Home and Community Services

In-Home and Community Supports

In-Home and Community Supports (previously known as Home and Community Habilitation-or HCH) meets an absolutely critical need for individuals and families in our community. Through the provision of this service individuals acquire, maintain, and/or improve upon the skills necessary to live in the community, to live more independently, or to be more productive and participatory in community life. Services consist of support in the general areas of communication, health maintenance, money management, relationship development, meal preparation, and the use of community resources. Professional and dedicated staff provides this face-to-face support at the individual’s residence, or other agreed upon location, and at a frequency that meets the individual’s level of need at the time. In-Home and Community Supports also enhances the quality of life for persons residing in long-term care facilities, by providing 1:1 personalized time and attention to promote stimulation and interaction.

In 2012-2013, The Arc expanded our already existing, but small, Home and Community Services department by accepting referrals that were available because another agency decided not to provide that service any longer. We grew from serving 6 individuals to serving 21 people in one year and we have continued that growth. It is rewarding to be able to offer individuals and their families services that they so desperately need but the true rewards lie in seeing the independence flourish in those we serve!

The Arc’s Home and Community Services have experienced significant growth in recent years as this service blossoms into a vital service provision for the future. Services and supports are provided by traditional non-medical staff and by licensed medical personnel (LPNs), as is appropriate to meet the individual’s specialized needs. The Arc is excited to provide high-quality person-centered services to persons throughout Centre County!

Community Participation Supports

In 2018, The Arc began to provide Community Participation Supports as an alternative day program providing a 100% community based programming option for persons with an intellectual or developmental disability- including those who also receive Residential services. This service will focus on community inclusion and interest exploration while building on the potential for competitive integrated employment. This service wraps around community life with employment as a primary goal. Professional and dedicated staff provide this face-to-face support in the community primarily between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm. All services are person-centered with services times and locations tailored to the individual’s specific interests. Services are provided based on the individual’s assessed needs as determined by the person-centered team.

*Other services such as Respite and Companion services may also be provided by The Arc’s Home and Community Services Department.

This program is also funded in part by Centre County Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities/Early Intervention-Drug and Alcohol Program Office. and also receives funding from the Centre County United Way.