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PACC reaches out with compassion and support

3 min read
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It’s been 10 years since their dream became reality. Providing opportunities for individuals whose disabilities could make their futures uncertain was a commitment Peggy Mannella and Arlene Blair believed in. Eager to proceed, more than a decade ago they began planning programs from their homes. And in 2004, PA Connecting Communities (PACC) was off and running.

Improving the quality of life for men and women with significant limitations and meeting their diverse needs with patience and dedication was their goal. PACC’s guiding principles: integrity, inclusion, self-determination, self-advocacy and acceptance of choice and individuality remain steadfast.

To maximize the potential of reaching as many as possible and to do what they can for individuals with special needs, PACC recently opened its newest care center at 564 Washington Avenue in Carnegie.

PACC received the “Excellence in Organization Activities” award from Achieva and strives to continue to be an industry leader by serving individuals with disabilities and their families. With compassion and understanding, the caring staff of dedicated professionals assist both men and women, enabling each one to live as independently as possible, not only to cope with everyday life, but the special challenges even socializing can bring on.

By meeting with individuals and their families, much is learned about likes and dislikes. Outings to movies, dinners, dances, sporting events and programs to introduce daily life skills are planned with a focus on the whole person.

Vocational evaluations are also made to assess each client’s skills, abilities and interests through academic and cognitive skills. PACC offers vocational planning, life and social skills and transitional development for ages 14-21. The first high school picnic and games day is set for July 12 at the Home Economics Building in South Park.

PACC’s staff currently serves an estimated 3,000 individuals in seven counties, including Allegheny and Washington and a mailing list of more than 6,000 including school districts and other providers. By heeding to the needs of individuals, families and caregivers and valuing the holistic approach, PACC works diligently to provide life-enhancing opportunities.

In the South Hills, PACC offers special needs participants many opportunities in educational, training and social programs including:

• Bowling, AMF Mt. Lebanon, April 26, May 3, 10, 17.

• Dinner & Movie, South Hills Village, April 29 & May 27.

• Café Cooking, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair, Thursdays, May 1-22.

• Chorus, Mt. Lebanon U. P. Church, Thursdays May 1-June 5.

• Watercolor painting, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Upper St. Clair, May 6, 13, 20.

• Pirate game/dinner, May 23.

• Baseball, Casey’s Clubhouse, Upper St. Clair, June 4, 11, 18, 25. Picnic on July 2.

• Gateway Clipper Cruise, June 19.

• Washington Wild Things Game, June 21.

• Summer Dance, Crowne Plaza, Bethel Park, July 20.

• Day Activity Center, Baldwin U.P. Church, 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.

First by treating each client with respect and dignity and by focusing on their abilities, not their disabilities, the PACC staff integrates vulnerable individuals into programs and helps each one to interact more effectively into communities.

To reach PA Connecting Communities, call Dawn Smidga at 412-621-6151 ext. 227 or email dsmidga@paconnectingcommunities.org.

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