News & Updates

Click above for our Press Release about Life After School 2011!

2011 David L. Sanders National Lodge Coordinator of the Year Award

John Moore, an employee of the Venango Training and Development Center, Inc. based in Seneca, PA, has been honored with a National Award. John, the Clearfield/Jefferson Counties Fairweather Lodge Program Coordinator, was presented in a recent ceremony, the David L. Sanders National Lodge Coordinator of the Year Award. The National Award is presented to an outstanding individual in the role of Lodge Coordinator, who best promotes Fairweather principles. David L. Sanders was the first Lodge Coordinator, and his skills were critical in guiding the initial Fairweather Lodge group through numerous challenges at a fragile time in the history of the Fairweather movement.

The Fairweather Lodge Program is a national model developed in 1963 by Dr. George Fairweather for adults with persistent mental illness. This model is currently implemented in 18 states with over 100 lodges nationwide. The Fairweather Lodge Program provides an integrated housing, mental health and vocational support model of intervention. The primary goal is to help stabilize the lives of chronically homeless, or at risk, individuals with mental illness, and provide them with a renewed sense of autonomy. The lodge provides safe affordable housing, promoting a family atmosphere with concern and understanding for others and a feeling of belonging.

In addition to the National Award, John received a Pennsylvania Legislature Citation of Achievement from the 75th District PA House of Representatives member, Matt Gabler and a letter of commendation was presented by Colleen Stuart, the Venango Training and Development Center’s CEO on behalf of their Board of Directors. Also, the Coalition for Community Living, a valuable partner to the FWL Program has awarded the Weber and Maple lodges in DuBois “Exemplary Status” and “Acclaimed Status” respectively. This follows the lead from the 2 Venango County lodges which have received similar accolades.

In just 2 years John has been instrumental in developing 4 lodges in the DuBois, Punxsutawney and Clearfield areas, currently providing housing for 15 individuals. He has connected numerous others to jobs, Peer Specialists, case management and social services. The lodge members, community and Clearfield/Jefferson County administrators are excited about the progress and success in the implementation of Dr. Fairweather’s principles into their community.

John’s dedication and passion to serve others has laid a firm foundation for the FWL Program to advance in Clearfield and Jefferson Counties. The success of these homes helps to foster the hope of recovery which promotes the ability to live a fulfilling and productive life despite a disability.

NEWSRELEASE 6/2/11

The Project SEARCH High School Transition Program held it’s First Graduation on Wednesday, June 1st at UPMC Northwest in the Courtyard Conference Room. Ten students have been attending since August of last year, and finished the program receiving their certificate of completion. Over 65 students, family members, hospital managers and administrators, and business partners were in attendance.

Project SEARCH is a unique one-year only school-to-work program that takes place entirely at UPMC Northwest. Students participate in employability and independent skill instruction and are assigned internships in up to three departments. This program is made possible by collaboration between the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Riverview Intermediate Unit #6, UPMC Northwest Venango County Mental Health & Developmental Services and Venango Training & Development Center, Inc. Cranberry and Oil City School Districts, as well as OVR were the referring sources for this inaugural school year.

Although there is no guarantee of employment through this program, the goal for each student is to obtain competitive employment either within the UPMC network or in another community business. If students did not gain employment throughout the course of the year, they continue to receive supports through the Office of

Vocational Rehabilitation, Venango County MH/DS, and/or Venango Training Development Center, Inc. upon graduation.

The graduation program included a Entrance Solo sung by Mrs. Jill Williams; Introductions by Miss Courtney Cox, Vice President of Human Resources and UPMC Project SEARCH Liaison; Departmental Recognition by Mrs. Paula Davis, Instructor and Mrs. Dorothy Staub, Employment Training Coordinator. Job Coaches Amy Seybert, Shawn McGranaghan and Liza Manross awarded UPMC Northwest with Outstanding Mentors of Year Certificates. Those recognized include for individual recognition, Ginger Simons, Director of Nursing, Transitional Care & Rehabilitation Unit; for departmental recognition, the Health Information Management Staff. Student Graduation included reflections by each student, a video and certificate presentation. Those receiving diplomas include:

Justin P. Campbell of Oil City
Tiffany Sue English of Oil City
Carol Ann Franklin of Cranberry
Lacie Hart of Cranberry
Troy A. Jansen of Oil City
Ricky J. Keverline of Kennerdell
Eric William Lewis of Cranberry
Chastity Renee Oakes of Oil City
Benjamin Rice of Cranberry
Garett Joseph Woelkers of Leeper

David Gibbons, President of UPMC Northwest closed the evening by commending the students for all their hard work over the past school year, for helping the staff to learn as well, and welcomed the new graduates to the UPMC Northwest team and family.

A gathering reception immediately followed. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GRADUATES!

The STEP Program through Venango Training & Development Center, Inc. assists in the coordination of Project SEARCH at UPMC Northwest. Through a Cincinnati Children's Hospital Project Search license, transitioning disabled high school youth complete internships and classroom instruction in the hospital setting following the local school district calendar.

Partner agencies for this program for the 2010-2011 school year include: Cranberry and Oil City School Districts, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Riverview Intermediate Unit #6, UPMC Northwest, Venango County MH/MR and VTDC. Plans to expand to 5 school districts in Venango County are underway for the 2011-2012 school year.

Designed as an unpaid internship program, Project SEARCH places students in real-world situations where they learn all aspects of gaining and maintaining a job. UPMC Northwest in Seneca, currently hosts students for the Venango County Program.

Individualized job development and placement occurs based on the student’s experiences, strengths, and skills. A series of job rotations lasting 10 weeks allow students to find positions that best suit their preference. They receive support with accommodations, adaptations, and on the job coaching.