Supporting Everyday Lives in Schuylkill County

04/24/2026

We’re thrilled to welcome Jim Donovan, M.Ed. as a featured guest speaker at the Empowerment Expo on June 17th at St Nicholas Hall.

Get ready for Alive in Rhythm—an energizing, interactive session where everyone can join in—no experience needed. Through simple, powerful drumming and group rhythm, Jim creates an uplifting space for connection, focus, and fun. Drums are provided—just bring your energy!

A multi-platinum musician, TEDx speaker, and Director of Music & Wellness at Saint Francis University, Jim is known for transforming groups through rhythm and shared experience. This is more than a session—it’s something you’ll feel.

04/22/2026

We already have 40 outstanding resource providers confirmed to attend the Empowerment Expo…

We invite IDD/Autism providers, community organizations, and advocates to participate by hosting a resource table. This is a free event for both attendees and participating organizations and provides a valuable opportunity to share information, build connections, and engage with the community. If you plan to host a resource table, we kindly ask that you remain present for the full duration of the event.

We appreciate your continued partnership and support, and we hope you will join us for this exciting event.

If you are interested in having a resource table, could you please complete this survey.

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04/22/2026

Summer Sports Sign Ups…

Join the Summer Sports excitement in the Greater Lehigh Valley Pocono Region! Athletes, partners, coaches, and volunteers – your journey starts here! Sign up now to be part of a season of incredible sports: Golf Softball Tennis A quick note: Participation depends on our fantastic volunteer team to...

04/22/2026

From Schuylkill County Communications:

The non-emergency phone number (570) 462-1991 phone number is currently down. If you need to contact the center for non-emergency related incident, you should use (570) 628-3792.

04/20/2026

We regret to share that the Abilities to Work ID/A Job Fair, scheduled for April 21, 2026, has been canceled.

Despite significant outreach efforts, including community flyer distribution and direct employer engagement, we were unable to secure sufficient employer participation. We also recognize that several competing events / job fairs in the area may have impacted availability.

➡️ Great Alternative Opportunity!
We are excited to invite you to the Empowerment Expo on June 17, 2026—a highly anticipated event that is already shaping up to be a tremendous success!

✅ 40+ programs confirmed
✅ OVR, Job coaching & employment agencies attending
✅ Wide range of community resources

This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals and families to connect with providers, explore services, and learn more about employment supports.

We strongly encourage you to attend the Empowerment Expo, and look forward to seeing you there!

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

04/17/2026

Registration is now open for the Office of Developmental Programs Everyday Lives 2026 Virtual Conference! This conference invites individuals with a disability and/or autism (ID/A), family members, caregivers, and support professionals to engage in presentations and panels focused on sharing information that empowers the everyday lives of individuals with disabilities throughout Pennsylvania.

The event features twenty-one presentations from over thirty experts over the course of six days. Learn more and register: everydaylives.org

04/17/2026

Tomorrow Is Move Your Way Day!

Governor Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation recognizing
April 18, 2026, as Move Your Way Day
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and Governor Josh Shapiro’s office invite you to Move Your Way! To acknowledge the National Day of Exercise and ODP’s campaign to encourage physical activity, Governor Josh Shapiro has signed the attached proclamation which recognizes, April 18, 2026, as Move Your Way Day.

Celebrating Move Your Way® Day with Brian’s House

ODP visited Brian’s House, a Chester County based provider agency, to check out their movement programs. Individuals at Brian’s House participate in wellness dances where they gather at a venue to move to the beat. Go to MyODP News to access the full article.

How can you Move Your Way?
Anything that gets your heart beating faster counts. And it all adds up.

Find what works for you! Walking, dancing, gardening, swimming, and stretching are just a few suggestions for weekly movement.
Adults need a mix of physical activity to stay healthy.
Moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least 150 minutes a week, and muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days a week.
Do activities that make your muscles work harder than usual.

Kids and teens ages 6 to 17 need at least 60 minutes every day. Most of it can be moderate-intensity aerobic activity.
At least 3 days a week, encourage them to step it up to vigorous intensity. As a part of their 60 minutes, they also need muscle-strengthening at least 3 days a week and bone-strengthening 3 days a week.

Whats Your Move?
Do you have a weekly movement routine or are you just getting started? Share your story with ODP!

Email to [email protected] with a subject line of Move Your Way and ODP may feature your story on MyODP News Online!

Please be sure to fill out the Department of Human Services (DHS) Media Release Form to send with your story!

04/16/2026

📣 Calling All Employers! 📣

We are currently seeking employers to participate in our Abilities to Work Job Fair on April 21st!

