BEHAVIOR SUPPORT SERVICES Eligibility: MR diagnosis, Children and Adults Eligibility: MR diagnosis, 18 years or older, lives independently or with a family member.
Skills provides safety, protection, and support services in a community home for children in county custody. The program's goal is to reunify the child with his or her family when both are ready. The supportive environment in the home provides security and permanency that promotes child and family well-being. The reunification process includes program supports such as family education, counseling and structured daily living activities for the children. Eligibility: Skills welcomes referrals from all counties in Pennsylvania, however, preference will be give to the local Office of Children, Youth and Families in each county where we operate a community home. Licensing: Skills' residential facilities for children and youth are licensed by the Office of Children, Youth & Families (OCY&F)
Adult Training Services provides training for adults 18 years of age or older with developmental needs who require assistance to meet personal needs and perform basic daily activities. This program is designed to address every individual's needs so that he or she may experience personal enrichment. We strive to create a sense of empowerment that allows individuals to make choices and achieve their desired lifestyle. Pre-Vocational training and adult daily living skills are taught in preparation for potential employment. Community activities are available in recreation, leisure, and volunteerism. Activities are designed to promote independence and enhance one’s daily life. Other areas of training include Communication Skills, Cultural/Ecological Awareness, Self-Advocacy, Social Skills, Leisure/Physical Fitness/Recreation, Nutrition/Health, Volunteerism, Community Participation, and Senior Services. In addition, a program for seniors has been incorporated to allow older individuals alternative program choices for more leisure/recreation activities. Other areas of training include Communication Skills, Cultural/Ecological Awareness, Self- Advocacy, Social Skills, Leisure/Physical Fitness/Recreation, Nutrition/Health, Volunteerism, Community Participation, and Senior Services. Eligibility: Primarily MR diagnosis; 18 or older.
Vocational evaluation, volunteer opportunities, adjustment training, industrial training for persons with disabilities. Individualized work-oriented services are provided to maximize vocational development and increase employment possibilities. Eligibility: Primary diagnosis of mental retardation.
The Residential Services Department provides a variety of housing options in Blair County primarily for adults with developmental disabilities. Residential services offered are Community Homes, Family Living Programs, and Apartment Programs. The Skills Group emphasizes a philosophy of positive approaches in order to stress the importance of developing healthy human relationships in an inclusive community. Eligibility: Diagnosis of mental retardation, mental illness, physical and/or sensory disability.
Skills Employment Services focuses on job acquisition and career development for persons with disabilities. Our goal is to enhance an individual's quality of life through competitive employment and community integration. The objective of the services is to meet the needs of the employer by training and supporting individuals on and off the job site through the use of an Employment Training Specialist. Through community employment, a person's self-esteem, financial independence, and quality of life are enhanced and a feeling of self worth is achieved. Eligibility: MH, MR, diagnosis and OVR consumers
Two independent living complexes, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, located at 1131 7th Avenue, Juniata and 301 East Crawford Avenue, Altoona, for persons with chronic mental illness. Tenants pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income and are provided with furnished apartments in a clean, safe, community integrated environment. Support service coordination is available to tenants by a Life Skills Counselor as requested. Eligibility: Very Low Income
Skills Group manages a single room occupancy program designated as Tyler Hall. Tyler Hall is a dormitory environment with 20 single rooms, a common kitchen and common baths per floor. A community support specialist coordinates a support system to assist in self-sufficiency in persons with special needs. Eligibility: Low income, special needs
Waupalani Apartments is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 8 program for persons with developmental disabilities. The purpose of this program is to provide a quality, affordable, independent living arrangement for individuals who have developmental disabilities and very low income. In addition, a Supportive Living Staff are available upon request to work with individuals in promoting further independence. Rent is calculated at 30% of adjusted gross income. Rent includes gas, water, sewage, and garbage removal. All additional utilities will be the responsibility of the tenant. Waupalani Apartments are accessible to persons with disabilities. On-site amenities include: coin-operated washers and dryers, private kitchens with a refrigerator and stove, private bathrooms, secured doors and intercom system, and air conditioning. One and two bedroom units are available. Eligibility: Very Low Income.
Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays – 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
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