Governor Shapiro Signs Budget Into Law
Sharon Militello
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.
A Frontline Story on Adopting Augmented Intelligence for Behavioral Health — August 8
A Frontline Story on Adopting Augmented Intelligence for Behavioral Health: Gaudenzia + Eleos Scribe
August 8, 2023, 1:00 pm ET
Register Here
With provider burnout and turnover rates on the rise, top behavioral health organizations are turning to augmented intelligence to help reduce administrative burdens for frontline staff, improve care, and enhance their ability to scale training and supervision.
Join us for a special webinar event on August 8 from 1 to 2 pm ET where we’ll welcome Andrew Schmitt, LCSW, Director of Outpatient Services for Gaudenzia, Inc., to share his first-hand insights on what it’s like to navigate organizational and technological transformation in behavioral health—and how Gaudenzia has used Eleos Scribe to reduce documentation time by 70% and increase the use of evidence-based techniques 35%.
Action Needed! Tell Your Representative to Support the 988 Implementation Act
Message from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing:
This month the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and hundreds of other organizations across the country celebrated the first anniversary of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a new dialing code operated through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. With the new, easy to remember number, the Lifeline successfully served millions more people than in years prior.
Yet we still have a long way to go to ensure that our crisis care system provides people in every community with someone to respond and somewhere to go.
Recently, Representative Tony Cardenas (D-CA-29) introduced the 988 Implementation Act, bipartisan legislation that seeks to provide federal funding and support for states to enact 988 crisis services and broaden awareness of resources for those in crisis.
What is the 988 Implementation Act?
- Expands behavioral health workforce training programs and provides grant opportunities for local behavioral health centers;
- Expands Medicaid coverage for behavioral health services, including short term crisis intervention services;
- Increases support for mobile crisis response, ensuring that even those in rural areas have access to timely care;
- Creates new capital grants to be used for crisis response program facility renovation, construction, and expansion;
- Narrows the IMD exclusion so that services furnished in psychiatric acute care crisis beds administered by CCBHCs and other crisis care settings are eligible for Medicaid coverage; and
- Increases awareness of 988 through a national media campaign.
Contact your Congressional Representatives and urge them to support the 988 Implementation Act. By strengthening, and raising awareness for current resources, and building capacity at the state level for on the ground crisis services, this legislation will make a difference, and save lives.
Time is of the essence. Act today, and together we can strengthen the crisis care continuum.
Sincerely,
Rachel Abraham
Federal Policy and Advocacy Coordinator
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing
RCPA Member Goodwill Keystone Area Unveils Redesigned Website
Goodwill Unveils Redesigned Website to Enhance User Experience and Showcase Mission-Driven Initiatives
HARRISBURG, Pa. (August 1, 2023) — Goodwill Keystone Area, a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing sustainability in the communities it serves, today announced the launch of its newly redesigned website, yourgoodwill.org. The revamped site, developed in collaboration with Sharp Innovations, is designed to provide a modern look and feel, streamline user navigation, and foster a deeper connection to the organization’s mission.
The revamped website offers an enhanced experience for both loyal supporters and new visitors, with easy-to-find information, user-friendly tools, and comprehensive summaries on the wide array of programs and services Goodwill offers throughout its 22-county territory. Key features include:
- Refreshed Appearance: The website boasts an aesthetically pleasing design that captivates and inspires visitors to engage with the organization’s mission-related initiatives from the moment they land on the homepage.
- Improved Navigation and Features: With a more intuitive layout and enhanced features, visitors can easily find the information they seek, whether it is about store and donation center locations, leadership, employment, or services offered by Goodwill Keystone Area.
- Flexible Content Management Solution: The website is equipped with a new content management system that allows for easy updates and maintenance, ensuring that the platform remains relevant and up-to-date for future initiatives.
“We are thrilled to unveil our redesigned website, which embodies the essence of Goodwill’s mission-driven efforts and the compassion that drives our work,” said Mark McGaffin, Goodwill Keystone Area’s Director of Communications and Marketing. “Through this revitalized platform, we look to provide a seamless experience for those looking to donate and shop at our stores and, at the same time, highlight the work we are doing to advance sustainability in our communities so that individuals and families can thrive and flourish.”
About Goodwill Keystone Area
Goodwill Keystone Area serves 22 counties in central and southeastern Pennsylvania. As a nonprofit, revenue generated from the sale of donated goods in its retail stores and online auction site directly supports Goodwill’s mission to advance sustainability so that individuals and families can thrive and flourish. Goodwill fulfills this mission by recycling donations into training, paychecks, and careers. Additionally, as America’s original recycler, environmental sustainability has been central to Goodwill’s mission since its founding. To learn more, visit yourgoodwill.org.
RCPA Member Step By Step, Inc. Launches CRR Services in Lewistown and Huntingdon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Step By Step, Inc. Launches Community Residential Rehabilitation (CRR) Services in Lewistown and Huntingdon
Step By Step is pleased to announce the official launch of two Community Residential Rehabilitation (CRR) services in Lewistown and Huntingdon. This milestone represents a significant advancement in the agency’s commitment to providing essential mental health support to individuals in need.
