Via of the Lehigh Valley

A recent study shows that the risk of self-harm in autistic adolescents and young adults is approximately double compared to their peers. Therefore, it is important to identify their psychiatric symptoms as early as possible and offer efficient care. https://bit.ly/3ro7O0j

L'Arche is an International Federation dedicated to the creation and growth of homes, programs, and support networks with people who have intellectual disabilities. L'Arche Canada has launched a fun-filled lip-syncing contest to raise smiles and funds with Meatloaf, N Sync and others stars. These videos are great! https://bit.ly/2LRLDPS

This year, Via staff rose up to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities reach their full potential. We are sincerely grateful to our employees, donors, and community partners who helped make this year great despite the challenges around us. We wish you and your loved ones a very safe and happy holiday season and joy this coming year.

Happy Holidays from your friends at Via of the Lehigh Valley! We wish you joy, peace, and good health this Holiday Season. Via's offices are closed today and will reopen on Monday, December 28.

Kristin Graham, Behavioral Supports Specialist, creates success every day through the behavior supports she provides to participants. One of those participants is Jon, whom Kristin has been working with for over a year. She and Jon have developed a strong rapport. Jon knows that Kristin is there for him no matter what time of day or day of the week it is. Kristin helps create success for Jon by encouraging and supporting him to advocate for himself. This includes coaching Jon... on how to ask his support team questions so he can feel comfortable and safe every day. She also advises him on how to play a more active role in his schedule and routine. One of the most admirable skills Kristin has is being relatable to participants. As her supervisor Jen McCary explains, "Kristin does a great job making Jon feel more comfortable by sharing her own life experiences with him. This shows Jon that she understands what he is going through resulting positively in a good rapport with each other". When the participants we support gain confidence by learning new skills and having a good relationship with their Direct Support Professional, they experience success. Thank you, Kristin, for helping Jon succeed in his everyday life. See more

Via wishes you and your loved ones health and happiness during this very challenging time. This holiday season will look different, but continues to be a time when we express gratitude. At Via, we are grateful to our employees who have gone above and beyond and continue to provide essential services throughout this pandemic. And, we are grateful to all of you who have continued to support these critical services. Every year we need to raise more than $700,000 from our community to provide services to Jonathan and 1,250 people to help them reach their full potential. We hope that we can count on your donation this season. Each and every gift, of any size, matters. Thank you!

Our receptionist, Tony, is wearing his mask donated by Highmark while checking each employee's temperature when they arrive in the morning. Thanks to Highmark for donating masks so that our staff and participants stay safe!

Don't forget to fall back! Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 1 at 2 am, marking the day to change our clocks to 'fall back' one hour.

Happy Halloween We hope you have a safe and spooky weekend!

Need a last-minute Halloween costume? Check out Via's Thrift Store in Fountain Hill. You will be glad you did!

This month, we joined others across the country to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to highlight the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. Today, we celebrate Amanda, who works for Sodexo at DeSales University. Amanda takes care of stocking shelves and organizing inventory. She’s known for her strong work ethic and positive attitude. Amanda is an integral part of the team at DeSales and is well liked by her coworkers. Via of the Lehigh Valley offers a variety of Employment Services that provide innovative employment solutions for job seekers and match those solutions with business needs. To learn more visit: https://www.vianet.org/employment/. #NDEAM

As we continue to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness month, we hear from Dionis, the Store Manager at GIANT in Walnutport. Via participant Jonathan recently was hired by GIANT. Dionis interviewed him for the position. He said that Jonathan was one of the best interviewees they ever had and that he nailed it. Everyone wants the opportunity to work and be independent. Jonathan and hundreds of others like him are no different. Because of your support, Via gives them the tools they need to get a job and the support they need to keep their job. To learn more about Via’s Employment Services visit: https://www.vianet.org/employment/. #NDEAM GIANT

Check out this opportunity to learn about SSI, SSDI and Housing for People with disabilities. The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties