Keystone Human Services

News & Events

1st Annual Keystone Residence Hot & Spicy International Festival
In partnership with Steelton Borough, the 1st Annual Hot & Spicy International Festival will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2008 from 12pm to 4:30pm on North Front Street in Steelton! It is FREE to the public; however, some activities may have a fee.
Full Story
Basket Bingo & Silent Auction 2008
HARRISBURG, PA—Keystone Family Support Associates presents its major fundraiser "Basket Bingo & Silent Auction" on Sunday, April 27 at Harrisburg River Rescue & Emergency Services, located at 1119 South Cameron Street in Harrisburg.
The Silent Auction will begin at 12 p.m. with items donated by many businesses, crafters and friends throughout Central Pennsylvania. There will be items for all ages, interests and budgets. Bidding will end at 1:30 p.m. and you need not be present to be the highest bidder.
Full Story
These puppies give a new leash on life:
PawsAbilities benefit for service-dog program offers disabled new possibilities
(Lancaster, PA – February 22, 2008) – At just 11 weeks old, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed Midge can give a high-five. Her older "sister," 14-month-old Rossi, can open doors, turn light switches on and off, pull a wheelchair and alert family members to the oven timer. She can also pick up quarters and $1 bills with her mouth — without swallowing them — and return them to whoever dropped them. Pedigreed prodigies? Perhaps, at least in the puppy world.
Full Story
Keystone Human Services Acquires Impact Systems, Inc.
(Harrisburg, PA – February 1, 2008) – Keystone Human Services (KHS) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Impact Systems, Inc., a privately owned, Pennsylvania based for-profit agency serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, mental illness and autism for 35 years. Impact Systems, Inc. serving Dauphin, Cumberland/Perry, Luzerne/Wyoming, Lehigh, Chester and Delaware counties will become an important component of Keystone’s regional system of care. Impact Systems, Inc. joins Keystone as a wholly owned subsidiary on January 31, 2008.
Full Press Release
Marcia J. Reynolds Joins Leadership of Keystone Human Services
(Harrisburg- February 1, 2008) "We are pleased to have a person with the experience and dedication that Ms. Reynolds brings to our leadership team" said Dennis W. Felty, president of Keystone Human Services. "Marcia brings over thirty years of experience as a leader in the field of human services. Having served as Vice President of Impact Systems, Inc. since 1983, Marcia has extensive knowledge in providing supports to those with intellectual disabilities, autism and mental illness."
Full Press Release
Schooling Bebe: College of Wooster students train service dog
WOOSTER, Ohio -- Bebe the Labrador retriever was getting an earful about supply, demand and prevailing market price.
Whether she preferred the topic to lectures last semester on the intricacies of memory and the life of Mahatma Gandhi was anyone's guess.
Class time is part of the young Lab's life at the College of Wooster, where a houseful of students is training her to become a service dog.
Full Article
Promoting the Best Care at the Best Source – the Home
The Keystone Social-Educational Foundation for Social Assistance to Children and Families (KFCF) is a Russian NGO founded by KHS International, a subsidiary of Keystone Human Services (KHS). Registered as a Russian NGO in April 2006, Keystone Foundation (KFCF) was established to promote and develop opportunities in the form of direct service, best-practice training, grant-making, foundation services, and administrative support to further the independence of children and families who are in need of assistance due to disabling conditions, poverty, abandonment, institutionalization, and other adverse conditions throughout the Russian Federation.
Full Article
"Cartridges 4 Canines"
Benefiting Susquehanna Service Dogs
(A program of Keystone Children & Family Services)
(Harrisburg, PA)  A press conference will be held at Keystone Human Services' headquarters located at 124 Pine Street, Harrisburg, PA on November 21, 2007 at 10am to mark the unveiling of Cartridges 4 Canines, a program to support Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD).
Full Press Release
Keystone Human Services' 35th Anniversary Celebration
Please join us in celebrating the 35th Anniversary of Keystone Human Services on December 1, 2007 from 5:30 pm - Midnight at the Hershey Lodge's Chocolate Ballroom.
More Information
Books are Fun® Book Fair
Friday, October 26, 2007
More good shopping news for Keystone employees! Savings of up to 70% on books for all ages! A percentage of the sales benefits Keystone Children & Family Services.
More Information
Eight Leaders Examine Social Issues in Central Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg, PA) – Eight Russian leaders participating in the Open World Program will spend October 6-14, 2007, in Central Pennsylvania examining Social Issues in the areas of Health-Care Provision, Elementary and Secondary Education and Social Services. Keystone Human Services International will host the delegation.
Full Story
President of Keystone Human Services Honored to share world stage at 2007 Clinton Global Initiative
(Harrisburg, PA – September 29 2007) – Dennis Felty, President and founder of Keystone Human Services, has just returned from the annual Clinton Global Initiative Convention in New York City "with an admittedly heightened sense of global purpose."…which is saying something for a human services pioneer who has already dedicated his life and career to changing the world.
Full Story
Russian Treasures
Friday, November 9, 2007 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the West Shore Country Club in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania
More Information
Black Tie & Tails
We urge you to join us this year – Sunday, September 30, 2007 from 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm – for Black Tie & Tails in support of Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD), which provides children and adults the opportunity to lead full and independent lives in their communities.
More Information
Raising Rocko – to Become a Service Dog
THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER, WOOSTER, OH / July 9, 2007 – Economics major Nick Weida was convinced about the excellence of his proposal: Take one Labrador puppy; hand pick a group of committed Wooster students; put them together in one of the college’s program houses. And then let the learning begin.
Full Story
Comunicat de presă
(Bacioi opening press release made by the Ministry of Social Protection Moldova.)
În comuna Băcioi, suburbie a capitalei a fost astăzi inaugurat Centrul comunitar “Vis” pentru susţinerea şi integrarea socială a copiilor aflaţi în dificultate. Instituţia a fost deschisă în incinta şcolii primare din localitate cu suportul administraţiei publice locale şi a Kezstone Human Services, cel mai mare prestator de servicii pentru persoane cu disabilităţi din statul Pensilvania, SUA.
Full Press Release
Kind Caregivers
Thursday, April 19, 2007/The Patriot-News – Since there has recently been much adverse publicity regarding facilities/residences and individuals who care for the disabled, I feel it is important for the public to know there are kind, competent and "underpaid" caregivers, who take care of our "special family member."
Full Story
Service dogs leap to compete at games
Patriot-News - Harrisburg, PA – With graceful twirls and steady eye contact, Kathy O'Handly and Buffaloo danced in the state Farm Show Complex yesterday with the style of two "Dancing With the Stars" contestants.
Full Story
Susquehanna Service Dogs in Need of Puppy Raisers
Harrisburg, PA – Susquehanna Service Dogs is in need of volunteers, individuals or families who are interested in becoming Puppy Raisers for wonderful Labrador Retriever puppies that grow to become service, therapy or hearing dogs.
Full Story
Planet Dog Foundation celebrates first year, new grantees
PORTLAND, ME/February 26, 2007/Williamsport Sun-Gazette/ – The Planet Dog Foundation is celebrating an amazing first year with nine new grantees and more than $45,000 donated to canine service programs. Through cash grants, sponsorship, special gifts and in-kind donations, PDF has bolstered 14 nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people in need with the aid of highly skilled specialized dogs.
Full Story
Nice to Meet You! Greeting Strangers
Collective wisdom from the ClickerExpo family
The trainers and enthusiasts who attend ClickerExpo come to increase their understanding and strengthen their skills. They are also a rich source of expertise and practical advice for each other as well as newcomers to clicker training and pet management.
Full Story
Children and Teens With Autism to Benefit From More Than $1 Million in State Grants
HARRISBURG, Pa., July 10 /PRNewswire/ – Six organizations that serve children and teens with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have each been awarded $175,000 by the Department of Public Welfare to provide enhanced evaluation and treatment services.
