Keystone Human Services

Thank you, Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH, for your support of Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed budget and recognizing the importance and value of the people who accept our services, ID/A service providers, and Direct Support Professionals.

Keystone Human Services Direct Support Professional and Supported Employment Coordinator, Gayle Ferona, joined other human service professionals, advocates, family members, and chairs of the Pennsylvania House of Human Services Committee, Rep. Stephen Kinsey and PA State Rep. Doyle Heffley at the Pennsylvania Capitol Rotunda to support the full implementation of Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed budget investment of $483 million to increase resources for providers of home and community-based services. Please take the time to tell your legislators to keep this funding in the PA state budget: https://p2a.co/Y2qVn3p

Thank you, The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Valerie Arkoosh, MD, MPH and Deputy Secretary Kristin Ahrens, for visiting Keystone Human Services and leading a round table discussion with KHS President and CEO, Charles Sweeder, advocates, families, caregivers, and providers, about the need for investments in Governor Josh Shapiro's 2024-2025 proposed budget, which would increase the number of Pennsylvanians who can access intellectual disabilities and autism services, and support Direct Support Professionals who provide needed supports. Please read more at https://bit.ly/4bneqSH.

June 11-13, 2024 marked the seventeenth session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held at the United Nations. This year’s theme revolved around rethinking disability inclusion, with a special focus on technology, humanitarian emergencies, and the right to decent work and a sustainable livelihood. Charles Sweeder, President and CEO of Keystone Human Services; Genevieve Fitzgibbon, President and CEO of Keystone Human Services International; and Carolyn Moore, MPH, International Policy and Advocacy Lead for KHSI represented KHS. KHS was pleased to participate in the General Debate, with Genevieve Fitzgibbon delivering our statement on true and meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities, including designing community-based services together with people with disabilities. Read the entire statement at: https://lnkd.in/eU8sWchZ

We wish you joy during this Juneteenth! Since June 19, 1865, #Juneteenth has been a celebration of freedom, beginning with the announcement of the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas. It’s a time of reflection and community – recognizing how the meaning of the holiday has developed and grown with each generation. As we celebration freedom, resilience, family, and joy, we recognize that inequality and inequity continue to exist. We look for ways to make space for each other, come together as a community, and move forward into the future.

The 17th session of the Conference of States Parties #COSP17 to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) will take place from Tuesday, June 11th to Thursday, June 13th at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Article 19 of the #CRPD, affirming the right to live in the #community, lies at the core of our work.    You can follow the entire conference at:  http://webtv.un.org/ #GlobalGoals #COSP #SDGs

Capital Area Head Start is more than just learning, it is about caring for the community. Staff of CAHS attended Wildcat Village: A Family Wellness Initiative at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Park, hosted by the Mechanicsburg Area School District School Social Work Department. Families enjoyed a beautiful day in the park, engaging in activities and discovering various community resources available to them. Head Start continues to ensure that every child receives comprehensive services, including family social services. To learn more about Capital Area Head Start, visit https://lnkd.in/ecc6fEaf

Join Keystone Human Services at Grandview Vineyard on June 7, 2024, for our Summer Social brought to you by First National Bank! You’ll enjoy an evening of wine, beer tastings from Moo-Duck Brewery, hors d’oeuvres, and more! Ambassador dogs from Susquehanna Service Dogs will be on site. Buy tickets or sponsorships at https://lnkd.in/e5bZ5uFu Summer Social benefits Keystone Human Services and our work to build a better, more inclusive world.

Such an amazing day with our community partners from Nestlé Purina North America on their annual Purina Cares Day. Purina employee volunteers assisted Susquehanna Service Dogs by washing and vacuuming the puppy transport van, painting, cleaning up play yards, and fixing picnic tables through sanding and painting. Purina believes that together, we can all continue serving the Susquehanna community! #PurinaCares #BetterTogether #DogsChangeLives #thankyou #generosity #community #assistancedogs #servicedogs

Meet Kristie, a cancer survivor, friend, and community member. “Being a part of Community Residential Rehabilitation (CRR) Services gives me a feeling of safety and security,” said Kristie Ziegler. “Keystone staff checks in daily, and I know that help is there if needed.” Community Residential Rehabilitation Services provide a supportive, residential environment within the community. Support is available 24 hours a day if needed. Adults set goals for their recovery and develop an individualized plan to meet their goals, hopes, and dreams as they work toward transitioning to more independent living arrangements. Supports may include development of self-care and daily living skills, medication monitoring, managing finances, and additional supports. “With CRR Services I know I am not alone.” Said Kristie. “There are social groups I am a part of where I’ve made friends. We talk about our feelings and learn coping skills. We also garden, journal and learn new skills.” May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth! Please visit https://lnkd.in/eHX2pgwm for more information. #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthmonth