All people have dreams. And regardless of abilities or disabilities, all people have strengths.
Forty years ago, though, people with developmental disabilities, encouraged to dream. For them, there was no notion of strength or equal opportunity. Children and adults were strategically segregated in institutions; locked away from everything society holds dear–freedom of choice, family, home and community.
All of that started to change in 1972. That was the year Keystone’s co-founders envisioned a system that is dedicated to the fundamental rights of all people, regardless of abilities.
Because of our co-founders’ vision and courage, children and adults with disabilities no longer have to lead isolated lives in dehumanizing institutions. Indeed, across America, millions of individuals and families who experience challenges are now receiving support in the community while pursuing fulfilled lives.
Every day, Keystone Human Services fulfills its mission to advance the human spirit by providing specialized services so that adults with developmental disabilities, children living below the poverty line, individuals experiencing mental illness, autism, aging and physical disabilities, can access the necessary resources to pursue their dreams.
Sometimes that means creating attractively furnished and supported residences so that individuals with intellectual disabilities or mental illness can benefit from the joys of home, family and community.
Other times, it means providing professional support for adolescents with autism who have difficulty communicating; being there with timely professional respite for a family in crisis; or providing skilled intervention at a public school where there’s been a tragic shooting.
Whether we’re giving pre-schoolers a “Head Start” with early education and a nutritious breakfast, teaching a recently hospitalized adult who was experiencing mental illness to manage his own medication or training Susquehanna Service Dogs so that people with disabilities can access the community with greater ease and self-sufficiency, Keystone’s mission is quietly and confidentially everywhere, providing reassuring, dependable support whenever it is needed.
This year, as we celebrate our 40th year of service to the community, the family of agencies known as Keystone Human Service is a widely respected nonprofit that is recognized for having played a leadership role in shaping the evolution of community-driven human services, not only here in central PA, but across America, Eastern Europe and beyond.
Our leaders are respected as “can-do” innovators. Our services are lauded for providing exceptional support to more than 6,000 individuals from Chambersburg, Pa., and Hartford, Conn., to Moldova, Azerbaijan, Russia and beyond. And it works through our responsive, integrated system of support that empowered by thousands of dedicated professionals.
Many know the name Keystone Human Services because of ChocolateFest Weekend,our largest public relations and fundraising effort that takes place each year at the Hershey Lodge. This year’s ChocolateBall and ChocolateFest, are Jan. 28 and 29, respectively. Purchase tickets online, at www.keystonehumanservices.org, or at Boscov’s, Metro Bank or Giant. Regionally, many know of us through PawsAbilities, the trained dog festivities and competition at the Farm Show that raises monies in support of Susquehanna Service Dogs.
After 40 years of service, our organization is honored to be celebrating the advancement of individually chosen paths, fully empowered lives and the passion of dedicated employees and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that Keystone remains an invaluable resource individual and families.
Confidential inquiries about our continuum of services are welcome at 717-232-7509 or at www.keystonehumanservices.com.
