WORMLEYSBURG, PA — The Shapiro Administration has announced a $33,750 investment in A Gift of Smiles, a nonprofit dental clinic in Lemoyne dedicated to providing free dental care to low-income residents with disabilities in Cumberland County and Harrisburg. This funding, made possible through the expanded Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing public health and community welfare.
The NAP, which incentivizes private businesses to support nonprofit organizations, received a significant funding increase under Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 bipartisan budget. By doubling its allocation from $36 million to $72 million, the program is now supporting 218 nonprofit projects in its second round of awards, including 35 initiatives in Pennsylvania’s central region.
“The goal of the Neighborhood Assistance Program is to strengthen our communities and improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians,” said Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger. “I’m thrilled to visit the new dental clinic opened by A Gift of Smiles to celebrate this award, which will help to ensure the health and safety of adults and children with disabilities in Cumberland County and the Harrisburg area.”
The new facility provides critical dental services to individuals who may otherwise have limited access to care. Representative Nathan Davidson highlighted its importance, remarking, “The A Gift of Smiles Dental Clinic is a vital step toward ensuring that our most vulnerable residents have access to the essential dental care they deserve. This year’s doubling of Neighborhood Assistance Program awards shows Pennsylvania’s commitment to building stronger, more vibrant communities and ensuring better health and quality of life for our neighbors in need.”
Dr. Dwight Ashby, Founder of A Gift of Smiles, also emphasized the crucial role of community contributions. “This NAP funding will enable the A Gift of Smiles clinic to provide care to those in need by providing the clinic with needed equipment to provide community members with free dental care. A Gift of Smiles is deeply grateful to participating local businesses including Alba Orthodontics, Fields Family Dentistry, Mid Penn Bank, and MKL Orthodontics, and the Shapiro Administration who made the Neighborhood Assistance Program Tax Credit program funding possible.”
Corporate involvement has been vital to the initiative’s success, with businesses like Mid Penn Bank playing a key role. “Mid Penn Bank is proud to have the opportunity to support Dr. Ashby’s inspiring work at A Gift of Smiles through the Neighborhood Assistance Program,” said Dawn Spahr, Director of CRA/Community Impact at Mid Penn Bank. “Partnering with DCED through NAP funding is vital to our mission of critically serving and supporting all of our customers and communities, and we look forward to continuing our investment in organizations doing work to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians.”
Governor Shapiro’s focus on community-driven investments positions Pennsylvania to address essential public health needs while fostering economic resilience. By investing in programs like NAP, the administration aims to support organizations and initiatives that uplift communities and create lasting positive change.
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