PennCares is a community-based organization providing early intervention, work opportunities, in-home support, and lifelong services for individuals of all ages and abilities.
PennCares offers personalized services and supports for children, adults with disabilities, and older adults, designed to help each person live well and maintain control of their life. Our team works closely with families to ensure every individual receives compassionate, responsive care tailored to their unique needs.
Our Mission
PennCares advances the quality of life and promotes independence and productivity for individuals with disabilities and challenges throughout their lives.
History
Formerly UCP of South Central PA, PennCares has been serving individuals and families across the region for more than 60 years.

Founded in 1962, PennCares began as a small service provider and advocate for children with disabilities. Over the decades, we have grown alongside our neighbors—expanding our reach and broadening our programs to meet the diverse needs of children, adults, and older adults across South Central Pennsylvania.
Today, PennCares offers a wide range of services, from early intervention and child development programs to in-home care and support for older adults and adults with disabilities. Throughout our history, we’ve remained committed to serving every person and family with kindness, consideration, and competence.
If you or someone you love needs support—whether it’s extra help at home after surgery, therapeutic intervention for a child, or daily companionship and care—PennCares is, just as we have been for more than half a century, here for you.
Leadership Team
Our leadership team is dedicated to developing the most high-caliber services organization in the region. Below you will find contact information for our directors, and we welcome you to reach out if you have need.


Deborah S. Allen, MSW, CDP
Executive Director
dallen@penncares.org
Tammie Woolgar, B.S.
Assistant Executive Director
twoolgar@penncares.org
Board Members
Daryl Hewitt, B.A., M.A.
Board President
Mobile Therapist/Behavior Specialist
T.W. Ponessa & Associates Counseling Services, Inc
Millersburg, PA
Lisa Lowrie DSW, LSW
Board Secretary
Director of Advocacy & Consumer Relations,
The Bradley Center
Pittsburgh, PA
Rosalind Brendle
Retired Nurse
Hanover, PA
Yvette Kamimura-Jones, MS, CPS
Forensic Behavioral Health Training Specialist
Behavioral Health Training & Education Network
Philadelphia, PA
Lynn Frick
Director of Finance & Administration
Summit Advisory, Inc.,
Lancaster, PA
Margaret Thatcher
Retired
Mental Health & Aging Advocate
Altoona, PA
Deborah Allen, MSW, CDP
Executive Director
PennCares Support Services
Elliottsburg, PA
Locations
Hanover
(717) 632-5552
Main Office
788 Cherry Tree Ct.
Hanover, PA 17331
Chambersburg
(717) 267-2672
“The Avenues”
550 Cleveland Avenue Suite 209
Chambersburg, PA 17201
