Chartiers Center launches new program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
A Bridgeville nonprofit has launched a program that aims to support people with behavioral health issues, co-occurring disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Chartiers Center has started The Forward Together Project to provide people true community integration with small group activities, such as volunteering, cooking a meal, learning to do laundry or navigating public transit or making new friends, said Susan Coyle, the center’s CEO.
It could also touch on soft skills including introducing yourself, elevator etiquette, compromising with others and starting a conversation, Coyle said.
“There is a need,” she said. “There’s a few programs in Allegheny County — we’d be the newest one — and to our knowledge, there’s none in Washington County.
“We’re pretty excited to be opening the door.”
Coyle said providing real-life experience helps equip participants with learning essential everyday skills and fosters their independence.
“We want them to be comfortable in the community so they can, over time, be more independent and have more meaningful lives; the lives they want to live,” Coyle said.
As the program progresses, Coyle anticipates the Chartiers Center will build partnerships with local organizations, businesses and nonprofits to help create meaningful opportunities, and possibly future employment, for participants.
Local organizations can become involved by contacting the Chartiers Center’s Alisha Vereen at avereen@chartierscenter.org or calling 412-556-7140.
“Over the past few months, we’ve been working hard at developing the program’s goals and expectations, but real success will be measured by our local community’s involvement,” Vereen said.
The Forward Together Project is an addition to the Chartiers Center’s current supports for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, the Achievement Program and Choice Center in Dormont.
The Chartiers Center has been in operation for more than 50 years.
“We’re excited to get started,” Coyle said of The Forward Together Project. “We’ll make it as enjoyable and meaningful as we can for them.”
Kellen Stepler is a TribLive reporter covering the Allegheny Valley and Burrell school districts and surrounding areas. He joined the Trib in April 2023. He can be reached at kstepler@triblive.com.
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