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Authors Posts by Sharon Militello

Sharon Militello

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As communications director, Sharon Militello is responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of the association website and social media pages; editing and preparation of communications; preparing and running webcasts; cultivating media relations; and maintaining relationships with technology support vendors.

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    We are excited to announce a partnership between the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA) and Linke Resources. This collaboration offers RCPA members a valuable resource in the recruitment of program and support staff, mid-level management, as well as corporate and executive leadership.

    George P. Linke, Jr., PsyD, Founder & President of Linke Resources, remarked, “We are proud to partner with RCPA, to offer not only recruiting solutions, but also valuable resources for RCPA members to better understand how to attract and retain top talent.”

    As we launch this collaboration, we invite RCPA members to learn more about how they can benefit from Linke Resources’ services. For more information, reach out to George Linke at 610-873-4813 or via email.

    Linke Resources is a recruitment firm dedicated to connecting health and human services organizations with top-tier talent. Their comprehensive approach includes tailored recruitment solutions and strategic guidance to attract and retain positions at all levels of the organization. For more information, visit the Linke Resources website.

    RCPA, one of the largest and most diverse state health and human services trade associations in the nation, represents nearly 400 members serving over one million Pennsylvanians annually. Their mission to advocate for those in need and advance effective public policies aligns perfectly with Linke Resources’ commitment to furthering the mission of the health and human services community.

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    RCPA, in working with ANCOR and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, has learned that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has rescinded the memorandum sent yesterday by the Trump Administration, which announced the pausing of distribution of federal funding.

    Per National Council:
    Moments ago, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reversed course on a memorandum instructing all agencies to temporarily pause the obligation and distribution funds for a wide swathe of federal programs, officially rescinding the order that spurred widespread confusion yesterday. The White House’s decision to rescind the memo comes after U.S. District Court Judge Loren AliKhan issued a brief temporary stay that would have delayed OMB’s directive from taking effect until Monday, Feb. 3, with the potential for further legal action beyond that date.

    In addition, ANCOR reached out to members and said the following:

    Hi everyone,

    We wanted to make sure to update you that today OMB rescinded its memo from January 27 requiring a freeze on federal financial assistance: White House rescinds freeze on federal grants – The Washington Post. You can see the notice of rescission hereThank you to all of you who reached out and helped push back on this yesterday! We are so grateful for your advocacy.

    Thanks,
    Elise

    ——————————

    Elise Aguilar
    Senior Director of Federal Relations
    American Network of Community Options and Resources
    Alexandria, VA
    703-535-7850

    RCPA will continue to communicate with our members as developments occur or if changes are made. As a reminder, this will not affect funding services that directly impact individual Americans, including Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and SNAP. If you have any questions, please contact your RCPA Policy Director.

    Photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels

    Announcement from RCPA Member Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health: 

    Fran Sheedy Bost Retires From RCPA Member Devereux/TCV Community Services

    After more than five decades in the behavioral healthcare industry, Devereux / TCV Community Services Executive Director Fran Sheedy Bost will retire from her position, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

    While a bittersweet decision, Sheedy Bost is excited to place greater focus on her family – including her six grandchildren.

    “Instead of creating business plans, I am looking forward to helping my grandchildren with their homework, volunteering in their schools and cheering them on from the sidelines during sporting events and dance recitals,” said Sheedy Bost.

    She began her career in 1973 as a direct support professional. For the last 16 years at TCV, Fran has served as an unwavering beacon of hope and staunch advocate for countless individuals and families in the Mon Valley. Through her leadership, TCV is one of Allegheny County’s most-respected nonprofit organizations providing treatment, care and services to individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and behavioral health challenges.

    Sheedy Bost also gave back to her profession, serving on various RCPA committees, including the RCPA Workers Compensation Trust Board.

    In 2020, Sheedy Bost began having conversations with Devereux about a possible affiliation and, on Jan. 1, 2021, she and the TCV Board took a significant leap to trust Devereux, and its people, to support her organization, while sharing her expertise in various areas, including recovery-focused behavioral health services to individuals who want to lead a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle.

