Support Services – A program of support for families with an individual member who has a disability. It helps families manage budgets that have been established to meet the unique needs of their loved one and to understand the concept of self-determination – a philosophy that supports people with disabilities choosing how, where & with whom they will live their lives. This support program operates as Financial Management Service that allows families to be the managing employer who hire & manage their own support workers while we take care of the necessary paperwork. Included is the processing of paychecks & taxes, brokering insurances and working with contractors & vendors to secure bids and complete work for home and vehicle modifications or adaptive appliances and equipment.
Marcella Ganoe Center & Compass Corner –Adult Training Facilities, one is located at 439 South Juniata Street & the other is located in the ComPASS Center building on Dorcas Street. They operate year round, five days per week. These programs are designed to maximize an individual’s opportunity to participate in their community. Staff serves as adult role models and challenges each participant to reach their highest level of ability in daily living skills, social & physical development & interactions with others.
Early Intervention – Early Intervention is a program that provides assistance to families of infants & children from birth to 3 years of age who need help in areas of cognitive, speech, gross & fine motor, social/emotional development & self-help skills. It provides training for the parents and caregivers in supporting the unique needs of each child. Services are provided by a team of Special Instructors, Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapists who are on staff.
Training and Transition – This is a group for individuals post high school age, which meets once a week at the ComPASS Center in Lewistown. It provides opportunities to learn through distinct training modules designed to teach independent living skills such as cooking, budgeting & hygiene. It also provides a time for participants to explore further education, training, volunteering or employment opportunities and to exercise responsibility for their future.
Adult Recreation – This is also a group for adults which meet the second Tuesday of each month in Juniata County and the third Tuesday of every month in Mifflin County. It is a socialization group that provides a time for fun, games, and many other activities.
Teen Club – This program offers an opportunity for young people ages 13 through 21 to get together two times per month. It provides time for socialization, fun, and doing things every teen wants to do. A Venturing Program is also provided in cooperation with the local Boy Scout Council.
Marcella Ganoe Center & Compass Corner –Adult Training Facilities, one is located at 439 South Juniata Street & the other is located in the ComPASS Center building on Dorcas Street. They operate year round, five days per week. These programs are designed to maximize an individual’s opportunity to participate in their community. Staff serves as adult role models and challenges each participant to reach their highest level of ability in daily living skills, social & physical development & interactions with others.
Early Intervention – Early Intervention is a program that provides assistance to families of infants & children from birth to 3 years of age who need help in areas of cognitive, speech, gross & fine motor, social/emotional development & self-help skills. It provides training for the parents and caregivers in supporting the unique needs of each child. Services are provided by a team of Special Instructors, Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapists who are on staff.
Training and Transition – This is a group for individuals post high school age, which meets once a week at the ComPASS Center in Lewistown. It provides opportunities to learn through distinct training modules designed to teach independent living skills such as cooking, budgeting & hygiene. It also provides a time for participants to explore further education, training, volunteering or employment opportunities and to exercise responsibility for their future.
Adult Recreation – This is also a group for adults which meet the second Tuesday of each month in Juniata County and the third Tuesday of every month in Mifflin County. It is a socialization group that provides a time for fun, games, and many other activities.
Teen Club – This program offers an opportunity for young people ages 13 through 21 to get together two times per month. It provides time for socialization, fun, and doing things every teen wants to do. A Venturing Program is also provided in cooperation with the local Boy Scout Council.
After School Program – This program called “Recharge” offers an opportunity for middle school age children to get together at least one day per week after school with peers of the same age. It includes organized homework help, recreational & social time. Juniata County Program meets at Tuscarora Junior High School & Mifflin County meets at the ComPASS Center.
Recreation Programs – The Special Needs Center provides many recreational opportunities for individuals of all ages. Some of these programs are the “Just for Fun” Bowling & T-ball programs. Bowlers meet at the Moose Family Center in Lewistown every other Sunday in the fall and winter or at Ney’s Bowling Center in Mifflintown. T-ball organizes teams in mid-spring and runs through early summer.
Summer Recreation Programs - An eight (8) week summer recreation program is offered for preschoolers through adult aged participants. For the younger group, our Summer Bridge program is designed to be both fun & educational. It helps bridge the summer gap by keeping children & youth in a structured program during these few months away from school. Adults participate in scheduled field trips.
Equipment Loan – A selection of equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes, potty chairs and other devices is maintained for loan to those who need them.
Assistive Technology – The Special Needs Center is a lending site for the PA Assistive Technology Lending Library through Temple University. Access to hundreds of assistive devices can be provided to individuals who need them. Consultation & research is provided free of charge.
Friends Helping Friends & Parents’ Breakfast Club – These are support groups for parents of children or adults with disabilities which meet regularly to share ideas, offer support, listen to speakers, or design programs to educate others.
Disability Awareness Programs – Awareness programs are offered to schools or groups who seek to understand more about various disabilities. Presentations and training sessions can be designed for persons of all ages.
Sign Language Classes – Classes are offered in beginner to intermediate level courses for those seeking to learn more about this form of communication.
Annual Lip Sync’ - This is an annual community event that is held around February or March of each year. The Lip Sync’ serves as an annual fundraiser for the Special Needs Center but also provides a great evening of fun & entertainment as participants compete for small prizes and perform to an audience of over 1000 people.
Aktion Club - This is a community service club organized for adults with disabilities and the Lewistown Kiwanis Club is their sponsor. The mission of this group is to develop leadership skills within its membership.