We offer a safe place to truly develop socialization skills with like-minded individuals and improve natural skill development. However, when the pandemic closed down our all facility-based services, the room became quiet. Fortunately, it did not silence our crew. In the virtual setting of Zoom calls and Google classrooms, one gentleman thrived.
Joseph excelled in the setting, becoming quite the social butterfly.

With the support of staff and peers, Joseph used the virtual CPS program to learn and practice American Sign Language with his friends. As he mastered one sign, he became determined to learn more. He quickly was able to improve his ability to communicate with others. Staff have noticed a much more social Joseph because of his new signing skill-set which has given him even more confidence.

Joseph enjoys greeting each person who walks in our program with a great smile and a friendly “What’s up?”. He is full of life and energy that is contagious in the CPS program. Walking into the CPS building on a Friday afternoon is a treat because it is likely that you’ll find Joseph partaking in a dance party. His lively dance moves help encourage his friends to join him.

Due to the pandemic limiting the activities of the Community Participation Supports program, participants were able to partake in more activities surrounded by nature. Joseph actively participates in yoga to clear his mind of stressors. He also has taken an interest in fishing and the many different animals at lakes and ponds in the area. The thrill on Joseph’s face as
he reels in a fish is exciting for all that are with him during one of our outings.

Joseph, like many of us, was dealt a challenge when the COVID-19 restrictions were put into place. He succeeded overcoming the barriers before him and enthusiastically embraced the opportunities in front of him. With the creative thinking of staff and the accessibility of technology, Joseph prevailed and excelled his way to new beginnings.

The home was the product of a concept of a women’s-only, community-engaged, social home— a place where female residents could congregate together, entertain friends and family, and be active members of their communities. As soon as the doors opened, Richelle was the first one moving in, and she hasn’t looked back.

Richelle is engaged in her community, participating in a variety of activities including church services, bocci ball, and Area P Special Olympics where she competes in horseback riding, tennis, and bowling. She assists her mother with the preparation of holiday dances and is active with The ARC of Northeastern PA’s monthly activities. A volunteer with Meals on Wheels, Richelle also finds time to participate in multiple Community Participation Supports programs. She is very family-oriented and enjoys spending weekends at home visiting her parents and brother. At home, Richelle is extremely helpful around the house. She enjoys loading and unloading the dishwasher, keeping her room clean, and making her bed. Richelle also loves cookouts in the backyard and inviting friends over for lunch.

Richelle enjoys making the most of her time and being on-the-go; it was understandably life-changing when March 2020 occurred and Richelle’s active, community-based world was put on hold.

During this pandemic, Richelle’s well-being was a huge concern for her caregivers. A creature of habit and the outdoors, staff was unsure how much of a negative impact this enormous change would have on her.

Unfortunately, times got worse as Richelle was diagnosed with a medical condition of which the prognosis was unknown at the time. Despite the heartache of her diagnosis, Richelle persevered through treatment. With pandemic restrictions in place, Richelle needed to fight her battle with her supporters at a distance.

It was almost unbearable for a social butterfly. Richelle needed to remain extra vigilant, not having physical family contact, sports or activities, and no outdoor activity once winter arrived, all the while dealing with recent physical concerns. However, during these uncertain and unpredictable times, Richelle has been inspirational and cooperative. Throughout her medical treatment, she continued helping around the house with chores, adapting to new procedures, and transitioning family visits to only zoom and phone calls. Her Direct Support team members have spoken of Richelle as “an individual that has promoted and represented a friendly and helpful demeanor, cooperative feelings, and attitude.”

As a result of her positive attitude, doctors feel she may have overcome her condition! Richelle looks forward to getting back into the swing of her routine and returning to the community she loves.

She’s giggly, spunky, and motivated to succeed. Sarah began participating in employment services with Goodwill prior to the 2020 pandemic shut down. After meetings and discussions, the team discovered that Sarah loves to spend time with her pets at home and loves helping others’ animals. They quickly came up with an action plan and determined they would try to place her at a local animal shelter.

Unfortunately, after months of trying and with various restrictions in place, it was just not possible to get Sarah placed in a community setting that met her wants and needs. The team worked to come up with a solution.

They identified some barriers and areas of improvement for Sarah and decided Small Group Employment may be a better fit for her.

Alongside a job coach and coworkers, Sarah joined the retail setting of one of our local stores. She’s learned the ins and outs of sorting, processing, hanging and other daily tasks. The Small Group Employment program allows Sarah to have on-the-job support while learning transferable skills and earning a competitive paycheck.

Sarah hopes to continue to develop skills so that she can build her resumé and someday work at a veterinarian’s office or an animal rescue. When not at work, you can find Sarah playing with and taking care of her family pets, and spending time with family and friends.