    “On behalf of all of us at Devereux, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Fran for her incredible dedication and leadership to TCV,” said Devereux Vice President of Operations – Children’s Services Mel Beidler, M.S. “She was critical to forming the partnership between TCV and Devereux, as well as the opening of our new location in Homestead, Pennsylvania, and I cannot thank her enough for the time and effort she has put into making this a successful partnership.” A national search is currently underway for the Devereux / TCV executive director position.

    Added Sheedy Bost: “The affiliation with Devereux is now entering the third year and our combined strength will ensure that the mission of TCV will continue for the next 50 years and beyond.”

    Congratulations to Sheedy Bost on her well-deserved retirement – she will be missed by us all!

    Warfel Construction: A Trusted Partner for Behavioral Health Providers

    At Warfel Construction, we specialize in creating spaces that promote healing, care, and community. With over 113 years of experience, we have built a reputation for excellence in the construction industry, delivering high-quality projects across a wide range of sectors, including health care, education, commercial, and more. Proudly serving clients in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and surrounding areas, our team is committed to providing tailored, client-focused services that ensure the success of each project from start to finish.

    A Proven Leader in Behavioral Health Projects

    We are proud to have worked on over 500,000 square feet of behavioral health space, collaborating with top-tier organizations like Acadia Healthcare and Penn Medicine. Our expertise spans a variety of behavioral health settings, including inpatient and outpatient facilities, addiction treatment centers, mental health treatment environments, and rehabilitation spaces. At Warfel, we understand the unique requirements of behavioral health construction and design, and we are dedicated to providing safe, functional, and supportive spaces for both patients and providers.

    Supporting Multi-location Clients & Comprehensive Facilities Management

    Warfel’s capabilities extend beyond the initial build. Many of our clients have multiple locations, from group homes to larger behavioral health facilities. Our Facilities Management team offers consistent, reliable service as dedicated team leaders who understand your building and business needs. We provide tailored preventative maintenance plans and schedule routine visits to ensure prompt repairs through our dedicated software, ensuring that your spaces are always functioning optimally. Additionally, Warfel is equipped to handle renovations, many of which are managed internally, making us a one-stop solution for ongoing facility needs.

    Building Relationships That Last

    Our mission, Clients for Life, speaks to our commitment to providing exceptional service and support throughout every project’s lifecycle. Our team upholds fundamental values of honesty, integrity, accountability, initiative, and teamwork in every endeavor we undertake. We remain continually focused on nurturing our existing Clients for Life relationships and building new ones.

    Excited to Partner with RCPA in 2025

    As we embark on our partnership with the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA) in 2025, we are thrilled to support their mission of advancing the quality of care and services provided by Pennsylvania’s behavioral health and rehabilitation providers. By joining forces with RCPA, we look forward to connecting with their network, exchanging ideas, and contributing to the ongoing success and growth of the behavioral health community. Together, we will continue to build spaces that foster positive outcomes and better serve individuals in need of care.

    We are excited for the opportunity to collaborate with RCPA and its members to improve the landscape of behavioral health services in our communities. We look forward to supporting your mission and working together to build a healthier future.

    For more information, visit our website at www.warfelcc.com, or reach out directly to Colleen Lynn, Director of Client Experience, to discuss how we can partner on your next behavioral health project.

    Photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels

    Philadelphia, PA – December 17, 2024 – COMHAR Inc. Board of Directors announced that Trapeta B. Mayson has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Office (CEO) of the agency. The Board held an Executive Session, in which they unanimously voted to remove the interim tag from Trapeta B. Mayson and make her the Chief Executive Officer, effective December 16, 2024. As an experienced human service leader, Trapeta’s career spans over 25 years across nonprofit, government, and civic sectors. Trapeta’s appointment is historic as the first woman and first African American to hold the role of CEO at COMHAR [read full release].