Keystone Human Services is determined to advance the human spirit of all people, regardless of ability. We know all people learn and grow throughout their lives. Some become independent citizens, while others require support across their lifespan to lead meaningful lives in their communities. Each of us can live a meaningful life in the community.

Since 1972, we have been part of a global movement toward a more inclusive society where everyone has a valued role to play. We provide services and supports to ensure the most vulnerable members of our society have opportunities to pursue their goals and dreams and participate in all that life has to offer.

Learn more about how we are advancing the human spirit through Capital Area Head Start (CAHS), a community-based early childhood program offering services to pregnant women, children ages 0–5, and their families. We envision a world where all children are safe, healthy, and loved, with active opportunities for learning. For 30 years we have supported children and families in Central Pennsylvania to gain the skills and confidence they need to achieve their goals. We invest in the future.

What’s New

Enroll in Capital Area Head Start: If you're pregnant or have a child age 0–5 years and live in Dauphin, Cumberland, or Perry Counties in Pennsylvania, you may be eligible for Head Start or Early Head Start services at no cost to you. Openings are still available for this school year. Complete the enrollment form or contact Capital Area Head Start at 717-541-1795 for more information.

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Our Services

Autism Services

Our autism services include the Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP), early intervention, education and training about Autism Spectrum Disorders and supported employment.

Learn about our autism services

Capital Area Head Start

Capital Area Head Start (CAHS) is a community-based early childhood program offering services to pregnant women, children ages 0–5, and their families. We have a vision of a world where all children are safe, healthy, and loved, with active opportunities for learning. By supporting families to gain the skills and confidence they need to achieve their goals, we are empowering them with a sense of hope for the future.

Learn about Capital Area Head Start

Intellectual Disabilities Services

Intellectual Disabilities Services provides Community Homes, Lifesharing Thru Family Living, Supported Employment, Supportive Living, Respite, Independent Living Services, Individual and Family Support Services, Supported Living and Adult Day Services.

Learn about our intellectual disabilities services

Mental Health Services

We provide community-based services, including Peer Support. Community Residential Rehabilitation Services, Lifesharing, Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Intensive Case Management, Supported Employment, and more in Pennsylvania.

Learn about our mental health services

Connecticut Services

Key Human Services, Inc. provides Nursing Services, Community Homes, Autism Services, Birth to Three, Individualized Home Supports, Community Training Homes and Individualized Day Support.

Learn about our Connecticut services

International Programs

Throughout the world, Keystone Human Services International promotes strong community-based human service systems, as well as equal rights for vulnerable people, so that all people can fill culturally valued roles and have equal access to all society has to offer.

Learn about our international programs

Susquehanna Service Dogs

Susquehanna Service Dogs trains and provides service dogs and hearing dogs to assist children and adults to become more independent.

Learn about Susquehanna Service Dogs

Keystone Institute

The Keystone Institute provides education, consultation and opportunities for exploration around some of the most important questions surrounding the work of being of service to vulnerable people in our society today.

Learn about the Keystone Institute

More News Stories

Capital Area Head Start Receives Federal Grant to Extend Classroom Hours

One hundred ninety-two preschool children in Capital Area Head Start will have extended classroom hours, thanks to a $1.12 million federal grant. Capital Area Head Start (CAHS) will almost double the hours of instructional time for current students in Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry Counties. To accommodate for the extended hours, CAHS will be opening additional classrooms and hiring more teachers.

Disabilities: Social and Financial Inclusion for Women and Girls

“I want people to understand that we have abilities, we are part of society, and we have the same rights as others,” says Tamara Andries, a self advocate.

On September 19, she and Ludmila Jalba, an advocate for people with disabilities, share their stories during the Clinton Global Initiative. Both women have benefited from Keystone Human Services’ Commitment to Action, entitled “Disabilities: Social and Financial Inclusion for Women and Girls (external website).” From 2013-2016, Keystone Human Services committed to create entrepreneurial and workforce opportunities for women with disabilities and caregivers of children with disabilities. As well, we assisted women and girls to leave institutions and join their communities.

Jerome Williams Received Pennsylvania Direct Support Professional Award

Jerome Williams works with a man while they are both seated at a table

Congratulations to Jerome Williams for winning the 2016 Pennsylvania Direct Support Professional of the Year Award from ANCOR! This award is given annually to the direct support professional who has been exemplary in their service. Jerome works in Keystone Human Services Intellectual Disabilities Services in Central PA. For the past 27 years, he has built trusting relationships with the people he supports and has been a strong advocate for people to live in the community and pursue their dreams.

Watch Now: “i go home,” a Documentary on the History of People with Disabilities in Pennsylvania

WITF’s documentary i go home tells the history of institutionalization of people with disabilities. It’s a story of abuse and neglect, hope and reform, and the incredible resiliency of the human spirit. Although i go home focuses on Pennsylvania, similar stories can be found across the United States and the world.

Keystone Human Services President Dennis Felty and Betsy Neuville, the Director of Keystone Institute, were among the people interviewed for the film.

We encourage you to watch and share the documentary.

The First World Report on Disability

The World Health Organization and the World Bank have partnered to produce the first ever World Report on Disability. The data shows that over one billion people are currently experiencing disability, and the report provides important evidence about effective methods of supporting people with disabilities and their families. At a time when many countries are taking steps to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, this report will make a significant contribution to human services across the globe.

Read the Inclusive Employment Blog

Did you know that everyone can work? With support from family, friends, schools, human service agencies, and businesses, people with disabilities are taking steps to find successful inclusive employment. On our new Inclusive Employment blog, we discuss the hows and whys of giving people the opportunity for inclusive employment, as well as some of the challenges. Read the blog and join the conversation.

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Upcoming Events

Annual 5K Run, One Mile Walk, and Kids' Sprint: Sept. 8, 2018, West Hartford, CT
Keystone Human Services Annual Golf Tournament: Sept. 17, 2018, Harrisburg, PA
ChocolateBall: Feb. 2, 2019, Hershey, PA

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A Word From the President

Our Work as a Change Agent

Charles J. Hooker III
President and CEO, KHS

Keystone Human Services is a change agent. We use those words frequently. But what does it mean to be a change agent?

When Keystone was founded in 1972, we realized we had a choice. We could accept conditions the way they were, with people with disability living isolated, segregated lives in institutions, or we could accept responsibility for changing those conditions. …

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What We Do

Keystone Human Services works to create an environment where all people, regardless of ability, can grow, make choices and be valued and contributing members of the community.

We provide community-based services for children, adolescents, adults, and families in the areas of intellectual disabilities, autism, mental health, early intervention, and children and family services. In addition, we provide technical assistance to governments and other organizations to develop frameworks of support for people with disabilities. We also support educational efforts to promote community understanding and awareness of the value and importance of inclusion for all people in all aspects of society. We offer services and supports in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Delaware in the United States, as well as parts of Eastern Europe and India.