Key Human Services

04/27/2022

Great news! Key Human Services, Inc. has been selected by Stop & Shop as a benefiting non-profit in the Community Bag Program!

For the month of June 2022, we will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Stop & Shop store located at 55 Oak St., Glastonbury CT.

Read more at https://stopandshop.bags4mycause.com/

See you at Stop & Shop!

04/14/2022

Keystone Human Services, the parent company of Key Human Services, announced today that Charles J. Ho**er III will retire as President and CEO, effective January 2023. Charles S. Sweeder, current Executive Vice President, will succeed him as the third President and CEO in KHS history.

“I have worked with Chuck for two decades, and I am excited that he will be the next President and CEO of KHS,” Ho**er said. “The future of KHS is bright with his continued dedication to those we support, their families, and our employees.”

Sweeder began his career with Keystone Human Services in 2003 as Controller. He continued his leadership within KHS as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Finance, and Executive Vice President. He will now begin the role of President-Elect, effective March 2022.

“I am honored to be named the next President and CEO of KHS. I am grateful to Charlie and the KHS Board for their confidence and support during this transition,” said Chuck Sweeder. “KHS is a global leader because of our collective commitment to inclusion and supporting people to live full lives within the community.”

Stephen Rader, KHS Board Chair, added: “Executive succession has been an important aspect of our strategic planning for many years at Keystone Human Services. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Charlie for his leadership over the past three decades. It was important for us to find the next leader for the KHS community, and we are pleased to welcome Chuck to his new role. KHS is positioned well, and we will continue to strive to enhance our life-changing mission under his leadership.”

11/22/2021

TOGETHER WE GIVE...on --November 30--a day of global generosity.

When you donate to Keystone Human Services, you create inclusive communities, build a better world, and change lives. You provide opportunities for people with disabilities to live, work, and go to school in the community. You make it possible for people to pursue their goals and dreams.

Donate and make a difference as together we give.

All funds raised will support Keystone Human Services in areas of unprecedented need to help continue to move our mission forward.

11/05/2021

We present the Dr. Joseph Adlestein Professional Leadership Award annually to an individual in a professional role who is a powerful advocate for people with disabilities, supporting them to be valued and fully participating members of society. At this year's 49th Annual Meeting of the Membership of the Corporation, two individuals were honored to receive this prestigious award, Jo Pepper and Mary Pelletier.

Mary Pelletier is the Director of Health Services at Key Human Services in Connecticut. Mary is the embodiment of service to others. She chose nursing for her career based on her values for helping others live their lives as well as possible. Mary is the best nurse ever but more importantly, she is an incredible advocate for the individuals that we support, the work that we do, the work of nursing in this field, and the changes needed at every level to better support individuals with disabilities to live rich engaged lives in their communities.

As the Director of Health at Key, Mary leads a division comprised of 24-hour nursing support to Key’s residential programs as well as 20 external agencies contracts for On-Call or Nurse Consultant services. Mary also participates in a wide variety of Developmental Disability Certifications and Roles in order to move the focus of national nursing standards further toward a person-centered, fluid approach across the lifespan and not simply on the role and tasks of the nurse. This experience informs practice in broader ways and connects nurses to the bigger picture of care- the original draw to nursing. Mary’s passion is to keep the focus on the individual; their needs and choices with the dignity to make choices in an informed way across the lifespan.
Mary is an amazing advocate for individuals with disabilities and their families whose lifework has encompassed advocacy, policy development, system change, organizational development, and education.

Mary is quite honored with receiving her award.

"So much comes before a moment like this. And my gratitude for the support to live in the mission that Keystone has set before us has been my passion. My career has led me to this, and it has been a welcome and wonderful opportunity. Having a strong, meaningful, and actionable mission is one that keeps us focused. It refocuses us. In the midst of day-to-day crises, global crises, distractions from every angle amidst change we can't control. It helps us to get back to what's really important. And that is the people that we work with the service that we provide opportunities that we create for people."
__________________________________________________________________

Jo Pepper served as the Executive Director of Capital Area Head Start for 16 years and was employed with Keystone for over 30 years, until her departure in July 2019.
Health, Education, and Basic Needs have always driven the passion and mission of CAHS. As such, little has commanded Jo's professional focus more than those seminal issues for the past several decades. In that context, everything achieved by CAHS over the past 20+ years is a direct reflection of her leadership, uncommon vision, and inventive "can do" spirit. It has been her life’s mission and passion to change the lives of children and families, and to help them be successful in life.
In 2009, Jo received the Public Service Award from former Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed. In 2015, Jo was the recipient of the Joseph M. Capita Spirit of the Capital Region Award recognizes her as an exceptional community partner for superlative acts of community engagement and measurable impact in the areas of health, education, and betterment of our community.

