Keystone Residence

Mission

In 1972 Keystone opened its first home on Green Street (see the Green Street Society) and then a second home at 2104 North Third Street, Harrisburg. Governor and Mrs. Shapp personally co-signed the mortgage for the home. Mrs. Shapp was a co-worker and family therapist at the Harrisburg Hospital Community Mental Health Center.

The property located at Third St. was home for many people during the 25 years that it was used as a residence. Changes in services finally prompted relocation from the original home. Many current employees of Keystone Residence with over twenty years of experience started their employment with Keystone as live in staff at the Third St. home. Over the years Keystone Residence has grown significantly from one location to supporting people in five different counties with a variety of related services. The agency has gone through many transformations over the years, developing services that were transitioned to other agencies of Keystone Service Systems, as well as developing and changing services based on the what is important in people's lives.

A non-profit organization believing that all people have inherent value and the ability to be active and contributing members of society.

Over the years Keystone Residence has had a reputation of providing services to people who were unable to receive services through other sources. As an agency Keystone has continually worked to meet the challenge of providing diversified and specialized services, often developing those services on very short notice. This has included changes in our residential services from location, to type of house, to who lives together as well as the employees that are providing the supports. Our history is filled with many stories of people beginning services with Keystone in very structured settings, and now living full meaningful lives with very little support.

A turning point for Keystone Residence was the eventual merger of two separate mental retardation offices operating in Dauphin County. One office had primary responsibility for ICF operations, and the other one operated under the 6400 regulations and also had responsibility for supported living operations. Michael Powanda was hired in 1996 and had the task of bringing these two offices together. This merger began in December 1997 and was finalized in June 1998 when the agency moved into its current location. The result of bringing these people together is an agency with highly skilled employees, who are able to be extremely creative, flexible and committed to their work.

Since 1998 many new services have been added under Keystone Residence. Home Based supports continue to grow providing necessary services to individuals who live with their families. In the summer of 2000, Keystone Residence started providing services in Franklin/Fulton Counties. A second administrative office is now located in Chambersburg, and a full array of services including day supports are offered.

Keystone Human Services

Keystone Residence

Mission