Full Story
Susquehanna Service Dogs on TV
The Harrisburg Kennel Club Dog Show that airs on Animal Planet will have a small story included in it that features SSD. The initial airing of the show is on July 8, 2006 at 7:00pm. Here is the link to Animal Planet that shows all the airing times:
Animal Planet TV Listing
Open World Names Grantees for 2006 Russia Civic and Cultural Programs
WASHINGTON, May 8 /PRNewswire/ – The Open World Leadership Center announced its 2006 grants to 23 U.S. organizations to host approximately 1,120 civic and 85 cultural leaders from Russia. The grants will be used to develop and manage programs for a wide range of Russian leaders – from judges and regional legislators to NGO directors and filmmakers – in the coming year. Open World delegates visit the United States for intensive professional exchange programs and cultural residencies lasting from 10 days to two weeks.
Full Story
Keystone Human Services, an Open World Host Organization, Presents Its Programs in Tomsk
On April 6, 2006, the IATP Center at the Siberian State Medical University's Medical Research Library in Tomsk hosted an opportunity for exchange program alumni, students, and nonprofit activists to meet with Maria Kalitina, general director of the Keystone Foundation for Children and Family Services in Moscow. Last year Keystone's parent organization, Keystone Human Services, hosted two Russian Open World delegations in its headquarters city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Local Open World alumni worked together to organize the meeting.
Full Story
Felty Wins Top United Way Award
(Harrisburg, PA) Dennis W. Felty, President, Keystone Human Services was awarded the coveted Frank R. Grady Outstanding Professional Award by the United Way of the Capital Region at their Annual Meeting on April 2006. This award is presented to a human service professional that has made great contributions not only their organization, but to the community and beyond. The criteria for this award include Commitment, Leadership, Creativity, and Accomplishment.
Full Story
Nonprofit organization giving help to the helpers
Russian psychologists had just finished several weeks of training at Keystone Human Services in Harrisburg last year when Chechen rebels stormed a school in Beslan and took hundreds of people hostage.
Full Story
Agencies help Russians treat terror victims
One year after Islamic terrorists killed nearly 350 people in a southern Russian town, the survivors worry that the world might forget them, a Russian social worker said yesterday in Harrisburg.
Full Story
Capital Area Head Start partners with UCLA/Johnson & Johnson to train Head Start parents to handle children's common ailments
Medicaid could save millions of dollars annually if Head Start parents are provided with easy-to-understand health care guidance, according to a first of its kind study by the UCLA/Johnson & Johnson Health Care Institute. Capital Area Head Start, a program of Keystone Service Systems, Inc., was recently selected by the UCLA/Johnson & Johnson Health Care Institute to participate in this new training program that educates parents on ways to properly manage the health needs of their children and thereby reduce unnecessary emergency room and clinic visits.
Full Story
Meaningful Lives, Community Connections: Vulnerability and Community Roles
In organizations and movements that are founded to promote the welfare and well being of children, we often hear about the importance of children experiencing membership in their communities. … The role of community member is a powerful one, which yields great benefit.
Full Story
Open World Names Grantees for 2005 Russia Civic Program
(June 16, 2005) The Open World Leadership Center today announced the grant recipients for its 2005 Civic Program for Russia. The 18 grantee organizations will develop and conduct professional programs for approximately 1,370 political, civic, and economic leaders from Russia, including regional officials, mayors, judges, NGO directors and entrepreneurs. The U.S. Congress established the Center's Open World Program in 1999 to enable emerging Russian leaders to meet their U.S. counterparts and to experience American civil society firsthand.
Full Story
Leadership of Keystone Human Services visit St. Catherine the Great Martyr Church
(May 6, 2005) On Bright Friday, May 6, 2005, Archimandrite Zacchaeus, Dean of St. Catherine the Great Martyr Church welcomed Mr. Charles Hooker, First Vice President and CEO of Keystone Human Services to the parish. Accompanying Mr. Hooker were several members of the Board of Directors of Keystone Human Services. The purpose of the visit was to become better acquainted with Russia, its people and culture, and to become aware of the conditions and methods of social care provided in Russia for the most vulnerable – children and adults with disabilities, orphans, low-income and at-risk families.
Full Story
Ann H. Moffitt, Named Outstanding Fundraiser
(April 4, 2005) Ann H. Moffitt was honored as the 2005 Outstanding Fundraising Professional during the J. Richard Wilson Keynote Address at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) International Conference on Fundraising in Baltimore, Md. Her colleagues at Keystone join the AFP in recognizing her achievements.
