JHM Scholarship Application

Community Scholarship Deadline: March 31, 2026

Join Hands Ministry is a community outreach program providing direction, intervention, and support to persons facing a variety of daily living challenges. When there is a need and all other financial or social resources and supports have been exhausted, Join Hands Ministry offers help and hope to Perry County

Originally, many people in Perry County sought help from the religious community with a myriad of needs. The faith community was being confronted by: Lack of awareness of such needs in the community The availability of existing public service agencies Duplication of services among the churches (repeated help given to the same family for the same concern) Contradiction of existing services (non-compliance with agency/case management stipulations) The inability to verify the legitimacy of the need being requested.

During a bible study at New Bloomfield UMC a question was asked, "What do you think God is calling you to do no matter limitations of resources?" Harry Overholtzer responded with what Join Hands Ministry is today.

Therefore, the Perry County United Methodist Cluster accepted the challenge of responding to the needs in this rural community. Join Hands Ministry was formed by the Cluster to be a central point of contact and services with the purpose of making these needs known among the area churches, filling in the "gaps" for persons in need, and creating a standardization of qualifying true poverty needs while establishing lines of accountability for responsible management of funds and goods donated to the cause.

In 2023, due to church affiliation changes, Join Hands Ministry became an independent nonprofit with a board that is representative of the community.

The mission of Join Hands Ministry is to serve as a contact and support center for persons living in Perry County who are seeking assistance with daily living concerns.

Eligibility Requirements:
1. Open to any student who is a senior attending a Perry County, Pennsylvania school.
2. Applicants must be attending a trade school, college, or university after graduation.
3. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to social services, human services, community outreach, or nonprofit management.

Application
Name*

First NameLast Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Greenwood High SchoolNewport High SchoolSusquenita High SchoolWest Perry High SchoolOther:
Email*
example@example.com
Telephone Number (optional)

Essays
Join Hands Ministry is a community and faith-based organization that is committed to serving the people of Perry County, Pennsylvania. We are looking to provide monetary support to individuals who show a well-rounded character to include academics and a desire to serve the community.

Please provide answers to the following questions to be considered for the Join Hands Ministry Community Scholarship.

Note: This scholarship is supported by the members of Join Hands Ministry's board and the community. The number of scholarships available and the amount of the scholarships provided is based on donated funds.
Has anyone in your household gone to college If so please list them and their relation to you*
What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment?*
What is your favorite memory of working in your community?*
What do you hope to be doing in 5 years?*
Who is the most influential person in your life and why?*
Is there anything you would like to share that will help us understand you and your need better?*
Please upload a copy of your acceptance letter.*

Cancelof
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Application

Essays