Lesley Corey, Chief Operating Officer at Step By Step, expressed her satisfaction, stating, “We are excited to take this significant step forward in our mission to offer vital mental health support to individuals within our community who require it the most. Our team has worked tirelessly to transition these services to our agency, and we are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. The need for accessible and compassionate mental health care has never been greater, and we are honored to be able to fill this gap in the regions of Lewistown and Huntingdon.”
CRR services are designed to support individuals in their pursuit of wellness and recovery. The service provides transitional housing and support for adults ages 18+ with mental health disorders. In engaging, home-like residences, individuals develop the skills, habits, and confidence necessary to continue on their personal journeys of recovery and growth and ultimately transition to the living arrangement of their choice. Step By Step’s team of dedicated professionals provides comprehensive coaching and practical tools to assist individuals in developing essential skills and successfully transitioning to their desired living environment, whether it be an independent apartment or reuniting with family members.
Step By Step remains committed to delivering trauma-informed, resilience-oriented, and equity-focused services. The human service agency integrates evidence-based practices such as WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plans) and Personal Medicine Coaching, ensuring individuals have the resources to take charge of their recovery and well-being.
Step By Step extends its appreciation to all individuals and organizations who contributed to the establishment of these CRR services. Their support and collaboration have played a vital role in positively impacting the lives of those served by the organization.
As Step By Step moves forward, it eagerly anticipates engaging with the community and coordinating additional services to further enhance the wellbeing of Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Juniata Counties. Stay tuned for further updates as the organization continues to evolve and expand its mission.
About Step By Step:
Step By Step, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation devoted to providing community support services to children and adults in Pennsylvania with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, autism, mental health disorders, and/ or substance use disorders.
Established in 1977, the agency today provides services to over 2,000 individuals across Pennsylvania. Throughout its history, Step By Step, Inc. has maintained a progressive view of the potential of individuals with disabilities.
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Pennsylvania Counties Plan to Miss Big Social-Services Payment as State Budget Stalemate Drags On: RCPA Referenced
RCPA Member Step By Step, Inc. Acquires 10 Residential Programs Formerly Operated by Goodwill Industries of NEPA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Step By Step, Inc. Acquires 10 Residential Programs Formerly Operated by Goodwill Industries of NEPA, Expanding Services for Individuals with Disabilities
Wilkes-Barre, PA– Step By Step, Inc., a leading provider of services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of 10 Residential Programs formerly operated by Goodwill Industries of NEPA. This acquisition includes 10 residential properties, enabling Step By Step to serve 35 individuals in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. The completion of this acquisition represents a significant milestone in Step By Step’s growth and reinforces their dedication to fostering independence and opportunity for their clients.
Eric Lindey (CEO/President of Step By Step) expressed his excitement about the acquisition, stating, “We are honored to have the opportunity to serve and support these individuals and their families. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our mission of helping each individual succeed in life. We are dedicated to maintaining the continuity and quality of care that Goodwill has provided, ensuring a seamless transition for everyone involved.”During the acquisition process, Step By Step prioritized minimizing disruptions for the individuals and their families. The agency successfully preserved their homes, furnishings, and retained the trusted and familiar staff. The focus is to create a nurturing environment where these individuals can continue to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
“We are deeply committed to upholding the highest standards of care and ensuring that every individual receives the support they need to reach their full potential,” added Eric Lindey. “We are excited about the growth opportunities this acquisition brings for Step By Step, as we continue to make a positive impact in the lives of those we serve.”
The acquisition was finalized on June 30, 2023, and as of July 1, 2023, Step By Step officially assumed the role of service provider for the acquired residential programs. Step By Step would like to express gratitude to the staff, board of directors, and executive team for their dedication and hard work throughout the process.
About Step By Step:
Step By Step, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation devoted to providing community support services to children and adults in Pennsylvania with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, autism, mental health disorders, and/ or substance use disorders.
Established in 1977, the agency today provides services to over 2,000 individuals in four regions across more than a dozen Pennsylvania counties. Throughout its history, Step By Step, Inc. has maintained a progressive view of the potential of individuals with disabilities.
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Judge Orders State to Take Custody of 26 Philly Teens Held in the City’s Dangerously Overcrowded Juvenile Jail (Paywalled)
N.J. Courts Collect Racial Data During Jury Selection. Pennsylvania Advocates Want Similar Reforms. (Paywalled)
Support Equity for Internet Access and Training
Help PA get connected and stay connected! The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is expected to receive substantial federal funding for the purposes of broadband expansion, adoption, and literacy as part of the federal government’s historic funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The PA Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is currently gathering input and data for its Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity (DE) plans.
The PBDA has launched a public survey to hear from residents across Pennsylvania as a part of the planning process. Please consider responding to the Broadband Connectivity and Digital Access Survey. Your participation will be appreciated and is essential to supporting our collective interests in fast, reliable high-speed internet service for everyone.
If you’d like to learn more about the PBDA’s Internet for All: Connecting the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania initiative and see what community events are scheduled, visit this web page.
#BroadbandinPA #InternetforAllPA
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