HARRISBURG NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER
Empowered Lives.
Better Communities.
A Flourishing Harrisburg.
OUR
MISSION.
Harrisburg Neighborhood Center is a community hub that exists to walk alongside individuals and families to offer support, empowerment, and accessibility to resources.
OUR
VISION.
At Harrisburg Neighborhood Center, we affirm that all are welcome. Following the example of Jesus Christ, who loved and served all, we invite everyone to connect with us regardless of faith, race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ability, gender identity, or expression—and without judgment.
We recognize that every person who comes through our doors is a unique child of God, worthy of dignity, respect, and belonging. We believe in people and in the inherent worth of every person. We believe everyone should have the opportunity to flourish.
We seek to advance human flourishing within the city of Harrisburg by offering programs and services that promote dignity, stability, opportunity, and belonging for individuals and families.
OUR
HISTORY.
Founded in 1910
Over the decades
In Recent Years
The Journey is deeply honored to carry that responsibility forward.
OUR
FUTURE.
As part of this new chapter, The Journey will launch a new nonprofit organization called Harrisburg Neighborhood Center. This new nonprofit will carry forward the historic mission of The Neighborhood Center while creating new opportunities for community-based ministry and service in Harrisburg.
In conversation with The Neighborhood Center’s leadership and the Susquehanna Conference, all parties determined that The Journey launching a new nonprofit was the best way to revitalize and carry forward the historic mission of The Neighborhood Center.
The organization will operate legally as Harrisburg Neighborhood Center, while continuing to do business publicly as “The Neighborhood Center.” This allows the ministry to retain the identity and familiarity that the neighborhood has known for decades.
Through this new chapter, Harrisburg Neighborhood Center will seek to meet tangible needs through direct service and community-based initiatives that reflect compassion, consistency, equity, justice, and collaboration.
Core programming will focus broadly on meeting essential needs and strengthening individuals and families. This may include food access initiatives, clothing and household support, educational enrichment opportunities, family-centered programming, and seasonal or after-school initiatives for children and youth.
At its heart, Harrisburg Neighborhood Center will seek to walk alongside individuals and families who desire support, empowerment, and access to the resources needed for a thriving life.
The Harrisburg Neighborhood Center and the Lenore Haas Playground have formally transitioned under ownership of The Journey in Fall of 2026. The Playground will begin revitalization work and seek to open in Spring of 2027.
OUR VALUES.
Abundance
We believe there is more than enough to share with our neighbors. We seek to steward the resources we have been given in ways that create greater access and or flourishing for others.
Radical Hospitality
We seek to create a space where our neighbors know they are genuinely welcomed, seen, and valued. We choose to love and serve the individuals God has entrusted to us as neighbors. As a demonstration of God’s love, we partner with our neighbors to create pathways toward physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being that promotes the flourishing of all people.
Invitation & Belonging
This place is not exclusively about us. We believe God calls us to embody the transformative love of Jesus with others. We desire for every person who connects with the Center to experience belonging, dignity, and wholeness during their time.
Collaboration & Compassion
We seek to meet tangible needs through direct service and community-based initiatives marked by compassion, justice, and collaboration. We believe meaningful change happens when we listen to our neighbors and work alongside them and the partners around us serving the community. As a demonstration of God’s love, we partner with our neighbors to create pathways toward physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being that promote the flourishing of all of God’s beloved people.
Inclusion
We believe every person has inherent worth and deserves to be welcomed, respected, and included. We seek to create accessible spaces and opportunities where people of every background and circumstance can participate and belong. We believe love should be something people can experience, not simply something we talk about. Through accessible resources, consistent presence, practical support, and a communal approach, we seek to make grace and love tangible in the lives of our neighbors.
Dignity & Opportunity
We seek to recognize and address the systemic barriers and inequities that disproportionately impact people experiencing poverty and marginalization. We work toward a community where every person has meaningful access to dignity, opportunity, and the resources needed for an empowered life.
STAY CONNECTED.
For questions about the emerging Harrisburg Neighborhood Center, future programming, partnerships, or opportunities to become involved, please contact:
Kyra Gonzalez, LSW
PROGRAM Director
kgonzalez@thejourneyhbg.org
Rev. Kris Sledge
President, Board of Directors
ksledge@thejourneyhbg.org
Thank you for your continued care for The Neighborhood Center and the HARRISBURG COMMUNITY.
WHERE WE ARE
LOCATED.
THIRD STREET CAMPUS
1801 N. 3rd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102