Waynesboro Community & Human Services Continues its Mission by Providing Compassionate Care
By The Daily Boro Staff
Every community has citizens in need. A lost job, sudden illness, lingering disability, or low income put tremendous stress on good people. When those trials surface, basic needs often taken for granted can become elusive. Human necessities such as nutritious meals, warm clothing, or protective shelter can seem like impossible challenges to individuals or families who experience a difficult phase in life.
In Waynesboro, a benevolent organization has tapped into the community’s generous spirit by sponsoring and managing programs for these people in distress. Waynesboro Community and Human Services (WCHS) was formed in 2011, but the original roots establishing this charitable legacy were planted almost a century ago.
The Waynesboro Welfare Association originated in 1931. Later in 1979, a separate organization called the Waynesboro Human Services Council was chartered by a fellowship of churches. Together, they served separate missions to promote good works and provide services for people in need. In 2011, these two groups merged to form WCHS.
WCHS has championed many charitable programs during its 14-year existence, providing needed comfort and relief to the Waynesboro area. This non-profit has continued the legacies of the two prior groups, while strengthening community ties with innovative services that increase its capacity to spread compassion and kindness. Without WCHS’s vital assistance, many local people would have few places to turn.
Morgan Hovermale is WCHS’s Executive Director. She comes from a caregiving background and has served in leadership at the organization since 2023. Hovermale manages a dedicated staff along with clothing and food bank volunteers. “People come to us for a variety of reasons,” Hovermale said. Those needs include food and clothing, financial assistance for housing and utilities, back-to-school supplies, and family support during the holiday season.
These programs are run through a series of local/state/national partnerships and resources. But the most important financial and organizational benefits for WCHS originate in Waynesboro. “Most of what we do is through generous individuals in the community,” Hovermale said during an interview. “The majority of our funding and supplies come from local donations. We also rely on grants, and we do get a small amount of federal funding through the United Way.” With this formula, WCHS has found the right support mixture to conduct multiple programs tailored to individual needs.
WCHS’s Food Pantry fights hunger through local food retailers and other charitable donations. “We receive in-kind donations from places such as Walmart, Martins, Sheetz, Rutters, and Weiss,” Hovermale said. During a recent year, WCHS’s Food Pantry distributed 105,383 pounds of food to 566 families, which included 1916 individuals. “Fresh Express” and “Weekend Backpack” food programs also provide supplies to people in need. School students often require supplementary nutrition on weekends, and the backpack program recently distributed 9479 bags of nourishing food to 299 children.
WCHS’s food programs are a top priority. Their newest location offers a comfortable space where people have freedom of choice while shopping in the food pantry. Food selections are determined by household size to keep these supplies fairly distributed and available to all. “We like to offer a variety of dry goods, plus refrigerated and frozen foods, and we make the most of the items donated or brought in,” Hovermale said.
Another major WCHS program is financial assistance. Hovermale said many in the community underestimate the number of people who face homelessness. She noted Franklin County currently faces a shortage of affordable low-income housing.
Also at WCHS’s current 116 Walnut Street headquarters in Waynesboro, a bright interior space hosts a clothing bank, which also includes housewares and toys. “We have great partnerships in different fields”, Hovermale explained. “We work with a lot of churches that sponsor certain programs or special needs. We also partner with the Southcentral Community Action Program and the Salvation Army.”
Another valuable WCHS service is the “Community Navigator” program. This asset assists individuals with behavioral and personal struggles by helping with employment searches, offering advice for financial planning and budgeting, assisting with landlord relations, and a lifeline for people who face difficult challenges. With WCHS offering this wide variety of helpful services, it has earned a reputation as the premier local caregiving organization.
Ed Herald is WCHS’s Board Chairman. He is a retired Army Reservist who came into WCHS’s orbit through his work at Five Forks Church. Herald detailed how the ten-member board meets monthly to chart WCHS’s future. The group includes a varied cross-section of community leaders and advocates who are passionate about WCHS’s mission. Herald said the group’s continued reliance on donations and volunteers means their stewardship never rests, in good economies or bad. “We constantly update our strategic plan.”
Since WCHS relocated to its current space a year ago, the organization has settled into a well-ordered space with multiple upgrades. A food pantry space with a garage door has improved its Fresh Express deliveries, made directly to people in their cars. “We can accommodate more food pantry clients at this location,” Hovermale said. WCHS has expanded the school backpack program to Pre-K children. Also, a grant from Martins now provides more personal care products, especially for women. “We’ve given our services a facelift since we moved here.”
Hovermale reminded that donations to WCHS are tax-deductible, and the organization is flexible in working with new partners. “We encourage potential volunteers to stop by and talk with Tammy, our outreach manager. Arrange a tour and see where their interests may line up with our needs.” She said a sense of fulfillment is the reward for people who give their time and energy to help promote WCHS’s continued mission.
For more information about making donations, receiving community services, or volunteering, visit WCHS’s website (wchs-pa.org) or call 717-762-6941. Current hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 9 am to 3:30 pm, Wednesday 9-12 am, and Thursday 1-6 pm. The center is closed for lunch from 12-1 pm. Appointments are necessary for financial assistance and food pantry visits. Donations are accepted during operating hours.
With the guidance of WCHS’s leadership, its dependable volunteers, and the continued support of individuals and businesses, the organization will remain a vital local resource. “We are neighbors helping neighbors with basic human services,” WCHS Chairman Herald said. Waynesboro is fortunate to have this organization’s compassion and care available for its citizens in need.
