A NUMBER OF COMMUNITY OFFICIALS AND LEADERS, including Allegheny County Chief Executive Rich Fitzgerald, second from left, celebrate the opening of a new home for children with disabilities in Penn Hills, June 14.
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that thanks to the nonprofit organization Community Options, a new community-based home for children with disabilities recently opened in Penn Hills.
On June 14, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Penn Hills Mayor Pauline Calabrese and other community leaders came together to celebrate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Community Options is a national nonprofit that provides housing and employment supports for people with disabilities. The newly renovated home was developed in partnership with Allegheny County. The home will support two children with disabilities who are transitioning from a congregate setting into personalized community-based housing.
“We are delighted to be part of this excellent initiative for children and are honored that Community Options recognizes the opportunities for growth that Penn Hills has to offer,” said Mayor Calabrese, in a statement provided to the Courier.
Community Options’ innovative program is funded through Allegheny County’s Residential Enhancement Service Planning Opportunities for New Directions Program (RESPOND). The program is based in a small home to provide intensive services to high-need children. Community Options will provide these children with a home to call their own while simultaneously implementing the treatment plans needed to help each child achieve their goals.
“As parents, it is very difficult to have your child living apart from you. When that child has a disability, it can be even more difficult, as his or her needs are harder to meet,” said Kelly Novic, whose son will live in the home. “We are very thankful to Community Options for providing our son with such a wonderful new home, one that we feel will give him the ability to live his fullest life.”
Also in attendance were Community Options’ partners and supporters, including Dollar Bank, Senator Jay Costa’s office, and Bob’s Discount Furniture. Furnishings in the home were donated by Bob’s Discount Furniture.
Community Options supports about 700 people with disabilities in housing and employment programs in Pennsylvania, including over 100 in Allegheny County.
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