Family Resources

Comcast Internet Essentials: provides low-cost Internet service options

Free Internet Access: check out these local locations for free Internet access

Cerebral Palsy Group:  an online resource for anyone who has been affected by cerebral palsy, birth injuries, or brain injuries. 

Do Better 4 Steve: a non-profit organization founded by the family of a former WSD student, Steve Cammarota. Do Better 4 Steve partners with the Ambler YMCA and Ivy Experience to offer free or low cost access to camps, sports, leadership programs, childcare, college prep, tutoring and many other programs. For more information, contact:contact@dobetterforsteve.org

Kanna for All: provides scholarships for local youth ages 3-18 years to participate in the youth fitness programs at Kanna Fitness in Ambler for free. For more information, email kfastrong@gmail.com

Rising Stars Homework Club: available to students of Shady Grove and Lower Gwynedd Elementary Schools. Children are invited to participate by their teachers. Adults with current clearances assist students with homework, studying, reading fluency, mathematics, and social skills. Students have access to educational and brain teaser games along with team building activities. A healthy snack, creative activity, and play time are incorporated into each session.

T.H.A.N.K.S.:  provides financial assistance to underprivileged children grades K-12 to explore extracurricular activities in the areas of education, art, sports and music. 

Wissahickon Valley Boys & Girls Club: serves nearly 4,000 children and teens between the ages of 6 and 18 at its three facilities. The club offers nearly 50 different recreational activities each year, character-building programs such as Smart Girls and Passport to Manhood, summer camp and an after school homework assistance program - Project Learn.

YMCA Ambler: provides financial assistance for summer camps and free 7th Grade memberships to the Y and free teen programs. 

Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP): If your child or teen is uninsured and ineligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)  may be able to help. 

Compassionate Closet-Located in Bethlehem Baptist Church: features new or gently worn clean clothing, including jewelry and accessories for men, women, and children.

Commonwealth of PA Unemployment Information:  information about unemployment compensation, rent/mortgage assistance, utilities, etc. 

Medical Assistance (Welfare and MA): Children with disabilities are eligible for MA regardless of family income. Contact Number: 610-270-3500

Montgomery County Community Connections: one-stop service centers in four locations which serve as a "front door” to County human services. Ask a Community Connections Navicate for help and a referral to various resources based on specific needs.
Community Connection Navicates- versión en español

PA Housing Finance Agency: rent/mortgage assistance information 

Family Promise (formerly Interfaith Housing Alliance): provides services including emergency shelter and transitional for displaced families with children, emergency food relief, and case management and supportive services to help families preserve their dignity and work towards self-sufficiency.

(LiHeap) Low income Home Energy Assistance Program: provides federally funded assistance in managing costs associated with: home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs

Subsidized Housing-Montgomery County Housing Authority

Housing Assistance for LGBTQ+ Youth: a guide to ensure LGBTQ+ youth have access to resources for safe and supportive housing, regardless of their identity or circumstances

• Ambler Church of the Brethren, 351 E. Butler Pike, Ambler - sponsors a food distribution at 9:00AM on the 1st Saturday of each month. 
   
• Bethlehem Baptist Church, 712 Penllyn Pike, Spring House: Food distributions Wednesday 10:00AM-12:30PM, Friday 12:30PM- 1:30PM, Sunday 10:45-11:15. For information call: 215-643-4977
   
• Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard: 150 N. Main Street, Ambler - provides food items, a boutique with clothing and household items, a nurse screening program (provided by Abington Health Community Health), educational programs, housing assistance and financial aid in emergency situations. Food distributions: Food Pantry on Monday & Wednesday 9:15AM-11:15AM; and Produce Shed on Monday 12:00PM - 2:00PM, and Tuesdays, Thursday, and Friday 9:00AM - 2:00PM. For information call: 215-628-3002
   
• Montco Anti-Hunger Network: A comprehensive list of food pantries available throughout Montgomery County for families.
   
• National Schools Lunch Program (Free and Reduced Breakfast and Lunch Program)
   
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Free federal benefit program providing low-income households extra money to buy groceries each month.
  El Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria
   
• Weavers Way: “Food for All” program provides 10% discount on all food for families on SNAP, TANIF, WIC or Medicaid. Also offers Senior Discount Tuesdays – 10% off for anyone 65 or older.

• Because I Love You: Parent & Youth Support Groups

• Center for Parent and Teen Communication

• FamilyWorx: advocacy team comprised of parents and primary caregivers whose children are involved in the public health system

• Kids Health for Parents, Kids, Teens, and Educators

• National Parenting Center

• Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center

• Triple P: Positive Parenting Program: Free parenting program for parents/caregivers of children ages 0-18. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.

Achieving equity and inclusion in WSD means we support family and community-wide conversations regarding anti-racism, anti-bias, and social justice. Please use and share the culturally responsive resources we have compiled to better understand and discuss how we, as a whole community, can create a more inclusive environment, where all students feel safe, valued, and welcome.

CLICK HERE FOR CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE RESOURCES

We invite WSD parents/guardians to learn more about district efforts toward equity and cultural responsiveness by viewing the series of presentations below with Keziah LaTorre, WSD Director of Equity and Cultural Responsiveness.

Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices Recording: This session explores this practice and its relevance to meaningful student learning experiences. View Powerpoint

Social Emotional Learning Recording: This session will explore SEL’s relationship to Culturally Responsive Teaching and its importance to students’ overall social, emotional, mental, behavioral, and academic wellness and success. View Powerpoint 

Sense of Belonging Recording: This session highlights the learning opportunities that our district leadership team and staff experienced regarding belonging and its importance in fostering connection, purpose, and achievement. View Powerpoint

Importance of Language & Mindset Recording: This session explores the benefits of using a strengths-based approach in language and mindset to foster thriving relationships and empowering decision-making skills for student wellness and success. View Powerpoint

Restorative Practices: This session explores Restorative Practices which empower students to learn from their choices, understand their impact, and grow personally in their ability to make sound decisions and resolve conflicts. View Powerpoint