“The decision to participate in lifesharing is up to the individual as well as
the family,” explains Bowen. “Finding the right match is a joint effort.”
C.A.R.E.S. also sponsors chaperoned, out-of-state vacations for its
participants. The group has traveled to Disney World and to Tennessee to see
the Grand Ole Opry and Graceland.
“It was so great to see their pure joy and excitement, especially since so
many of them had never been to Disney World before. They were so happy. It
was magical,” says Bowen.
The progress C.A.R.E.S. participants have made thus far has been
transformative. Bowen recounts a story of one deaf individual who had been
staying at home because his caregivers couldn’t find a suitable day program for
him.
“We hired a staff member who was proficient in sign language, and it was
life-changing for this individual,” says Bowen. “He is now engaged in the
community with his peers five days a week and learning and seeing new things
regularly. It’s just so exciting.”
The Mars location was the fourth C.A.R.E.S. location to open in the state;
three other locations in northeastern PA opened more than three years ago,
and this April, C.A.R.E.S. opened its fifth location in central Pennsylvania.
A true family “business,” Bowen’s mother, Sheila Davidson, is the CEO of
C.A.R.E.S. and her aunt, Lori Miller, is the president. The three women have
a combined 60 years of experience working with individuals with intellectual
disabilities.
C.A.R.E.S. welcomes new adult participants with intellectual disabilities.
It is also accepting referrals for high school seniors to transition to the day
program one day per week during the end of the school year. For more
information, call 724.687.7880 or visit cares4u.org. ■
C.A.R.E.S. is always looking for volunteers who would like to
share their skills with day program participants and for families
or individuals who would be willing to participate in the
lifesharing program. Training and 24-hour on-call support is
provided for lifesharing families and families
are paid a tax-free monthly stipend.
For more information, call 724.687.7880
or visit cares4u.org.
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