Keystone Human Services - Comprehensive community based mental retardation, mental health, autism and early intervention services

News & Events

CONTEST UNVEILED: dogschangelives.org

(Harrisburg, PA 1-27-10) Everyone who has a story about a dog changing a life is urged to submit their story, photo or video at www.dogschangelives.org from February 1 through February 28. There will be voting for the best story, video or photo throughout the month of March with final winners announced on March 29. The Audience Choice Award of $1,000 will be granted to the submission which receives the most votes. The Life-Changer Award of $500 will be determined by a panel of judges and announced on the same day.

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An important message for adults with autism

Keystone Autism Services and the Bureau of Autism Services have developed the Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP) to support adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. ACAP provides comprehensive, personalized services that are individually tailored to each person's strengths, needs and preferences.

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Over $1.9 Million in Recovery Act Funds Awarded to Capital Area Head Start

(Harrisburg, PA – December 7, 2009) Capital Area Head Start (CAHS), a widely acclaimed program of Keystone Children & Family Services, has been selected to receive $1,920,078 over the next two years in new grant monies to expand its Early Head Start programming throughout the Greater Harrisburg region.

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Dogs invited to dinner at benefit for Susquehanna Service Dogs

The humans dressed like they were ready for an elegant evening, but this night was for the dogs.

Alongside the people in fine suits and dresses were service dogs and family pets, all of whom were invited to a ballroom at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel for the Black Tie & Tails event on Sunday.

Keystone Human Services hosts Russia Civic Hosting Program: Community Presentations

Through the U.S. Library of Congress' Open World Program, Keystone Human Services International is honored to host emerging leaders in the healthcare and social service fields from various regions in Russia.

Two presentations will be offered on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 in the 2nd floor conference room of Keystone Human Services, 124 Pine Street, Harrisburg, PA.

Comedy Night…and tasting of local restaurant food

October 22, 2009 from 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Tickets at the door: $10

The Jewish Community Home Celebrates 20 Years!

Keystone Residence's Jewish Community Home invites you to its 20th anniversary celebration on Sunday, November 15 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Join us at the Jewish Community Center in Harrisburg, PA for an afternoon of celebration and refreshments. Entertainment will be provided by the Old World Folk Band.

Susquehanna Service Dogs Introduces Its Newest Litter on the Puppy Cam

Harrisburg, PA (PRWeb) September 28, 2009 – Join Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD) in watching the newest litter of future service dogs grow and explore their world. The Crayon litter – Shamrock, Slate, Denim, Rusty, Sienna, Lavender, Onyx, Copper and Jade – can be seen on the SSD Puppy Cam, a live video stream available on the SSD website.

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Direct Support Career Yields Ocean of Opportunities

(Harrisburg, PA 9/14/09) How many jobs in corporate America would actually condone a quick trip to the beach?

One that's extremely important, according to Josh Dauberman of Keystone Human Services (KHS).

“The work I do is literally life-altering,” comments Dauberman who works as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), providing daily assistance for three men with intellectual disabilities.

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BESLAN, RUSSIA: Five Years Later The Struggle to Heal Continues

(Harrisburg, PA – September 3, 2009) It's hard to believe that five years have passed since the unspeakable massacre of innocents at Middle School #1 in Beslan, Russia.

For the unsuspecting residents of this sleepy N. Ossetian village, there is still no escaping the trauma of those fateful days. Terrorists attacked without mercy. The school's 1,000 children and adults were denied food and water and explosives were strung from the gym's basketball hoops. After three days of torment, the bombs detonated from chaotic gunfire. Three hundred thirty-four children and adults perished in the onslaught.

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Wine and Dine with Your Dog at Susquehanna Service Dogs' Black Tie & Tails Gala

Join Susquehanna Service Dogs for their annual Black Tie & Tails gala, a black-tie event for guests and their dogs. Held at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel on October 25 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., this elegant evening includes a reception, silent auction, dinner and dancing. Black Tie & Tails benefits Susquehanna Services Dogs.

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Leaders from Azerbaijan examine social issues – equal participation in public life for people with disabilities in Central Pennsylvania

(HARRISBURG-PA) – Seven young professionals from Azerbaijan participating in the Open World Program will spend May 29 – June 6, 2009 in the Harrisburg area examining “Social Issues – Equal Participation in Public Life for People with Disabilities” as they relate to adults and children in the region. Keystone Human Services International will host the delegation. Managed by the independent Open World Leadership Center at the U.S. Library of Congress, Open World is designed to enhance understanding and capabilities for cooperation between the United States and the countries of Eurasia and the Baltic States by developing a network of leaders in the region who have gained significant, firsthand exposure to America’s democratic, accountable government and free-market system.

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Keystone's Robert Baker and Ed Toyer appear as guests on WITF's Matters of the Mind radio program

On Wednesday, May 27, 2009, Robert Baker, VP Keystone Human Services, President/CEO of Keystone Autism Services and Edward Toyer, Director of Clinical and Psychological Services, Keystone Human Services were guests on the WITF Radio Smart Talk series Matters of the Mind to provide expert commentary on autism.

Listen to recorded program

Highmark® Walk for a Healthy Community

Susquehanna Service Dogs is once again participating in the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community on Saturday, May 30 on City Island in Harrisburg, PA. The Walk, underwritten by Highmark Blue Shield, benefits health and human service organizations in Central Pennsylvania. One hundred percent of the money raised by walkers goes directly to SSD and the other 26 participating organizations!

