Create Inclusive Communities
Build a Better World
Change Lives

At Keystone Human Services, we provide support for people to explore their interests, pursue their dreams, and live meaningful lives.

Our work with children and families in poverty and men, women, and children with disabilities; as well as our efforts to change legal frameworks, create responsive support systems, and end institutionalization are all based on the principle that everyone deserves an opportunity to become a fully participating member of their community.

Since 1972, we have been part of a global movement toward a more inclusive society, where everyone has a valued and important role to play. We advocate for and with people with disabilities so all people have full access to their human rights and all that life has to offer, whether that means finding a job, living in their own home, pursuing education, or building lasting relationships.

Join us as we create inclusive communities, build a better world, and change lives.

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

The Family Dynamics of Life Sharing

Life Sharing brings families and people with disabilities together to form a new family. Sunday Zarko, Life Sharing Service Director and the chairperson of the Pennsylvania Life Sharing Coalition Conference Committee, discusses how important that family dynamic is in people's lives. The 6th Annual Life Sharing Conference is on October 15-16.

Recent Social Role Valorization Graduates

A group of learners recently attended a three-day workshop on Social Role Valorization, held by the Keystone Institute. They examined the devaluation of people with disability and how valued roles can increase the likelihood that a person will have access to the good things in life. "This workshop opened my eyes and deepened my understanding of societal devaluation and the plight of vulnerable people. I have a responsibility to take action," said one of the graduates.

Learn more about the Keystone Institute's events

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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

New Jersey Services (external website)

In New Jersey, Partnerships for People supports people with disability to live and work in the community. Partnerships for People provides supported employment, residential and community supports, in-home supports, life skill management, and transitional 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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