Compassionate Support Services in Huntingdon-Mifflin-Juniata Counties, PA

Every child, teen, and adult is unique, and some people need a helping hand interacting within the community or taking care of themselves due to a developmental or intellectual disability. Skills of Central PA provides person-centric, compassionate assistance and care to those people.

If you’re ready to embrace your best life and enjoy healthy interactions within your community and workplace, our team can help. Our Huntingdon-Mifflin-Juniata County offices offer several compassionate, personalized services to residents, family members, community members, and professionals.

Behavior Support Services in Huntingdon-Mifflin-Juniata Counties, PA

Behavioral issues can make a person feel isolated and unwelcome. It doesn’t have to be that way. For residents of Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Juniata counties, Skills of Central PA provides personalized behavior support services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Challenging behaviors are often tied to that individual’s method of communication, and our tailored behavior support services help families and caregivers understand what the behavior means and what message it’s relaying. This helps strengthen family bonds, reduce isolation, and empower individuals to feel comfortable in the community.

Our team provides the following services:

• Community Involvement: Our team helps clients and community members bridge gaps by educating local employers, first responders, and other essential community members on healthy, effective communication methods.
• Comprehensive Assessments: The team conducts comprehensive evaluations to isolate environmental triggers and cultural assessments to capture every family member’s perspective. This ensures effective communication.
• Hands-on Skill Building: Team members accompany individuals to local job sites and community events in the tri-county area to view behavioral patterns in real time. Using this information, they can develop activity plans that teach critical interaction skills.

Community Homes in Huntingdon-Mifflin-Juniata Counties, PA

Community homes are group homes with one or more bedrooms where individuals live together in a collaborative, supportive living environment. Individuals in Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Juniata live their lives in safe neighborhoods, possibly sharing a home with another person or a small group.

These community homes balance specialized care with independent living. They feature:

• 24/7 comprehensive support from LPNs and direct support professionals trained in Person Centered Thinking.
• One to four bedrooms.
• Optional access to programs for pooled funds for shared household expenses and the setup of financial accounts.
• Transportation at any hour for appointments, work, events, and more.

Because these homes mimic a family home, residents feel empowered and in control of their routines and daily lives. They have friends nearby and support when it’s needed.

Community Participation Support – Adult Training Facility in Huntingdon-Mifflin-Juniata

For residents in Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Juniata counties, Skills Community Participation Support (CPS) – Adult Training Facility provides a pathway to independence and community engagement.

Operating locally out of their Mifflintown facility on E. Industrial Drive, the program helps adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities uncover their personal strengths and actively engage with the community and local workplaces.

Rather than feeling alone and isolated, individuals learn to advocate for themselves and form strong connections within the community. This includes:

• Community Volunteering: Find and join local clubs and volunteer organizations.
• Life and Mobility Skills: Learn how to use public and private transportation options.
• Pre-Vocational Development: Attend adult learning opportunities and develop skills needed for employment.

In-Home Supports in Huntingdon-Mifflin-Juniata Counties, PA

For families and individuals dealing with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Juniata counties, Skills provides in-home supports. This program is designed for individuals who choose to live in their own homes or with family but need personalized plans to help them maintain their independence and avoid institutional care.

These supportive services focus on collaboration, education, and guidance. Our team provides direct support in these areas:

• Community Interaction: Help with communication, event attendance, scheduling, transportation, and volunteering.
• Health and Wellness: Support includes coordinating medical appointments, diet, exercise, and medication management.
• Home Management: Assistance with tasks like budgeting, grocery shopping, inventory of household items, and meal planning.

Lifesharing in Huntingdon-Mifflin-Juniata Counties, PA

Skills of Central PA offers lifesharing services, too. This support service offers individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities a chance to live in a family environment rather than a group home or institution.

This helps the individual embrace life in a supportive, family environment without necessarily being with their immediate family. Lifesharing providers are fully trained and receive ongoing support to provide a stable, loving home.

Benefits of lifesharing include:

• Community Involvement: Individuals become part of the community and have opportunities to participate in outings, attend school, and engage in activities they enjoy.
• Matched Family Environments: Individuals are carefully matched with their host family to ensure the best possible fit.
• Skill Development: Within a lifesharing environment, individuals are encouraged to take part in daily routines, chores, meals, and household responsibilities.
• Vetted Lifesharing Families: Families are carefully screened through background checks, home inspections, and specialized training. Ongoing support and training ensure quality care.

By blending our expertise with the stability of a supportive household, this approach gives individuals a say over their interests and needs while building long-term, beneficial relationships within the community.

Older Adult Day Services in Huntingdon-Mifflin-Juniata Counties, PA

Our services extend to older adults in need of safe, fun activities during the day. While a regular caregiver or family member is at work, older adults enjoy group activities and customized programs that meet their needs.

Activities include:

• Arts and crafts
• Cooking classes
• Exercise programs
• Gardening
• Games like Bingo
• Group outings to area attractions

Community Participation Support – Vocational Training

Vocational training is available in both Huntingdon and Lewistown. These programs are ideal for younger adults who need transitioning services. The program also offers services designed to help individuals find work and volunteer opportunities within the community.

• Community-based activities and events
• Health and wellness training
• Job preparation
• Mobility training
• Opportunities to volunteer
• Self-advocacy

Our Community Reach

Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Juniata counties border the Juniata River in Central Pennsylvania. We proudly serve residents throughout all three counties.

We provide services to residents throughout the region, including:

• Juniata County – Population 23,403
• Huntingdon County – Population 43,001
• Mifflin County – Population 46,127

McAlisterville is Juniata County’s largest town, but its population of 929 is small compared to other communities in the region. Huntingdon Borough’s population of 6,862 is much larger, while Lewistown in Mifflin County is the largest community of all at 8,385.

Our team assists residents throughout all three counties with personalized, compassionate support services.

Get the Support You Need

Our plans are always centered around the individual. It’s our goal to encourage people to live their fullest, happiest lives.

If you or a loved one could benefit from behavior support services, community homes, community participation support, in-home supports, lifesharing, or older adult day services, we encourage you to reach out to our support professionals.

You don’t have to navigate challenges alone. Skills of Central PA is here to provide compassionate care, guidance, and support every step of the way.