Local first responders create organization to help families

GALLITZIN, Pa. (WTAJ) — Disasters can strike at any time, and it’s always when you least expect it. That’s why two first responders in Cambria County started an organization that aims to help anyone in need.

“You know, we wanted to be able to help even more after the chaos,” Heather Miller, Co-Founder of Pennsylvania Next Response said.

According to their Facebook page , Pennsylvania Next Response , formerly known as Cambria Next Response was formed and organized by two local first responders, along with two other members of their fire company, to help families in need after devastating emergencies have occurred. Their vision is to assist families who have lost their belongings due to fires and other emergency situations, as well as other hardships.

The idea for the organization came from seeing tragedy in their community and the people close to them.

“And then just over the years, we’ve seen so many different things. So between my cousin and friends who have lost things and their own children and then, you know, this family going through it on Christmas and then our good friend having to leave him behind his family and then them losing theirs,” Miller said.

Pennsylvania Next Response started in January 2024, with support and donations pouring in shortly after.

“This past year I’m just overwhelmed with the amount of people that have donated. And they tell us, I’m so happy you’re doing this for these people. And thank you,” Jackie Prosser, Co-Founder of Pennsylvania Next Response said.

Unlike most organizations, this one doesn’t have a physical office or location.

“So we do this out of our homes and we have two storage units and we go there and do a lot of stuff up there,” Miller said.

Miller and Prosser both work with the Gallitzin Fire Company, but Pennsylvania Next Response is not affiliated with the Gallitzin Fire Company in any capacity.

Heather’s cousin, Lynee McDonough, also works with the organization and said that what they’re doing is important. She lost her home in a fire around 10 years ago.

“There’s nothing like getting that phone call. I consider myself extremely fortunate. My family took me in. My friends did so much for me that it was unbelievable. But there are so many people out there that don’t have what I had,” Lynne McDonough, a volunteer with the organization said.

In June, only six short months after it’s launch, they were able to expand into Blair County.

“After that drop off we had so much. I think the end of that day was when I looked at her and said, We’re doing this. We’re going to go in here, we’re going to Blair County,” Miller said.

Pennsylvania Next Response is currently working to obtain a 501 (c)(3) status for the organization.

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They do need help with organizing donations and getting shelving to hang up clothes. If you are interested in volunteering or working with them, call (814)-408-5671, or email them at PaNextResponse@gmail.com .

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