Our Causes


Back to PHN Charitable Foundation Homepage

PHNCF front entrance

Literacy Initiatives

The pandemic has affected our communities in more ways than just health, including education. Disruptions in learning have greatly impacted young students, more so those in their formative years of learning to read. To address these issues, our Foundation is working to inspire the next generation of readers through literacy initiatives.

Reach Out and Read

Some of our initiatives include investing in Reach Out and Read, which is a national non-profit organization that promotes the integration of childhood literacy into pediatric care. Currently, we are piloting this program at Primary Health Network’s:

  • Greenville Community Health Center
  • Shenandoah Health Center
  • Titusville Health Center
  • Wayne Primary Care
  • Sharon Medical Group Pediatrics

After completing comprehensive training through Reach Out and Read, providers utilize pediatric checkups as an opportunity to have a conversation with the child’s caregiver about the importance of reading aloud to their child every day. Additionally, at each wellness visit from age six months to five years, pediatric patients will receive a book to take home as part of this program.

Child in class, smiling at camera as other students complete their workbooks.

Little Free Library

Reading is a vital skill that enriches our lives, and introducing children to books before they can read brings numerous benefits. Early exposure to books fosters language development and listening skills, while also providing a cherished bonding experience between children and their caregivers. Surveys reveal that caregivers are more inclined to read to their children when they have easy access to books.

To support this, our Foundation is committed to advancing the Little Free Library movement. Little Free Library aims to foster community connections, inspire a love of reading, and enhance book access for everyone. Our objective is to raise sufficient funds to establish a Little Free Library at each of Primary Health Network’s pediatric locations, ensuring that more children and families can experience the joy of reading.

We thank you for your consideration. Any gift large or small will make a positive influence in a child’s life!

Our Little Free Library Locations:

  • Altoona Community Health Center
    1701 12th Ave.
    Altoona, PA
  • Arise – New Castle
    1218 W. State Street
    New Castle, PA
  • Bill Fredrich Memorial Park
    350 Sharon-New Castle Road
    Farrell, PA
  • Central Park
    Greenville, PA
  • Clarion Community Health Center
    30 Pinnacle Drive
    Clarion, PA
  • Kish Park
    1 Derry Park Drive
    Lewistown, PA
  • Laurel Technical Institute
    200 Sterling Ave.
    Sharon, PA
  • New Castle Primary Care
    1112 S. Mill Street
    New Castle, PA
  • Sheakleyville Health Center
    339 Perry Highway
    Sheakleyville, PA
  • Titusville YMCA
    528 West Main Street
    Titusville, PA
  • Wayne Primary Care
    650 East Avenue
    Erie, PA
The college students take notes during lecture for reference later.

Healthcare Scholarships

At the PHN Charitable Foundation (PHNCF), we believe that we must invest in our own future-the future of health care. We must ensure that there will always be well-trained doctors, nurses, technicians, and other healthcare professionals to provide the highest quality of care in our health centers. To support this belief, the PHNCF awards $30,000 in academic scholarships to students pursuing a career in healthcare or allied health fields each year. Recipients have gone on to pursue careers as doctors, pharmacists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and more.

Students are only permitted one application submission per year and can be either college-bound or currently enrolled at a public college, private college, or vocational school.


Caring for our Neighbors

Pedaling for Smiles

Collaborating with our partner, Communicycle, we organize engaging bike safety workshops for Primary Health Network pediatric patients, providing them with new helmets and bicycles. These interactive events not only equip children with essential safety gear but also promote healthy lifestyles and community engagement. Through three successful community gatherings, we’ve empowered nearly 170 children across our service areas with bikes and helmets, fostering safer and more active communities.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue expanding our efforts and making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. Stay tuned for updates on future events and opportunities to get involved!

Direct Relief

At PHN Charitable Foundation, we are committed to enhancing the well-being of Primary Health Network patients. To achieve this goal, we proudly collaborate with the Direct Relief program, offering crucial health and hygiene supplies completely free of charge. Through this partnership, we ensure that individuals in need have access to the resources necessary for maintaining good health. Our collaborative efforts enable us to deliver a wide range of vital supplies directly to Primary Health Network facilities, where they are distributed to patients facing economic hardship or other challenges. From medical supplies to personal hygiene products, our contributions support individuals in maintaining their health and dignity.

By alleviating the burden of acquiring essential supplies, we empower patients to focus on their health and well-being without worrying about financial constraints. Together with our partners, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Community Collaboration

Community collaboration is at the heart of our mission. We are dedicated to supporting organizations within our service area through various avenues such as sponsorships, partnerships, and active engagement. By fostering strong collaborative relationships with local nonprofits, community groups, and initiatives, we strive to enhance the well-being and vitality of our neighborhoods. Through these efforts, we aim to create lasting positive impacts that strengthen the fabric of our communities and empower individuals to thrive. Join us in our commitment to building a brighter future together.


For further details on how to submit sponsorship requests, please reach out to us directly at 724-981-2875.