Compassionate Support Services in Blair County, PA

Our core belief is that every individual has value. Often, all that’s required to unlock a person’s full potential is dedicated, person-centered support. Skills of Central PA provides person-centric intellectual and mental health support services to help people of all ages pursue their dreams and achieve their goals.

Behavior Support Services in Blair County, PA

Living with developmental or intellectual disabilities can lead to significant frustration when trying to handle day-to-day activities. You might find yourself overwhelmed when you’re not able to finish one task before a coworker hands you another. Perhaps you worry when your child’s peers hesitate to socialize because of past behavioral outbursts.

Our specialists invest the necessary time to understand better what difficulties and frustrations arise and what triggers them. We then establish a person-centered behavioral support plan that teaches effective techniques to ensure positive outcomes.

Our behavioral support services include:

• Adaptive Planning: Our flexible plans are easy to adjust as needs change.
• Comprehensive Guidance: We provide training for family members, employers, first responders, and other support providers.
• Consultative Listening: We prioritize hearing the full story before formulating any strategic plan.
• Cultural Assessments: We ensure all support plans respect backgrounds and values.
• First-hand Experiences: We observe interactions within the community or the workplace to gain valuable insights.
• Guided bonding activities
• Sensory Evaluations: We explore potential triggers to pinpoint issues and work on effective resolutions.

Community Homes in Blair County, PA

Safe housing is important, but so is housing where compassionate support professionals meet your unique needs. Skills of Central PA provides community homes with one to four beds. Support services for residents include:

• 24-hour Transportation: We ensure that safe rides are accessible at all hours.
• Clinical Care: On-site LPNs are available for medical issues, and on-call staff is available for issues the on-site staff cannot resolve.
• Direct Support: Receive assistance with personal care from a fully-trained direct support team.
• Financial Management: Representative payee services assist with financial management.
• Inclusion Assistance: We support residents in community participation.

Community Participation Support – Adult Training Facility in Blair County, PA

Participation within the community fosters a sense of being valued and included. With community participation support services, participants receive support as they volunteer, take jobs, or engage in community activities. This includes options like:

• Environmental Stewardship: Help clean and upkeep area parks.
• Strength Discovery: Explore your strengths and ways to share gifts and skills.
• Lifelong Learning: Identify interests and enroll in community adult learning opportunities.
• Horticultural Engagement: Help maintain the Discovery Garden in Legion Park.
• Skill Building: Improve basic competencies and skills needed for employment.
• Animal Advocacy: Volunteer at local pet rescues and other area organizations.
• Public Transportation Mastery: Understand how to access and use transportation services in the area.
• Therapeutic Development: Improve mobility and fine and gross motor development.

Community Participation Support – Vocational Training in Blair County, PA

What are your strengths, and how can you turn them into a career you love? Vocational training services help people with disabilities learn the skills needed to secure and keep jobs in the community. It helps build self-esteem and strong relationships within the community, with family, and with coworkers. Vocational training includes:

• Community Integration: Participate in local events and activities.
• Wellness Training: Focus on developing the health and stamina needed for daily activities and work responsibilities.
• Career Development: Master the specific skills needed for a chosen career.
• Self-Advocacy: Learn to communicate needs effectively in a professional setting.
• Awareness Training: Build social, mobility, and awareness skills to use in the community and the workplace.
• Youth Transition: Gain specific skills that help young adults transition from school to the workforce.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Explore volunteering to build skills, feel valued, and discover new interests.

Employment Services in Blair County, PA

You want to contribute to the community by finding gainful employment. Skills of Central PA offers employment services, including:

• Active Job Searches: Get help using tools to find and apply for job openings.
• Career Assessments: Identify careers that match your skills and personality.
• Interview Coaching: Build confidence and learn techniques for successful interviews.
• Job Shadowing: Follow a professional around for a day for a real-life view into a job.
• On-the-Job Training: Receive hands-on support in the first few weeks of a job.
• Preparation: Get help with resumes and cover letters.
• Readiness Courses: Complete job readiness programs to prepare for today’s working world.

In-Home Supports in Blair County, PA

Our team helps people live within their community while embracing independence. As your needs aren’t a carbon copy of another person’s needs, person-centric in-home support is arranged. It may include assistance with:

• Communication: Learn how to express wants and needs effectively.
• Decision Making: Navigate daily choices and make long-term plans.
• Health Maintenance: Manage medical appointments, healthy meals, and daily personal care.
• Home Management: Make sure your living environment is clean, organized, and safe.
• Mobility Support: Navigate your home, workplace, and community safely.
• Resource Allocation: Manage your personal supplies and household items, and learn how to maintain inventory, create lists, and shop for items.
• Socialization: Build healthy relationships at home and in the community.
• Self-Care: Take care of yourself with daily hygiene and personal wellness.
• Transportation: Coordinate rides for appointments, errands, and social activities.

Lifesharing in Blair County, PA

Disabilities do not have to keep you from living where you want or with whom you want to live. Sometimes, the family you’re born into isn’t the best fit for your emotional, developmental, and intellectual needs. Sometimes, your family members need a little support to help you live safely and comfortably within the family home.

Our lifesharing program supports people as they move into a home to start long-term, stable relationships, whether that home is with a neighbor, a friend, or a family who has signed up to provide a home through the lifesharing program.

Older Adult Day Services in Blair County, PA

Area residents aged 60 or older who live with developmental disabilities or limited mobility receive support and socialization opportunities through adult day services. It’s a popular option for family caregivers who need a safe place for a family member during the workday or for much-needed respite.

The goal is for older adults to engage in a variety of activities while making friends and maintaining independence through:

• Games like Bingo, Bucket Basketball, and Ring Toss
• Group activities like crafting, cooking, and gardening
• Exercise programs
• Meals
• Movie afternoons
• Music therapy
• Community outings to parks, stores, theaters, and more

Our Community Reach

Our services help people throughout Blair County, PA, including residents of Altoona, Hollidaysburg, Tyrone, Bellwood, and many other towns and neighborhoods.

Discover the wealth of benefits offered through our comprehensive support services. Reach out to our local team at the following locations to discuss your goals and get answers to your questions.