Chip in for Charity at the PGA TOUR Travelers Championship

Some of the world’s best golfers will be participating in this year’s Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut on June 22 through June 28. The player field includes defending champion Stewart Cink; Sergio Garcia, the no. 3 ranked player in the world; Vijay Singh, the FedExCup champion; Anthony Kim, one of the youngest players on the PGA TOUR; and Stuart Appleby, an eight-time winner on the PGA TOUR.

27th Annual Keystone Golf Tournament

Hats off to the Strickler Agency, Inc. and our good friend Charles French for teeing off with the Tournament Sponsorship for this year's 27th Keystone Golf Tournament. We will once again be playing at the wonderful Carlisle Country Club on Monday, June 15 with registration beginning at 11:30 am and Shot Gun Start at 1:00 pm.

Spice It Up with Keystone Residence and Steelton at the Hot & Spicy International Festival

Join Keystone Residence and the Borough of Steelton for the second annual Hot & Spicy International Festival on May 30 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on North Front Street in Steelton, PA. This block party-style festival features vendor booths from area restaurants, confectioners, artisans and other venders; a salsa competition; the popular band BUNCHAFUNK; children’s activities and much more! Admission is free. Hot & Spicy International Festival benefits the work of Keystone Residence.

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Keystone Family Support Associates Holds Annual Basket Bingo and Silent Auction

Harrisburg, PA (PRWeb) April 2, 2009 – Join Keystone Family Support Associates (KFSA) for their annual Basket Bingo and Silent Auction on Sunday, May 3 from noon to 5 p.m. at Harrisburg River Rescue & Emergency Services in Harrisburg, PA.

This afternoon of winning baskets kicks off at noon with the Silent Auction. Nearly 100 items for all ages and interests have been donated by area businesses, crafters and friends of KFSA for guests to bid on. Items include Longaberger® baskets, Longaberger® pottery, handmade jewelry, gift certificates and theme baskets. Bidding ends at 1:30 p.m.

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Keystone Human Services International to host Pennsylvania visit of leaders from the Community For All – Moldova program

(HARRISBURG-PA) – Five social service professionals from Moldova will participate in an intensive study visit in the Harrisburg area from February 21 – March 1, 2009 to examine community based services for children and adults with disabilities.

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Rideshare Employee Receives 1st Annual Key Human Services Award: Director of Sales Greg Levitz recognized for his creativity, compassion and commitment

Windsor, Conn. (PRWEB) January 31, 2009 -- In recognition of his commendable commitment to supporting the efforts of Key Human Services, Greg Levitz, Director of Sales for The Rideshare Company, is the proud recipient of the 1st Annual Key Human Services Award. A plaque, noting Levitz's "creativity, compassion, and commitment" to Key Human Services was awarded to Levitz during a dinner ceremony held at the Central Connecticut State University Ballroom on November 13.

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Your family and Susquehanna Service Dogs? Imagine the PawsAbilities…

Every dog has its day, and what better way to make it count than to take your pooch to PawsAbilities 2009! PawsAbilities is a two-day community celebration of the ways dogs can brighten lives. Join Keystone and Susquehanna Service Dogs for exciting competitions and events such as the Dog Olympics, Agility Try-Out, and Obedience Show & Go.

Visit the PawsAbilities Website

Russian leaders examine social issues/social services in Central Pennsylvania

(HARRISBURG-PA) Ten Russian leaders participating in the Open World Program will spend November 16-24, 2008, in the Harrisburg area examining “Social Issues/Social Services programs” as they relate to adults and children in the region. Keystone Human Services International will host the delegation.…

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Keystone Human Services is proud to announce the 2008 recipient of the Edna Silberman Humanitarian Award

Keystone Human Services is proud to announce that the 2008 recipient of the Edna Silberman Humanitarian Award is Dr. Robert A. Scott. Not only has Dr. Scott served nearly twenty years as a member of Keystone's Board of Directors, but he has devoted years of research and teaching to human services.

Global Treasures: Empowering Children Worldwide!

Sunday, November 16, 6-9 p.m. at Kathie's Christmas & Collectibles, 3309 Hartzdale Drive, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

Elegant art from around the world will be available for auction including oil & water color paintings, carvings, nesting dolls and other fine treasures.

Keystone Human Services International Partners to Support Moldova in Moving to Protect the Rights of People with Disabilities

(Harrisburg, PA) – The government of the Republic of Moldova recently joined with mental health and child advocates to pave the way to end an era of isolating children and adults with mental disabilities in institutions.

The "Memorandum of Understanding for Deinstitutionalization and Community Living for People with Mental Disabilities" was signed on May 27, 2008 by the Ministry of Social Protection, Family and Child; the Open Society Mental Health Initiative; Soros Foundation – Moldova; Hope and Homes for Children; and Keystone Human Services International. By signing the memorandum, the Ministry and these four nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) committed to a four-year collaboration dedicated to ending further institutionalization of children with mental disabilities and establishing models for community-based services that will replace institutions in the long run.

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1^st Annual Keystone Residence Hot & Spicy International Festival

In partnership with Steelton Borough, the 1^st 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.

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.

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.

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.

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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."

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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.

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.

"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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

Russian Treasures

Friday, November 9, 2007 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at the West Shore Country Club in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania

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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.

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.

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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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dogs Change Lives - Share your stories on dogschangelives.org for the chance to win $1000! - A Special Event by Keystone Human Services

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February, 2010

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