Keystone Human Services Comments On The Closing of Harrisburg State Hospital.
Keystone Human Services was founded in the early 1970’s by a group of people who were convinced that many of the individuals who lived in the Harrisburg State Hospital (HSH) could live meaningful and productive lives in the community. Several of these people were employees at the Harrisburg State Hospital and others were community leaders working in the field of community mental health.
Full Story
Mission in Moscow a Success
(Harrisburg 11-30-04) "We could see the pain, overwhelming sorrow and exhaustion in their faces," said Ann Tapman, clinical social worker with Capital Area Head Start, a Program of Keystone Human Services (KHS). She was referring to the ten mental health professionals who came to Moscow recently to learn post trauma techniques for dealing with the aftermath of the horrors of the Beslan massacre.
Full Story
Keystone Human Services is proud to announce the 2004 recipient of the distinguished Edna Silberman Humanitarian Award
Keystone Human Services is proud to announce that the 2004 recipient of the distinguished Edna Silberman Humanitarian Award is our own Board member, Donald R. Witman. Not only has Don been instrumental in Keystone's leadership since 1993 but he is also one of the founding members of Key Ministries, the financial supporting arm for the College of Theology & Education in Moldova. Mr. Witman is active at the Hershey Christian School where he serves on the Board. He is a charter member of the Evangelical Free Church of Hershey, where he assisted in developing the church library and Hilltop Christian Nursery School.
In 1958, Mr. Witman began a 34-year career with the Milton Hershey School where he served as a reading teacher, wrestling coach, the Assistant Director of Education and Director of the Junior Program.
Keystone Human Services celebrated another year of outstanding service to the community
Keystone Human Services celebrated another year of outstanding service to the community at their 32nd annual meeting held Wednesday, November 17th, 2004 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. The theme of the evening was "celebrating service" and the keynote address was delivered by Anne Beiler, the founder and CEO of Auntie Anne's, Inc, a famous mall-based pretzel franchise. Beiler spoke of her corporate and personal philosophy of "...we give, to get, to give again" and of the importance of service to others.
Keystone Human Services also took the opportunity to celebrate the long-term employees and Board members who have given many years of service to Keystone and the community.
Susquehanna Services Dogs Program Hosts International SPIRIT Conference of Assistance Dogs International
(Harrisburg-October 7,2004) Nancy Fierer, Director of Susquehanna Services Dogs(SSD) a program of Keystone Children & Family Services, announces the opening of the International SPIRIT Conference of Assistance Dogs International to be hosted by SSD the weekend of October 10-13 at Camp Hebron, located in Halifax. "This is a marvelous honor for our program", stated Fierer," Of the ten certified program throughout the world, SSD is the newest to be certified. It is our opportunity to share the outstanding quality of our program, our staff expertise and the dedication of our volunteers."
Full Story
Keystone Human Services Responds to Beslan School Tragedy By Sending Post-Trauma Experts. Donations Desperately Needed
(Harrisburg, PA -October 4, 2004)- With an impressive track-record of crisis intervention in our local schools, and at the urgent request of beleaguered mental health professionals in Russia, Keystone Human Services is sending experienced post-trauma experts to Russia to provide highly specialized training to over-burdened counselors in the aftermath of the Beslan School massacre. Approximately 200 children are currently hospitalized or receiving treatment in area Moscow hospitals since the tragedy occurred on September 1-3, 2004. Many other children are receiving services in Kiev, St. Petersburg and other cities as well.
Full Story
Keystone Human Services moves to new location.
(Harrisburg-September 29,2004) - Keystone Human Services has moved their offices to 124 Pine Street in downtown Harrisburg. Headquarters was formerly located at 310 North Second Street.
Full Story
Woman's best friend? Rogersville resident sees seizure dog as hope
Megan Young of Rogersville never heard of the late country music star Johnny Cash. But, for the last nine months, she has become a huge fan of another Johnny Cash, a young, black Labrador Retriever who promises to become the 21-year-old's ticket to greater independence. Her family hopes that a highly trained animal from the nonprofit group, Susquehanna Service Dogs, will help manage her condition. The dog, named Cash in honor of the musician, should be in the Young household by winter.
