COMMUNITY RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES Our licensed homes provide 24-hour supervision for up to three people per home in the community. Individual supports for those individuals 18 years of age or older are developed through a person-centered plan process.

FAMILY LIVING PROGRAM These licensed programs provide one or two people the opportunity to live with a host family in a private home. There are many kinds of host families, including single persons, single parents, two parent families, and multigenerational families. The host family provides food, shelter, and personal care while supporting the individual to become a family member. The individual and his or her host family receive continuous assistance from Family Services in areas such as life shar-ing, being a family member, personal growth, and community integration.

RESPITE CARE PROGRAM We operate a licensed Respite Care Program for children and adults with developmental disabilities. This program is designed to give caregivers a break from caring for a person with a developmental disability. Employees of Family Services are specially trained to provide routine care to deliver this temporary residential care in a homelike setting.

Families are referred for Respite Care services by North Star Support Services (814-946-3657) and may be eligible for up to 30 overnight visits. An admission packet and annual physical are required. Services are available Monday through Friday beginning at 2:00 p.m. This includes evenings and overnight stays of up to 24 hours. We offer services on weekends and holidays; however, special arrangements must be made in advance for Monday through Friday daytime coverage (9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.). Click here for more info on Respite Care

ALTERNATIVE DAY PROGRAM This licensed program gives adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to enhance their everyday skills, learn to socialize and take part in the community. This service is available from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. weekdays, with transportation provided upon request. The Alternative Day Program serves an average of 12 persons, so each may get the attention he or she deserves. The goal of this program is to build quality of life though social and adaptive skills.

Is This Service Confidential? The agency has a confidentiality policy. Every person associated with the agency has a right to expect that his or her personal affairs will be kept confidential and that information will only be shared in accord with written polices established by the Board of Directors.

Who Is Family Services? Family Services is a private, non-profit United Way agency under the direction of a volunteer board of directors. We have served individuals from Blair County for more than 70 years. Our goal is to provide programs that enhance the quality of relationships between families and communities.

How Can I Participate? If you would like to discuss support services for Persons with developmental disabilities, please call814- 944-4402 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

How Do I Find More Information? If you would like to find out more about more about our service rates and definitions, go to the HCSIS website.

Guiding Principles of Supports for Persons with Developmental Disabilities

CHOICE: People have the right to choose how, where, and with whom they will live their lives.

RELATIONSHIPS: The relationships a person has with others must be reassured, nurtured, and protected.

CONTRIBUTION AND COMMUNITY: Everyone has the ability to contribute to his/her community in a meaningful way.

DIGNITY AND RESPECT: All people have an inherent right to be treated with dignity and to be respected as a whole person.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Individuals assume greater responsibility for their decisions and actions as they take greater control over their lives and resources.

CONTROL: People have the power to make decisions and truly control their lives.

DREAMS: All people have hopes and dreams about something in their lives.

FISCAL CONSERVATISM: Making things happen does not always require money.

ATTITUDE: Nothing is impossible! care programs that contribute to healthy relationships.