Jo thanked Keystone for her award by saying:

"Like Dr. Adlestein, what’s most important to me is to inspire others to be their best and to recognize at any age the potential they have. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to work alongside the passionate people who share the mission of helping families help themselves."

To read President Charlie Ho**er's statements about these two amazing award winners, visit: https://www.khs.org/mary-pelletier-and-jo-pepper-named.../

05/24/2021

We’re looking for RNs who want to make a difference! If you’re a licensed RN in CT with at least one year of experience and want to make a difference for individuals and your community, JOIN US!

• Full-time, Part-time and Casual (per diem) positions are available
• Great work environment, excellent benefits, career development, and advancement opportunities
• Competitive benefits available to Full-time and Part-time employees
• Experience in human services and intellectual disabilities preferred for RNs
• Experience in human services and intellectual disabilities required for a Health Care Coordination (HHC) opportunity in Northern CT

Join our team of caring, professional RNs building relationships and making a difference every day.

APPLY TODAY! https://keystonehumanservices.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/KHS_Careers

05/19/2021

WE'RE HIRING!

Direct Support Professional Opportunities Available Statewide
Mentor Opportunities Available in Multiple Towns
Licensed Practical Nurse Opportunities in Waterford

FT, PT, and Casual positions. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shifts available

GENEROUS BENEFITS for PT and FT
Health, Dental, Life Insurance, LTD, FSA
Paid Time Off, Holidays and 401(k)

REQUIRED:
Valid CT Driver’s license with automobile Insurance
Five years clean driving history
HS Diploma/GED.
Equal Opportunity Employer

APPLY TODAY

https://keystonehumanservices.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/KHS_Careers

03/04/2021

Keystone Human Services Mental Health Services Executive Director Kara McClain and Key Human Services CEO Liz Weiblen in Connecticut testified before their respective state legislatures on March 2. Both KHS leaders emphasized the importance of increased State funding to support our work and our workforce.

As Kara McClain explained to the PA House Committee,
“…we cannot operate County-funded services in 2021 with funding levels unchanged since 2009. Stagnant rates over a dozen years have had a detrimental impact on our workforce and on the services we offer. The time is now. We must all feel compelled to strengthen funding and ultimately protect tremendously vulnerable people in our community.

We are willing and able to do what it takes to support people with complex and challenging needs, but we need the funding to follow.”

Read Kara’s full statement here:

https://www.khs.org/testimony-on-funding-for-pa-mental-health-services/

02/24/2021

The acclaimed Keystone Human Services ChocolateBall is virtual this year, and that means we’re bringing the party to you! Every ticket to the Ball will include a link to join and a Celebration box complete with your choice of treats, and all the ingredients for the signature ChocolateBall cocktail.

This annual event benefits our work here in Connecticut, along with all the other services and programs of KHS. This year it’s easier than ever to join in the spirited silent and live auctions, enjoy the cameo appearances by supportive partners, and consider the meaningful opportunities to join us as we build a more inclusive community.

Come for the celebration, the dazzling array of auction deals, and to support our work, but stay to the end for the surprise videos from individual tables!

Enjoy a ChocolateBall like no other! https://one.bidpal.net/chocolateball2021/welcome

08/11/2020

and vote, it's election day!

It is Election Day in CT!

07/26/2020

We celebrate the anniversary for many reasons including laying the foundation for the deinstitutionalization for people with intellectual disabilities in the United States, advocating for community supports, and helping to create the road-map towards inclusive education.

There are still challenges to face and we continue to advocate for supported employment services, affordable and accessible housing, and accessible/affordable technology.

To learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA National Network visit https://www.ada.gov/

Image credit: ADA National Network (adata.org)

07/20/2020

Keystone Human Services (KHS) is proud to announce that Charles S. Sweeder has been named the Executive Vice President of KHS. In this role, he oversees KHS’s financial operations, the safety program, and Key Human Services.

Sweeder previously served as the Vice President of Finance, where he was responsible for developing financial plans and forecasts to meet KHS’s operating and strategic needs, while helping guide the organization to the financial strength required to support its expansive mission.

“Chuck’s financial leadership has played a significant role in Keystone Human Services’ stability and growth over the years,” said Charles Ho**er, KHS President and CEO. “His appointment as Executive Vice President highlights our organizational commitment to supporting people with disability and standing alongside advocates in support of disability rights in the US and around the world”

06/19/2020

Today we recognize Juneteenth, celebrating the emancipation of the last slaves in the United States in 1865. We celebrate freedom and stand in solidarity with our Black employees and members of the community to challenge social injustice and support much-needed change.

To learn more about and the history behind it, visit these resources from the National Museum of African American History and Culture. https://nmaahc.si.edu/