As we made our way across town to run an errand, the conversation came easy between Emily and her support staff Sheri. Emily talked about her recent back issues, her job search, music preferences and even personal safety.

Emily has a quick wit and a keen sense of humor, which was on full display. At one point, Sheri asked her, “Emily, who would you call if you got locked out of your apartment?” Without a second’s hesitation, Emily responded “Ghostbusters!!”

While the work of a Habilitation Specialist may not be glamorous, it is often meaningful. It also can be life-changing for the person receiving services. Home and Community Services (H&C) entails just that: providing assistance in the home so the person may live as independently as possible… and being a resource in the community in order to secure the opportunities that further a meaningful life.

On the day in question, Emily needed to pick up a prescription at the pharmacy. As she walked through the doors of Good Day, the pharmacist looked up and called out “Good afternoon, Emily!” Emily smiled at the recognition and returned the greeting. Sheri stood aside as Emily handled the transaction and received her prescription. She asked the pharmacist “Do you have any more of those peanut butter eggs?” only to be told that no, they had run out and wouldn’t be getting any more in since it was just a few days out from Easter.

It is precisely that type of interaction–being acknowledged as a valued member of the community–that is at the heart of H&C services.

Emily, whose primary diagnosis is Autism, is a 2022 graduate of UCP’s Pathways Academy, which was developed and launched by UCP in 2014. The innovative curriculum-based residential program has had great success in helping adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism learn the skills needed to live with minimal supports in the community.

Graduates with tree picture
Pathways Academy graduates with the “tree of knowledge”

During her time at the Academy, Emily, now 27, became close friends with several of her housemates, all of whom graduated together and are now out on their own. The ladies get together frequently for dinners, movie nights or game nights. Three of them attended the most recent Tim Tebow global “Night to Shine” prom on February 9.

Dana, Emily and Morgan at Night to Shine event
Emily with friends Dana (left) and Morgan (right) at Night to Shine 2024

In addition to H&C and Residential Services, Emily’s experience with UCP includes Employment Services. Although she has been off work for several months because of a back problem, she is looking forward to her next employment opportunity and earning a paycheck. Emily was scheduled to meet with a new UCP Employment Specialist the following day, so she and Sheri prepped for the upcoming meeting together by making a list of questions for Emily to ask.

Today Emily is living a full life. She’s living independently, excited to go back to work, and makes her own plans on her own schedule. Clearly, she is making the most of the opportunities that UCP services and supports provide.

To learn more about UCP’s Home and Community Services, contact:
Samantha Lepri, Manager
Samantha.Lepri@ucpcentralpa.org
717.737.3477, x131

To learn more about UCP’s Pathways Academy, contact:
Violet Mwangi, Director of Residential and Clinical Services
Violet.Mwangi@ucpcentralpa.org
717.737.3477, x168

To learn more about UCP’s Employment Services, contact:
Chris Hartman, Manager of Employment Services
Christopher.Hartman@ucpcentralpa.org
717.737.3477, x144