Providing sources of useful information and expertise to educate our community and connect people in need to available resources.
One of the key services we offer is assistance with Individualized Education Program( IEP) meetings. Our knowledgeable staff can help families understand their rights and responsibilities, ensuring their child ' s educational needs are met. We also provide mediation services and support during due process hearings, helping to resolve conflicts between families and educational institutions. In addition to educational advocacy, The Arc of Erie County offers resources, technical assistance, and information to families, guiding them through various challenges. Our commitment extends to empowering individuals to achieve their full potential and lead fulfilling lives by offering various programs tailored to their unique needs. Founded in 1952 by Dr. Gertrude A. Barber and a group of dedicated parents, our mission remains focused on creating a supportive community where everyone can thrive. Contact: Eric McLaughlin, Executive Director, emclaughlin @ achieva. info, info @ thearcoferie. org
checking accounts, can lead to ineligibility or the loss of benefits. A trust can be established for disabled individuals, allowing them to retain access to funds exceeding the maximum asset limit.
The assets held in a trust do not count when determining whether an individual has too many assets to qualify for government benefits and services.
Achieva Family Trust operates Third-party, Pooled, and Payback Trusts to accommodate an individual’ s specific needs, and distributes trust funds to increase an individual’ s quality of life while preserving eligibility for essential government services. Achieva Family Trust also adds valuable social work expertise to the traditional role of corporate trustee. Achieva special needs trusts are available to individuals with disabilities and their families throughout Pennsylvania and other states.
Trust Representatives are always available to speak to professional advisors, potential beneficiaries, and family groups upon request. Contact: Lori J Marzka Regional Trust Liaison, 814-504-5556, lmarzka @ achieva. info, achieva. info
The Arc of Erie County
The Arc of Erie County is dedicated to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities and their families by providing a range of essential services and support. Our organization is a vital advocate, ensuring that individuals have a voice and can navigate the complexities of educational, medical, and governmental systems. We work closely with local, state, and federal officials to address issues that affect services for people with disabilities.
Service Coordination Unlimited, Inc.
Service Coordination Unlimited, Inc., assists individuals with disabilities and older adults to live independently in their homes and communities. Partnering with state programs and waivers, our holistic approach empowers participants to make choices about their care and maintain their independence and dignity.
SCU’ s Office of Developmental Programs( ODP) is dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities( I / DD). Our supports coordinators work closely with participants and their families, coordinating in-home and community supports to fit the life each participant envisions.
SCU’ s service coordinators in the ACT 150 and OBRA programs develop and monitor care plans for individuals who are nursing home eligible but prefer to receive their care at home, where they are comfortable and better able to maintain their independence.
SCU is guided by values embodied in the acronym TEAM SPIRIT, emphasizing teamwork, excellence, accountability, meaningful relationships, self-determination, person-centeredness, inclusion, resilience, innovation, and tools for success. These principles drive our agency’ s commitment to participant-centered care and a positive work environment- earning SCU recognition as a Top Workplace, an award based on employee feedback.
For individualized supports coordination or service coordination, call 888-854-7474 or email info @ sc-unlimited. org. For additional information and employment opportunities, visit our website at sc-unlimited. org. Contact: 888-854-7474, sc-unlimited. org
Special Olympics PA
Special Olympics PA is a nonprofit organization that offers sports and health programming to people with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism. We offer year-round( 4 seasons) sporting opportunities. There is no cost to be a Special Olympic Athlete.
Continued on next page >
MILLCREEK ❘ SUMMER 2025 85