Full Story
Local Group Gives Trained Service Dog To Boy In Need
YORK, Pa. – A young boy made a new friend Monday night, thanks to a very special fund-raiser. The Pennsylvania Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star presented Torey Ribaudo with his very own service dog named Ruthie. Torey suffers from a rare disorder that affects the cerebellum in his brain and his motor skills like walking. Now Torey will get help whenever he needs it from Ruthie. Ruthie is a trained and certified Susquehanna Service Dog from Harrisburg.
Full Story
A Different Breed of Foster Care
Evidence of dogs helping humans appears in the first century A.D. A mural from the ruins of Herculaneum, buried during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 A.D., depicts a blind man and a dog. From nearby Pompeii comes the story of a dog that died as that city was covered in ash, presumably protecting his owner, a young boy.
Full Story
Grants to Bolster Head Start
A grant from PNC is to bolster Head Start efforts to improve the social and emotional development of local children.
Capital Area Head Start is to receive $85,500 over three years for new developmental programs at its Granite Center in Harrisburg.
Full Story
Keystone Human Services celebrated another year of outstanding service to the community
Keystone Human Services celebrated another year of outstanding service to the community at their 31st. annual meeting held Wednesday, November 5th, 2003 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. Keystone is our regions leader in services to individuals with mental retardation, autism, those experiencing mental illness and children and their families.
Dennis W. Felty, President and one of the founders of Keystone reflected that this has been the most accomplished year in Keystone's history. Providing services and supports to more people, addressing the needs of some of our areas most challenging behavioral and physical needs.
Keystone Human Services has not only grown in services provided but also in the reach of our programs. One of our regions largest non profits, employing nearly 2000 staff and managing 75 million in services and supports to area citizens.
Capital Area Head Start, a program of Keystone Service Systems, Inc. is hosting an Open House
Capital Area Head Start, a program of Keystone Service Systems, Inc. is hosting an Open House at its Perry County center site, located in the Stonebridge Health and Rehabilitation Center on Rt. 274 just west of Duncannon. The Open House will occur on October 20 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Stonebridge is the site for three home based classrooms, serving a total of 55 Perry County children. Each enrolled child receives three home visits a month as well as a weekly socialization classroom day.
Special activities at the Open House include an opportunity to "Meet the Author," provided by the Perry County Literacy Council. Local children's book author and designer, Biruta Hansen, will be at the Open House, speaking to parents about her work, and signing books for the children.
All are welcome! Come and join us and see for yourself how Head Start is serving families in Perry County.
Give to the World the Best You Have and the Best Will Come Back to You
On Monday, September 8, 2003, Keystone broke ground on our much anticipated new Thea Drive playground-the S. Wilson and Grace M. Pollock Garden/Playground.
Full Story
President Bush to Recognize Harrisburg Woman for Dedication to Volunteer Service
President George W. Bush will meet Nancy Fierer when he arrives in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Friday, November 1st. Fierer is the founder and volunteer program director of Susquehanna Service Dogs, a program that provides service dogs and hearing dogs to children and adults with physical disabilities.
Full Story
Can you pick up a dime with your teeth?
LEWISTOWN - The yellow Labrador retriever dutifully picked up a dime that had been dropped on the floor with her teeth. The animal then deposited the coin in its owner's hands and waited for the next command.
Full Story
A Research Note: Assistance Dogs, Feelings of Safety, and Crime Prevention
Studies have documented that assistance animals, and pets more generally, provide many benefits beyond assistance with specific tasks. Among the best documented benefits concern the health and social integration of owners.
Full Story
PeopleSoft Executive Interviews
How are other small to mid-size companies using technology to advance their business? Here's where you'll find out. Each month, we interview executives of small to mid-size businesses. We ask them questions about the economy, business innovations, and IT trends—questions also relevant to your business. Their answers, posted below, provide fresh insights and information.
Full Story
26th Keystone Golf Tournament

This page last updated on:
April 11, 2008