45th Anniversary Newsletter
Forty-five years of supporting people with intellectual disabilities in Indiana County — told through the agency's own history, its programs, and the people who built it.
From the Executive Director
"I have witnessed a lot of growth and change within Community Living & Learning since I started here in 1995."
In his message, Executive Director Nathaniel Haggerty reflects on what that growth has been for: hiring quality Direct Support Professionals and management, making sure individuals live in community homes that meet their needs, and creating a supportive atmosphere for individuals, families and staff alike. He defines an everyday life as one where a person holds a valued role in their community and has their rights fully respected.
"I am honored and thankful to serve as your Executive Director."
Where we started
The agency began in 1974 as Indiana County Group Homes, Inc., opening its first residential home at 839 Grant Street in Indiana — the first community group home in Indiana County.
Milestones
- 1974 — Founded as Indiana County Group Homes, Inc.; first residential home opens at 839 Grant Street
- 1982 — Lifesharing through Family Living begins in Pennsylvania
- 1984 — The Therapeutic Activity Center, later the Adult Training Facility, is established
- 1987 — The Lifesharing program begins at Community Living & Learning
- 1997 — The agency purchases its first owned home, at 1977 Hancock Road
- 1998 — The name changes to Community Living & Learning, Inc.
- Today — Twelve residential homes, plus independent living options, Lifesharing, and the ATF
Growth by the numbers
Adult Training Facility
Originally the Therapeutic Activity Center, established in 1984, the ATF has evolved from pre-vocational and paid work programs into community participation supports. Under state guidelines individuals now spend 25% or more of their time out in the community — volunteering at the food bank, working with local churches, visiting the senior center, helping at the animal shelter, bowling, going to the movies, dining out, and spending time in the parks.
Lifesharing / Family Living — “Homes with Heart”
Lifesharing places individuals with community families in an arrangement similar to foster care, though the individuals are adults and often stay for many years. At the time of the newsletter, 10 families were supporting 15 individuals. Some of these relationships have run past the twenty-year mark. Individuals take part in community activities alongside their providers and their providers' extended families.
In-Home & Community Supports
For individuals who live with their own families, In-Home & Community Supports provide assistance in the family home — giving families respite time while their loved one continues to live with them.
Our core values
The newsletter set out the seven values the agency works by:
- Integrity
- Customer / Client Responsiveness
- Respect Individuals
- Innovation
- Accountability
- Positive Energy
- Teamwork
Board of Directors
- Sue Murphy President
- Sue Palmisano Vice President
- Andy Wallwork Treasurer
- John Chakot Member
- Barbara Frye Member
- Mary Seale Member
- Robert Truscello Member
Staff recognition
The anniversary issue recognised employees by length of service, from those in their first five years through to team members who have given the agency thirty years and more. It also included a memorial section honouring former staff and associates who have passed away.
Alongside those lists ran testimonials from Direct Support Professionals, administrative staff, and supervisors describing what the work means to them: daily living assistance, community integration, and helping people develop as individuals.
This page carries the content of the printed 45th Anniversary Newsletter. If you would like a copy of the original, or want to be added to our mailing list for future issues, please get in touch.