This is a great opportunity to connect with a motivated population of individuals who are eager and ready to work. By attending, you’ll have the chance to meet job seekers with a wide range of skills, dedication, and a strong desire to contribute to your workforce.

Join us in supporting employment opportunities and building a more inclusive community!

If you’re interested in participating, please reach out for more details—we’d love to have you there!

04/15/2026

✨ Check out the incredible providers who are already signed up for our Empowerment Expo:

✔️ SafeInHome – Remote Supports
✔️ CARES – Lifesharing, Respite, Day Program, Home & Community
✔️ Access Services – Lifesharing, Respite, CPS, Behavioral Supports, In-Home Supports, Supported Living, TIP
✔️ Simply Home – Remote Supports
✔️ Community Options – Supported Living, Lifesharing, CPS, Employment, Residential, Housing
✔️ PA OVR – Reading District Office – Vocational Rehabilitation
✔️ Kaleidoscope Family Solutions – Behavioral Supports, IHCS, CPS, Companion, Respite, Skill Building
✔️ Avenues – Community Participation, Employment & Vocational Services, Transportation
✔️ SAM Early Intervention – EI Coordination
✔️ Station MD – Urgent Telehealth & Behavioral Health (I/DD)
✔️ PA Inclusive – IHCS, Companion, Supported Employment, Supported Living
✔️ ECCM – Expert Community Care Management – Supports Coordination
✔️ SAM IDD – Supports Coordination
✔️ Administrative Entity Support Services - assist County Intellectual Disability/Autism and Early Intervention Programs to meet obligations set forth in their Program Operating Agreements with Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and Office of Child Developmental and Early Learning (OCDEL).
✔️ OneWell – IDD Supports, Behavioral Support, Transportation, Nursing, Assistive Technology
✔️ Merakey – Residential, IHCS, Behavioral Supports
✔️ Vision for Equality – PA Family Network, Peer Support & Life Planning
✔️ Supportive Concepts for Families – Residential
✔️ Geisinger HCQU – Training, Nurse Consultation, Technical Assistance
✔️ Ahedd – Employment Services
✔️ Pennsylvania Treasury – PA ABLE – Disability Savings Program
✔️ Values Into Action – Supports Broker
✔️ Goodwill Keystone Area – Employment Services
✔️ Anthracite Region Center for Independent Living (ARCIL) – Independent Living Skills
✔️ Abby Care – Pediatric Home Health & HCBS
✔️ Schuylkill Collaborative – Supporting Families
✔️ Help At Home – IHCS, Companion, Respite, Homemaker Services
✔️ Tem Care Behavioral Health – Housing, Employment, IHCS
✔️ Independent Home Health LLC – IDD Services
✔️ Community Services Group – Residential, Lifesharing, Day Program

🙌 Whether you're looking for services, resources, or connections—this is the place to be!

👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to meet providers, ask questions, and explore what’s available in our community.

💙

04/13/2026

Exciting news!! Pottsville Police Department is now participating in the Blue Envelope program!!!

04/10/2026

🌟 Get Ready for the Empowerment Expo! 🌟

Join us for an exciting day of connection, resources, and community at the upcoming Empowerment Expo!

📅 June 17, 2025
📍 St. Nicholas Hall, 855 Sunbury Rd, Pottsville, PA
⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

We’re proud to have a wide variety of amazing providers attending—offering valuable information, supports, and services for individuals and families. This is a great opportunity to explore resources, ask questions, and build meaningful connections.

👉 Don’t miss out—come check out all the incredible providers and what they have to offer!

04/09/2026

Nicole Balulis and Joe Salem are excited to be presenting at this great conference.

🌟 Session Highlights: Person-Centered Planning and Supports 👤

Charting the LifeCourse provides a strong foundation for person-centered planning and supports, helping people and teams think holistically about what it takes to live a good life. These sessions highlight real-world approaches, tools, and strategies that bring person-centered thinking into everyday practice.

1️⃣ Don't Look Back, You're Moving Forward with Nicole Balulis and Joseph Salem from Service Access and Management, Inc. (SAM)

2️⃣ From Waiting to Navigating: How LENS Transforms Access to DDS Services with Amanda Cothern-Webb and Kim Krise from Liberty Healthcare Corporation

3️⃣ From Silos to Synergy: Coordinating Services with the LifeCourse Framework from Service Coordination, Inc.

4️⃣ Charting the LifeCourse Lifeline from Melissa Hardwood and Michele Phillips from IPMG - Indiana Professional Management Group

Explore the full agenda and find sessions that fit your role and goals. Register for the 10th Annual Showcase now: https://nexusctlc.com/3NeoK8Y