In 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, TX and took control of the state freeing all enslaved people. The arrival of the troops was two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. Considered the longest-running African American holiday, it was officially recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021.

Volunteering for CONTACT Helpline brings the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of others in your community. The need for emotional support and community resources grows each year. Learn how to take phone calls from neighbors seeking assistance and refer them to vital services. Find out more HERE!

The MLK Leadership Development Institute (LDI) trains and equips young minority professionals to ascend to positions of leadership. Since the inaugural 2009 Class, the Institute has attracted participants of varying race, ethnicity and religious beliefs in keeping with Dr. King’s concept of the Beloved Community. Learn more about LDI cohort HERE

MLK-365 builds on the momentum of the National Day of Service to strengthen vital bonds between diverse neighbors throughout Central PA. We recognize the importance of these relationships and understand they need careful and constant tending. This includes championing positive interpersonal relationships between neighbors throughout Central PA as well as supporting partnerships between organizations and institutions that contribute to flourishing neighborhoods. “Neighboring” is a helpful way of describing our efforts to improve these vital social connections.

Throughout the year Christian Churches United (CCU) serves as a coordinated entry point for neighbors in Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties who are seeking housing assistance. Take a moment to visit them online HERE. Some of CCU’s programs include: HELP Ministries or "The HELP Office" which is a community hub providing a continuum of crisis management and homeless solutions. Additionally, CCU, in partnership with local churches, opens two winter walk-in shelters to increase our community's shelter capacity for the winter. Susquehanna Harbor Safe Haven has capacity for 25 long-term residents. From December through March, the SHSH community room is site of our Winter Overnight Safe Haven (WOSH), an overnight sleeping space for up to 23 men on the street run by area churches and volunteers. The Prison Action Committee provides an associate chaplain position at Dauphin County Prison to support the spiritual needs of inmates as well as other efforts in the community. Project A.S.K. is a volunteer driven ministry providing tangible support to students in need in West Shore School District.

Adopt an Apartment: Clean, furnish, and decorate an apartment for a mom and her children to have a safe place to call home. This is a great opportunity for church and civic organizations, groups of friends and families, or businesses wanting to give back to the community in a meaningful way. Donate supplies: Help families have the items they need by donating cleaning products, hygiene items, and gift cards to Walmart or Target. This is a great way to get kids involved by holding a donation drive through a youth group or asking for donations at a birthday party. Learn more HERE: https://www.bha-pa.org/ways-to-get-involved