxhealth.com, or email [email protected] Individuals seeking information on homeless or near homeless services available in Jefferson or Clarion Counties may contact Community Action, Inc. at (814)938-3302 or visit www.jccap.org.

Clarion and Jefferson County taxpayers earning $60,000 or less may qualify for Free VITA income tax preparation. Appointment scheduling begins January 9, 2023 with tax preparation appointments starting February 6, 2023. Please call Community Action Inc. at 814-226-4785 x 107 to leave your name and phone number. A worker will call back to schedule an appointment; please only call once. Signup sheets are also available at the Brockwayville Depot, the Heritage House, and The Foundry Seniors Centers in Jefferson County; please do not call the Centers.

Joan Kriebel (pictured above) makes sleighs out of multiple pieces of candy and sells them to raise funds for Veterans Services in Clarion County. In 2020, she raised $1,000.00 for Community Action’s Supportive Services to Veterans and their Families (SSVF) project, and in December 2022, she donated $1,200.00 raised from candy sleigh sales.

Knowing there are always skills adults can brush up on, Community Action, Inc. (CAI) offers adult-oriented classes in Jefferson County. The classes help people with job skills, basic learning skills, GED prep, and even postsecondary education prep. “We are pleased to announce new on-line classes are now available” Crystal White, CAI Adult Education Supervisor, shared details on CAI’s adult education offerings. “We provide basic skills instruction for students who want to obtain a high school equivalency diploma or for students who have a diploma but want to brush up on basic skills to obtain a job, advance in a job, or attend postsecondary education or training,” stated White. “We are more than just a ‘GED program.’” What are the offerings in CAI’s adult education program? White continued, “Services provided include: career services such as assessment of skills levels; referrals to and coordination of support services and programs; and information on postsecondary education, training, and workforce services.” Once people have their diploma, some may find they need help determining what to do next. “We help students recognize the diploma is a stepping stone, not the end goal,” White stated. “In fact, the adult education staff have many tools to help students on their path to gainful employment such as preparation for job training, postsecondary education or training, as well as specific employer requirements.” “These programs are free of charge to anyone 16 and older, not currently enrolled in a secondary school program,” White stated. “The purpose of the program is to help individuals meet their education and employment goals.” With services offered across the county, people can find classes at the location nearest to them. White continued, “In-person day and evening classes are currently held in Reynoldsville and Punxsutawney. Online classes are now available for those who can’t attend in-person classes. Education and employment are the common goals of all classes.” “We are also looking for volunteer tutors and classroom aides,” White added. “These volunteers help one-on-one either during class or at another scheduled time. All volunteers receive ongoing free training, materials, and guidance from Adult Education staff.” Sign up for CAI Adult Education classes or volunteer by calling Crystal at 814-938-3302 or 1-800-648-3381 or by emailing [email protected]

Community Action Inc.'s Crossroads Project is in great need of volunteers. If you are a student in need of some volunteer hours, a community member looking to make a difference, then look no further! Crossroads provides comprehensive free domestic violence training, offers flexible schedules, and a variety of duties and locations for volunteers. Together we can make a difference! Call today to learn more about volunteer opportunities and ways to help domestic violence victims in Clearfield and Jefferson Counties. Brookville 814-849-2779; Clearfield 814-768-7200; DuBois 814-371-1223; Punxsutawney 814-938-3580; or toll free 1-800-598-3998. You can also email Crossroads at [email protected] for more information on volunteering. Learn more and join Crossroads' efforts to break the Domestic Violence cycle in your community; together we can make a difference!

Teenagers are just as likely to be in domestic violence filled relationships as adults. Studies show that nearly 1.5 million young boys and girls every year are abused in teenage relationships. This can happen physically, verbally, sexually, or even online. Social media, cell phones, and other online interactions are huge hotspots for teens experiencing domestic violence. Are you involved in your teen's dating life? Do you know if they're being abused by their friend or partner? Whether it's on the job, at school, or even during their own 'free time,' many teens can experience domestic violence from a friend or partner. This can start off as being anything small from simple commands or name calling and snowball into larger and more destructive actions, such as physical or sexual abuse. Just because they're teenagers, doesn't mean they aren't capable of being either an abuser or survivor in a domestic abuse relationship. High schools, parents, and the general public should be aware of these situations and circumstances, especially during the month of February which is national Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Community Action, Inc.'s Crossroads Project is raising awareness of this domestic violence threat to educate the youth of Clearfield and Jefferson Counties. Crossroads is taking a stand against teen dating violence and is offering our services to teens and parents. Give Crossroads a call on our toll-free hotline 24/7 at 1-800-598-3998. If your organization, school, or business would like to schedule a Teen Dating Violence Awareness presentation, please email [email protected] or contact the Crossroads' office nearest you. Brookville 814-849-2779; Clearfield 814-768-7200; DuBois 814-371-1223; Punxsutawney 814-938-3580; or toll-free 1-800-598-3998. Love isn't supposed to hurt. If someone you love hurts you, give us a call and help break the growing cycle of domestic violence.