Apr 7, 2017 By Harry Funk 3 min read

Just like any avid bowler, Sheri Parks enjoys one particular aspect.

“Strikes!”

Apparently, she knocks down all the pins quite often.

“She’s good,” said Magnolia White-Horton, who often takes her bowling. “She averages about 200.”

Sheri is able to pursue her avocation primarily through her participation in the Home and Community Supports program provided by Mainstay Life Services. The nonprofit organization, which has its headquarters in Scott Township, helps people who have developmental disabilities lead fulfilling lives.

White-Horton, a Mainstay community living specialist, has been visiting Sheri for the past two years on Thursday and every other Saturday. Along with going to the bowling alley, they might see a movie – the latest version of “Beauty and the Beast” was the latest – or head to a store.

“She’s a shopaholic. She loves to shop,” White-Horton reported.

Sheri can spend the proceeds from her job at Massage Envy in Squirrel Hill, to which she travels by bus four days a week from her Penn Hills home.

“I’m working on teaching her about money,” White-Horton said. “Now, she can do well with her debit card. But when it comes to cash, she doesn’t pay attention to her receipts and what it costs, how much to give. So we go over it every time we buy something, and then to pay attention so that she gets the correct change. Those are two big ones.”

She also helps Sheri keep her budget in check

“We go to the sales rack first,” she explained, “and shop out of season.”

Sheri, a bright and charming 28-year-old, is among 130 residents of Western Pennsylvania who have benefited from Home and Community Supports during the past year. To meet growing demand, Mainstay has expanded its Community Services Department, increasing the number of staff members from 70 to 84.

A client’s level of support is determined by the person and may include household upkeep, transportation, money management, personal care, health and wellness, community integration and recreation.

“It’s a really cool program,” developmental specialist Lauren Stoffer said. “It allows people to realize their potential. We have people volunteering. We have people doing things that they might not have had a chance to do without a service like this.”

Alyssa O’Toole, director of development, elaborated.

“It’s a service that’s sought after by families,” she said. “It provides the support that enables them to live on their own, or just provides support to the family with help and assistance.”

For Sheri, who lives with her family, support often includes encouraging her to get plenty of exercise and to make sure she’s eating well. White-Horton also takes her to participate in a variety of group activities, at which Sheri has no trouble making friends.

“She knows everybody, and everybody knows her,” White-Horton said. “She’s a sweetheart.”

For more information about Mainstay Life Services, visit mainstaylifeservices.org.