For over ninety years, the United Methodist Home for Children has provided a caring environment for Central Pennsylvania's children in need. Originally a home for orphans, today the Home is a refuge for children who are the victims of a negative social environment. Each year, UMHC programs provide emergency shelter and residential treatment for hundreds of children on our beautiful 56 acre campus in Cumberland County.

Children are referred to the Home primarily by county children and youth agencies and family courts. The children, for a variety of reasons, are unable to live with their families or within foster care placements in the community. 

Four service programs provide therapeutic assistance for children and youth:

 United Methodist Home for Children Residential Care, Inc.: This program provides intensive long-term residential care for boys and girls, ages eight to eighteen. The five original limestone cottages create a safe, home-like environment for the children with professional care provided by a team of dedicated staff. Staff members offer round-the-clock guidance, structure, nurturing, and discipline. Special therapies include behavior modification, conflict resolution, problem solving, equestrian therapy, and art therapy.

 United Methodist Home for Children Emergency Shelter for Youth, Inc.: The primary purpose of this program is to provide 30 day, temporary shelter and care to children removed from their homes for various reasons including abuse, abandonment, neglect, or parental illness. Children receive immediate, short-term care while authorities seek to stabilize the families or secure alternative placement for each child. The emergency shelter can accommodate 16 children, both boys and girls, from ages seven to seventeen.

 Transitional Living Program: The Transitional Living Program is designed to prepare older adolescents for independent living by empowering those we serve to become productive, healthy members of society. The UMHC Transitional Living Program serves a target population of males and females between the ages of 17-21. The young adults served by the Transitional Living Program are in need of supplemental housing, prior to becoming independent from their referring county. Our program provides a series of life skills lessons necessary for preparing the young adults for independent living.

 Individual & Family Counseling Clinics: Two counseling clinics are operated in conjunction with the United Methodist Home for Children. These clinics are dedicated to serving the needs of individuals and families in the community and are located in Mechanicsburg and Steelton. Experienced professionals provide services for all persons, regardless of economic status or religious affiliation. Fees are determined on a sliding scale basis, making counseling affordable to persons of all income levels.

The United Methodist Home for Children is dedicated to providing hurting children with the tools they need to succeed in life. Services are available to children, youth, and families regardless of religion, race, sec, color, or national origin.

 UMHC History