UCP began offering residential services for individuals with disabilities in the 1980s, with the opening of three community homes in Cumberland County.

We believe that given the opportunity and the appropriate supports to live independently and become involved in their local communities, individuals of all abilities will enjoy a more engaged, productive, and fulfilling life. With that in mind, UCP continues to expand and evolve our residential living options to ensure the precise level of supports are provided on an individualized basis, so each person can live as independently as possible.

Traditional community homes

UCP’s community homes provide round-the-clock support for 1-4 individuals who share everyday life experiences. The individuals, many with complex medical conditions or diagnoses, receive direct and indirect services that help them acquire, maintain, and improve necessary life skills, as well as explore and experience the community around them. Our staff develop close bonds with the individuals, in effect becoming their extended family.

UCP currently operates 18 owned or leased single-family homes, supporting a total of 36 individuals.

Supported living

This residential living option provides direct, indirect, and remote supports on an as-needed basis to help individuals living in leased apartments navigate their everyday lives, at home, school, work, and in the community. This arrangement offers individuals a greater degree of freedom and independence—along with opportunities for enhanced community engagement—while also providing a safeguard for emergency situations.
UCP provides supports to a total of 9 individuals living in 9 leased apartments.

Pathways Academy

This novel residential option provides housing and curriculum-based support for individuals who have both the desire and ability to live independently. Individuals spend anywhere from 6-24 months developing the skills and resources needed to transition into living independently in the community with natural supports.

Pathways Academy has 16 “graduates” who have gone on to live on their own or with a roommate in the housing and community of their choosing. Another group of four males is on schedule to graduate from the Academy in January 2025.

Weekend Respite

UCP offers weekend respite services in a licensed 2-bedroom apartment. This service provides individuals with an Intellectual disability/Autism (ID/A) diagnosis a short-term stay and an opportunity to socialize with others from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. Individuals can spend time away from their natural home and socialize with peers in a variety of activities. There are also opportunities to learn and practice skills centered around housekeeping, grocery shopping and meal preparation. Individuals have their own room and trained support staff are on site to provide supervision and any necessary assistance to ensure their health, safety, and welfare. Medication administration support is available.

Weekend respite provides family members a break from their caregiving role for a full weekend, while individuals are encouraged to engage in planned weekend outings and activities that they enjoy. Transportation to activities and events are provided through UCP Central PA.

UCP currently supports 6 families through weekend respite services.

Lifesharing

UCP is excited to announce that effective July 1, we have begun offering an additional Residential alternative—called Lifesharing. This model is exactly what it sounds like: a host family welcomes an individual with disabilities to share daily life and to provide services and supports as needed. The individual assimilates him or herself into the daily rhythms and routines of a family life and effectively becomes part of the family. It is, by nature, a closer, more natural relationship than other residential alternatives.

When asked the question “Why Lifesharing?,” UCP Director of Residential and Clinical Services Violet Mwangi explained, “No single model is going to meet the needs of every individual. This is just a different option, an avenue to provide residential services to individuals who are looking to be part of a family. Living life as a family member is more natural, and more appealing, to some. For those individuals, entering into a Lifesharing arrangement may be the best option.”

UCP is currently working with 3 families to become Lifesharers.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT UCP RESIDENTIAL SERVICE OPTIONS, CONTACT:
Violet Mwangi
Director of Residential and Clinical Services
717-737-3477, x168
Violet.Mwangi@ucpcentralpa.org