Keystone Residence Lancaster - Comprehensive community based mental retardation, mental health and autism services in Lancaster County Pennsylvania.

Keystone Residence of Lancaster County

A Vision of Excellence in Services

Keystone Residence of Lancaster (KRL) began providing services and supports to families and individuals within Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in 1984. It was then that Keystone opened its first home on Queen Street and supported 12 people in need of Mental Health Residential Services. Since that time our supports to families and people in need of services have expanded to include Mental Retardation Residential Services, Family Living Services, and Family and Community Support Services.

Founded as an organization to support people as they move from large, impersonal state centers to community based services, our mission has remained consistent:

To act as a change agent, creating opportunities for growth and meaningful life choices so that people can be valued and contributing members of their communities.

In recognizing that people with disabilities are members of our society and can live successfully in their own communities, we have successfully helped to reunite families and strengthen relationships. We have seen friendships flourish where none had existed. We have seen people lead lives of tremendous richness rather than deprivation.

Dispelling the Myth

It was once believed that some people with very challenging behaviors could not be served in their communities. Keystone Residence of Lancaster recognizes that these behaviors are often symptoms of trauma and other treatable causes and has demonstrated that with intensive therapeutic supports, people previously thought to be unable to leave hospital settings can be served safely and successfully in the community.

We believe that this has been possible due to the vision of Keystone Human Services. This vision has guided us over the past twenty years as we developed our services and worked to create a better and safer world for everyone.

A Word from the Executive Director

James LaGraffe, Executive Director

It is a great honor to be entrusted with providing leadership at Keystone Residence of Lancaster (KRL) as its executive director.

In KRL’s over 20 year history of providing service and support in Lancaster County, the agency has cultivated a reputation for excellence in service delivery and responsiveness to community need. We have enjoyed continual growth in the number of individuals we support and in the variety of support services we provide. Currently, KRL supports over 200 individuals in more than 35 sites, employing almost 300 staff members.

The strength of any agency, however, should not only be assessed by statistics but more importantly by the people who are providing the care and support to individuals. In this vein I am very happy to report the Keystone Residence of Lancaster is operating with great success. I am continually amazed by the dedication, caring and creativity of our staff as they find new and imaginative ways to improve the lives of the people they work with.

James LaGraffe, Executive Director

Service Spotlight

Family Living Program

The Keystone Family Living Program promotes meaningful relationships between families and individuals with disabilities. A family can be a nurturing source of enduring relationships, positive reinforcement and life skill development. A specialized, long-term foster care service, the Family Living Program provides families the means to open their hearts and homes to individuals with disabilities. Participating families are equipped with comprehensive training, support from a Keystone family living specialist and monthly reimbursement. While the family unit benefits from the emotional growth and richness a new family member can provide, the individual receives the personal support necessary to instill a sense of self-esteem, value and belonging.

Industry Highlights

“It was the best day ever!” That is what Brandon told me after riding in a sidecar on July 15th. Brandon’s only request was to ride on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. (“They are the best,” he had informed me.)

Due to Brandon’s severe physical limitations (he was born with cerebral palsy resulting in quadriplegia), I was not sure how to make this possible for him. But a friend once told me, “There’s always a way”. So with an established goal, a lot of determination and many wonderful people it happened.

A wonderful woman who owned a Harley with a sidecar was contacted and offered to assist. On July 15th, Brandon was sitting outside when the motorcycle arrived. The look on his face was priceless. He put on his bandana, helmet, riding glasses and Harley-Davidson t-shirt. After the ride, all of Brandon’s friends were waiting for his return. They cheered and clapped and took pictures. Brandon thanked everyone and kept repeating, “This is the best day ever.”

Agency Meeting - The next Keystone Residence of Lancaster agency meeting is scheduled for November 8, 2007 at HACC. The film Higher Ground: The Dedication of Direct Support Professionals During and After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (2007) will be viewed, followed by discussion.

When Katrina struck New Orleans on August 29, 2005, hundreds of people with developmental disabilities were displaced. Roads were closed or impassable, cell phones didn’t work and many didn’t know where their families were. And yet direct support professionals stayed with those they supported and made sure everyone evacuated to higher ground.

Caught in the Act - We recognize Kay T. this month for her support of a peer who had anxiety over a presentation she needed to give. Kay eased her anxiety and the presentation was a great success. Kay is recognized by everyone at KRL as a great support and member of our team.

Thanks Kay for all you do. We really appreciate it.