RCPA Member Sunny Days Adult Daily Living Center, Inc. Celebrates 20 Years of Providing Exceptional IDD Services in Centre County, Pennsylvania
Celebration
Practical Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth in the Workplace
Next Monday is Juneteenth, a federally recognized holiday commemorating the emancipation of people who were enslaved in the United States. If you haven’t yet planned a way to celebrate, there’s still time!
The best Juneteenth celebration ideas for the office are activities that allow participants to learn about the history behind the holiday. For example, hosting a lunch-and-learn session, inviting a guest speaker, and watching documentaries are great ways to educate employees on the importance of Juneteenth. Planning special Juneteenth ideas at work shows employees that you care about the meaning behind the holiday. In addition, celebrating in the office is a great way to boost employee engagement while strengthening diversity and inclusion at your company.
In her article 15 Great Juneteenth Ideas for Work, Tasia Duske outlines practical ideas to help you plan and implement Juneteenth activities for a meaningful celebration. Some ideas to consider:
- Did you know” social media campaign
- Office art display
- Wall of quotes
- Black-owned business gift box
- Trivia game
- Donation drive
- Paid time off
- Lunch-and-learn
- Movie night
- Lunch outing
- Book club
- Guest speaker engagement
- Potluck barbeque
- Reflection circle
- Workplace décor
RCPA would love to hear from you! Let us know how your organization plans to celebrate Juneteenth and send us photos to share! You can send your items to Cindi Hobbes.
Speaking for Ourselves is Turning 40! Virtual Celebration to Be Held on June 4
Speaking for Ourselves will be celebrating all they have accomplished by holding a virtual celebration this Saturday, June 4, from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Register here to attend, and be sure to stay tuned for information on Part 2 of the virtual celebration, which is to be held on October 15 at Holy Family University!
RCPA Member Children’s Service Center Celebrates 160 Years of Service
RCPA Member Hope Enterprises Celebrates 70 Years of Serving PA’s DisABILITY Community
Hope Enterprises Celebrates 70 Years of Serving Pennsylvania’s DisABILITY Community
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2022
Contact:
Mackenzie Howe | 570-326-3745
Hope Enterprises, a non-profit provider for people with intellectual disabilities, announces its 70th anniversary. Founded in 1952 by Dr. Max E. Miller and his wife Leona, Hope Enterprises started as a school for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Parents and local leaders in the Williamsport area worked alongside the Millers to grow an organization that supported each person’s needs, regardless of their perceived disability.
“Hope was founded on a deep desire to provide an everyday life,” said Robert Labatch, Hope’s president/CEO. “For seven decades we have aimed to innovate services that help people rise above their challenges and achieve personal goals and ambitions. Everyone at Hope is passionate about continuing Hope’s legacy as we continue to break the status quo for the next 70 years.”
Examples of this innovative spirit date back to the beginning. At the time, a school for children and adults with intellectual disabilities was quite unique. Since then, Hope has continued to redefine what a truly inclusive community can look like. In 1972, Hope’s residential services gave families an alternative to having loved ones live in institutions. Instead, this service enabled and encouraged community living.
In 1993, Hope introduced job training and placement services to provide integrated and supported employment opportunities so individuals could experience a natural work environment. Then, in 2015, Hope led the transition away from sheltered workshops (still in use by some organizations) by discontinuing the service that paid people with disABILITIES a subminimum wage. Those workers were transitioned to a new, integrated employment service known today as MaxWorx.
Most recently in 2020, Hope formed CHOICE services to support each person’s goals through a one-to-one model that pairs one individual with one Hope social worker. Very few organizations offer a one-to-one model, but Hope sees it as the path to the next level of community involvement and socialization.
In the future, Hope will continue to innovate on behalf of people with disABILITIES. “Every aspect of this organization is centered on people,” said Labatch. “As we evolve, families want services that provide the best advancement and growth for their loved ones. And with each new level we achieve, we can see the next opportunity to improve their lives.”
Employees will support change to empower, respect, and reflect the goals of people living with intellectual disABILITIES in the region. To lead innovation, the organization is hiring more employees who are dedicated to Hope’s mission.
Today, Hope Enterprises serves Lycoming, Clinton, Northumberland, Columbia, Montour, Snyder, and Union counties. The nonprofit offers support services in community participation, in-home support, employment services, and living options. The full range of services benefits individuals with intellectual disABILITIES in every aspect of their lives.
Learn more about Hope Enterprises, Inc. and support The Hope Foundation, at www.HopeAbility.org.