Wow, I cannot believe we’re already talking about end of summer events and back to school. I hope everyone is enjoying the summer and making good memories. At CONTACT Altoona, we are planning a very busy August and have great events for you to attend.

Posted on by shayan

Wow, I cannot believe we’re already talking about end of summer events and back to school. I hope everyone is enjoying the summer and making good memories. At CONTACT Altoona, we are planning a very busy August and have great events for you to attend.

August 4th everyone is welcome to join us at the Blair County’s “Night Out Against Crime” at the Duncansville Antique Depot. The night includes a car show open to the public with registrations for cars beginning 5:15pm. The event kicks off with a First Responders Parade on 3rd Avenue. The evening will conclude with fireworks at 9pm. (See Attached Flyer)

August 14th, from 11am to 1pm, CONTACT Altoona will be at the Gloria Gates Foundation’s “Back-To-School Festival” at Fairview Hills. Join us for a fun-filled event with several Blair County Agencies as well as the Altoona Police and Fire Departments. There will be games, prizes, a bounce house (adult permission required), hot dogs, desserts and snow cones! Let’s start the school year off right together!! (See Attached Flyer)

And the very next day, August 15th, CONTACT Altoona will be with NAMI Blair County for their 2026 “Back-To-School Bash” at Fairview Park, 100 E Beech Ct., Altoona, PA. Enjoy us for lots of fun, food, drinks, games, backpack giveaways, and more. (See Attached Flyer)

Not enough back-to-school fun? Then join us on August 21 from 11am to 1pm at Evergreen Manor’s Back-To-School Bash.

CONTACT Altoona will be sharing about the great services we offer to Blair County residents and businesses at all of these events. In addition to working with individuals through our Helpline and our Reassurance Program, we also go to businesses and other organizations to inform their staff on resources that are available through CONTACT Altoona and other entities.

I invite you to attend these events, it’s a great opportunity for you to learn about CONTACT Altoona, network with the attendees and have family fun. Give me a call to talk about the upcoming events and how you can get involved. The more information that is shared, the greater positive difference we can make!

Erin Kay
Executive Director
CONTACT Altoona
814-946-0531

We’re off to a busy start this summer, we will be at several events sharing how to spread the word about the great services CONTACT Altoona offers to Blair County residents and businesses.

Posted on by shayan

We’re off to a busy start this summer, we will be at several events sharing how to spread the word about the great services CONTACT Altoona offers to Blair County residents and businesses. In addition to working with individuals through our Helpline and our Reassurance Program, we also go to businesses and other organizations to inform their staff on resources that are available through CONTACT Altoona and other entities.
Here are some of the events we’re attending in June:

June 9th is going to be a busy day! First, I am presenting about CONTACT Altoona to the Penn Highland’s Non-Profit Partnership’s quarterly meeting.

Later this day, CONTACT Altoona will have a table at the ELECT Resource Fair that is happening at the Altoona Area High School’s Cafeteria – it is open to the public. Come see us and ask how we can help you or one of your family members or friends. See Attached Flyer.

Also, in June I am attending a training put on by the Blair County Chamber’s Committee of Non-Profit Businesses called Managing Your Online Reputation. It will be geared towards non-profits, but anyone can attend. See Attached Flyer.

I invite you to attend these events as a participant – it’s a great opportunity for you to learn about CONTACT Altoona and network with the attendees. Give me a call to talk about the upcoming events and how you can get involved. The more information that is shared, the greater positive difference we can make!

Erin Kay,
Executive Director
CONTACT Altoona
814-946-0531

Servants of Hope: CONTACT Altoona Volunteers

Posted on by shayan

CONTACT Altoona is a person-centered telephone helpline whose mission is to respond to the needs of callers by active, reflective listening and, when appropriate, to make referrals to needed services. Since 1982, CONTACT Altoona’s Reassurance Program and Telephone Helpline service has been staffed by selfless, trained volunteers that make its mission possible.

John Hoover, who has been a CONTACT Altoona volunteer since April 2020, was inspired to become a volunteer after learning about the program and its benefits. “After learning about what the program was about and knowing someone who would have benefitted from this service but wasn’t aware of it, I thought it would be a great fit for me to be useful and serve my community.” John’s favorite part? “Connecting with people and being able to help those struggling by providing support and advising them when needed.”

A new CONTACT Altoona volunteer, Sue Bryan, began her volunteer journey with the program in February 2021, even though she had always wanted to join the organization. “Years ago, a colleague talked about volunteering for CONTACT Altoona. She described what she and how good it felt about helping others,” Sue explained. “However, at the time, I was a single mother with three small children and I was unable to help, but I always said I would join this organization someday.”

And that, she did! So far, Sue is enjoying her time with CONTACT Altoona. “I like interacting with and helping people and hoping to make their life a little brighter,” she shared. “I have been very blessed in my life and have a very positive attitude, and I hope some of my positivity can be shared to others through conversation.”

The volunteers at CONTACT Altoona are of all ages, education level, and skills that successfully complete the free, required training to become a volunteer, and enjoy the flexibility of working from home and choosing their own schedule. Most of all, they enjoy the feelings of fulfillment from assisting those who need help the most.

Future, in-person, volunteer training seminars are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday on September 27th and 28th; October 4th and 5th; and October 11th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day at the CONTACT Altoona office. If you are interested in becoming a CONTACT Altoona volunteer, visit www.contactaltoona.com or call (814) 946-0531 today to learn more.