Learn about General Assistance Applications
Certain low-income Pennsylvanians can now apply for General Assistance again. On July 18, 2018, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, in a unanimous decision, found that Act 80 of 2012 was enacted in a manner that violated the Pennsylvania Constitution. Act 80 did many things, including eliminating the General Assistance (GA)
No Kid Hungry Breakfast Grant Applications Available
Applications for No Kid Hungry breakfast grants are available online. You are encouraged to share this information with your local school district's director of food service so your district has the opportunity to expand access to school breakfast. Grants will support schools with the purchase of approved equipment, materials and
Welcoming School Resources Available
At the commencement of a new school year, wouldn't it be great to focus on making your district a welcoming school to all students? Resources, including a tool kit, are available online to assist you. Working with your school board and community, join other districts in Pennsylvania to officially welcome
ELCA World Hunger Video Highlights PA Hunger Advocates
ELCA World Hunger recently released a new video featuring Feast of Justice in Philadelphia. Feast of Justice is dedicated to empowering the transformation of individuals, families, and communities through their hunger programs, education programs, and life skills/counseling programs. To learn more click here. ELCA World Hunger prioritizes ministry work that is
State Supreme Court: Ending General Assistance Was Unconstitutional
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has taken an important step to protect Pennsylvanians living in deep poverty because of serious disability, domestic violence, or other factors that prevent them from working. By a decision of 7 to 0, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania on July 18 found that Act 80 of
Governor Signs Bipartisan “Clean Slate” Law
Pennsylvania recently became the first state in the nation with a "Clean Slate" law. Gov. Tom Wolf signed the bipartisan-backed legislation, referred to as the "Clean Slate" bill designed to remove the stigma that can stand in the way of someone getting a job, housing, college admission or loans if they
ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Travel Ban
June 26, 2018 Thus says the Lord: Act with justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor anyone who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the alien, the orphan, and the widow ... (Jeremiah 22:3). I am dismayed by the Supreme Court’s recent
Bishop Eaton Issues Statement on Executive Order
Statement from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on executive order 6/22/2018 About two weeks ago, I joined more than 20 other faith leaders in raising concerns about the administration’s announced plans that it would begin separating families and criminally prosecuting all people who enter the U.S. without previous authorization. In line
Governor Wolf Signs 2018-2019 Budget
Governor Wolf signed the 2018-2019 state budget into law Friday, June 22, a week before the June 30 deadline with very little controversy. This year's budget includes no new taxes, funding transfers to pay for new school safety initiatives, and deposited money into the Rainy Day Fund for the first
Pennsylvania Synods Pass Resolutions at Assemblies
Four ELCA Synods in Pennsylvania voted to pass resolutions regarding social justice issues at their recent assembly gatherings. The Lower Susquehanna Synod, meeting at Messiah College, May 31 - June 1, 2018, adopted a resolution regarding homelessness. The Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod, meeting at Thiel College, June 15-16, 2018, adopted a
