SUN-GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
American Rescue Workers’ volunteers distribute food ahead of a recent holiday season.

The American Rescue Workers (ARW) are proud to mark their 90th anniversary this year, celebrating nine decades of unwavering dedication to hunger and homelessness prevention in Lycoming County. Since its inception in 1934, ARW has been a cornerstone of support for the community, providing vital services to those in need.

Providing Shelter and Nourishment

The American Rescue Workers impact in the Lycoming County area is monumental. In 2023, they provided 25,185 bed nights of lodging, ensuring that individuals, families, and veterans in crisis had a safe place to sleep. The ARW served over 96,000 meals last year, including 66,795 shelter meals, making sure no one in our community went hungry. Outside of shelter meals, the food pantry services, holiday food distributions (Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas) and drive-thru meals collectively fed 29,400 people last year, highlighting their critical role in combating food insecurity.

Holistic Prevention: The Social Service Center

American Rescue Workers’ Social Services Center embodies a holistic approach to homelessness prevention through a myriad of services. Beyond financial assistance, the Social Services Center offers case management to address underlying issues, ensuring sustainable solutions. Annually, thousands of individuals benefit from these services. The Social Services Center Food Pantry distributed 522,747 pounds of food in 2023, equating to 435,623 meals to upwards of 25,000 individuals. On average, the ARW Food Pantry is serving 1,000 families per month, representing a 66% increase from 2022. Additionally, the ARW Social Services Center provided well over $200,000 in utility assistance, significantly reducing the number of homelessness in the community by preventing individual homeless crises- one individual at a time.

To celebrate their remarkable journey, ARW invites the community to a grand birthday celebration in September. Join us for a festive event filled with community spirit and heartfelt gratitude as we honor our past and look forward to a bright future together.

For more information about the 90th birthday celebration and how to get involved, visit www.arwwilliamsport.org or contact Jennifer Rempe at 570-323-8401 ext. 6.