Keystone Residence

Keystone Residence is guided by the belief that all people have inherent value and the ability to be active and contributing members of society. Fundamental to this belief is a commitment to support people with developmental disabilities to gain meaningful life skills. Keystone Residence evaluates the latest trends, integrates best practices and focuses decision-making on the wants and needs of the people we support. Keystone Residence encourages long-term relationships and stresses the importance of natural supports, individuality, respect, choice and the dignity of risk.

Keystone Residence supports over 250 people with mental retardation living in Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, Franklin and Fulton Counties. People are supported in a variety of settings--ranging from their own homes to agency owned homes.

Keystone Residence is committed to the goal of a workforce that is sensitive to and reflects the rich cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity of the individuals and communities we serve. We are committed to equal opportunity in hiring, compensation, benefits, training, and promotion, regardless of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, or non job-related mental or physical disability. Employees are aware of the standards developed by the Consumer Council, a self-advocacy group that has merged with the local Speaking for Ourselves. These Standards are reviewed regularly by our employees in order to stay focused on what is important to people supported.

A Word from the Executive Director

Michael Powanda, Executive Director

Keystone Residence has been operating continuously since 1972, providing services to some of our most vulnerable citizens with intellectual disabilities and autism. We are built on a foundation of trust and it is at the heart of all we do.

Trust must exist between the people we support and our direct support professionals in order for the services we provide to be effective. Our employees must trust one another, as well as the management team, to provide support and guidance. Just as important, though, is the trust families place in us when they make the decision to allow other people to contribute to the care of their family member.

We take this decision very seriously. At Keystone Residence, we understand that we are making an enduring commitment to families and the people we support, and in many cases our commitment will last a lifetime as we support and assist people to grow, make choices, and be active members of their community.

We are proud to say that we honor each person's dreams, goals and cultural background. Our Jewish Community Home, our first community home with a cultural focus, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Serving children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism, the services provided by the Jewish Community Home observe the practices of the Jewish faith, including holidays, dietary laws and Shabbat, and support individuals to continue to practice their faith. I invite you to join us in celebrating 20 years of service. You will find more information about the celebration below.

I am looking forward to celebrating 20 years of service with the Jewish Community Home and to many more years of supporting the people we serve.

Michael Powanda, Executive Director

Service Spotlight

Jewish Community Home

The Jewish Community Home supports individuals with disabilities in an environment that allows them to continue to follow their Jewish values and faith. Our direct support professionals receive education in all aspects of the Jewish faith, including how to shop for and maintain a kosher home as well as practices related to Jewish holidays and their significance. We observe kashruth standards in the home.

The Jewish Community Home is part of our residential services, in which individuals with developmental disabilities live and receive support in homes that are owned or rented by Keystone Residence. The homes, though not owned by the individuals, are considered to belong to them, and people often bring their own furniture and decorations to personalize it. Individuals receive support in personal care, household management, shopping, money management, cooking and meal planning, care of personal belongings, use of adaptive devices, health care and accessing medical services. All of our services are person-centered and tailored to each person's unique needs and goals.

Industry Highlights

Jewish Community Home Celebrates 20 Years of Service

Keystone Residence and the Jewish community are celebrating 20 years of providing services and supports for people of the Jewish faith who have developmental disabilities. In 1989, Keystone opened the first culturally-focused community home in the nation that was intended to support Jewish people with disabilities. Today, the five people currently living in the home receive support for their daily living needs in an environment that allows them to follow and practice their Jewish values and faith.

Keystone Human Services