A United Way Agency

Neighborhood Services

Programs provided by Neighborhood Services.

Our Programs

Guardianship

The Guardianship Program provides protection services when the court determines an individual to be unable to care for self, property, or both, thus becoming a ward.

 

The two legal concepts utilized by the program are Guardianship and Durable Power of Attorney. A guardian is an individual or organization named by order of the court to exercise any or all powers and rights of the person and/or the estate of an individual. This definition includes the title conservator, certified private or public fiduciary.

 

Guardianship is a legal concept professionally carried out in a social service context for persons who are aged disabled (dementia), have a developmental disability, mental illness, or have a closed head injury (head trauma).

 

We provide several types of guardianship, but the more common types are plenary guardian of person, plenary guardian of the estate, plenary guardian of person and estate, emergency guardian, guardian ad litem, and foreign guardian.

 

When appointed guardian of the person we are responsible for decisions of a personal nature including health care, living arrangements, social interactions, and end of life issues, etc. As guardian of the estate , our realm of responsibility revolves around property, whether it be real or personal. When appointed guardian of the person and estate we perform a dual role.

 

When performing the role of emergency guardian our authority is temporary for a designated purpose. In Guardian ad litem we do an impartial investigative inquiry on a specific guardian and report it to the court. As a Foreign Guardian we are appointed guardian to a client from another state.

 

Guardianships are appointed and are reviewable by the courts. Durable power of attorney is considered an advanced directive or legal document giving authority to act on one’s behalf when and if they become unable to care for self, property or both. Generally, power of attorney is not reviewable by the court systems.

 

Substitute judgment, a key element of the program, involves consultations with the ward or client, medical staff, care givers, family, friends, legal, financial and religious communities.

 

Whether serving as a guardian or power of attorney (POA), Neighborhood Services is an advocate for the ward, a surrogate decision maker, a service coordinator and monitor, and a financial planner.

 

Our Guardianship Program has been recognized as one of the top guardianship programs in the state of Pennsylvania. We work in 14 different counties and have contracts with the Dauphin, Lancaster, and York Counties offices of aging.

 

Representative Payee

Clients are referred to the Representative Payee Program after they have demonstrated and been medically determined unable to successfully manage their government entitlements.

 

Therefore, forcing the Social Security Administration to with hold their Social Security Disability or Special Supplemental Income (SSDI/SSI) until a representative payee can be found. The program protects clients resources, provides basic life skills coaching, pays bills and fines both current and past due, and ensures resources go toward the maintenance of the individual or family unit.

 

The long term objective of the program is to enable its’ clientele to obtain and maintain non-institutional housing and to be as self-sufficient as possible given their mental limitations.

 

In 2004 Representative Payee was recognized by the state of Pennsylvania for being one of the primary preventative programs for homelessness in the County.

 

Permanent Supportive Housing

The Permanent Supportive Housing Program opened in June 2006 with its first four residents. In August of 2007another four residents were added.

 

Criteria for the program, the resident must meet the homelessness definition as established by United Way of Lancaster County’s State of Housing and Homelessness Impact Report. A resident must also have a disability and have committed a lesser degree felony.

 

 

Residents will have a private bedroom/sitting area, and shared common areas such as kitchen, showers/bathrooms, laundry, and community room. Residents may live here indefinitely.

 

They will go through a regimented daily routine focusing on basic life and interpersonal skills necessary for independent living. Residents will attend educational classes with practical application sessions ranging from cooking a meal to cleaning a toilet. Meals are provided and monthly activities are arranged for social interaction.

 

Each resident in the Permanent Supportive Housing Program also has a case manager with MHMR’s (Mental Health Mental Retardation) Special Offenders division.

 

EARN Retention Program

The EARN Retention Program is one of our newer programs and is contracted through LETA to provide case management  to adults entry or re-entry into the workforce. Case Managers provide assistance to adults throughout their first six months of work.

 

During this time we assist with alleviating barriers to employment by providing support services ranging from transportation, clothing, childcare, etc. We encourage and motivate the employee to attain self sufficiency through employment.

 

If a person loses a job during the six months of retention case managers assist them with finding new employment. Jobs with benefits are encouraged.

 

WIB/Stevens College/ABC Pre-Apprentice Construction Course

Neighborhood Services is the Program Coordinator for this Construction Class sponsored by the Workforce Investment Board, Stevens College,  and The ABC Builders and Contractors Academy.

 

We accept applications and referrals by self, adult probation and parole, or other agencies for this 240 hour pre-apprentice construction course. This program services youth 18 and over regardless of their criminal or educational background. Certified Instructors for Stevens College teach the entry level course to students 18 and older to assist them in getting employment in the construction field.

 

 

Upon graduation the student will have several certifications:

 

· ABC Pre-Apprentice Construction Certification

· OSHA Construction Safety Certification

· NCCER Certification

· Hilti-Power Tool Certification

· Welding Certification

 

During the class a career day/job fair is held with students filling out applications and providing resumes to potential employers.

 

Case Managers assist the student with finding employment and alleviating barriers to employment. Classes run for approximately six weeks Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm.

 

Neighborhood Services and its partners provides employment to 75% of its graduates. With the skills each student takes away from this program they are able to find permanent life and family supportive jobs.

 

If you know anyone who is interested in any of these programs please contact Neighborhood Services: 134 S Prince St. Lancaster PA, (717) 392-2175.

 

Neighborhood Services Technology Lab

The Neighborhood Services Technology Lab is a computer lab located at the rear of Neighborhood Services.

 

Our technology lab is the home of our Robotics Program which is geared towards elementary school students who will design, build and program their own robots which they will then compete with in the First Lego League. With the help of Millersville University and the North Museum we are hoping to provide a successful after school program that will inspire students to go beyond their goals and dreams.

The Neighborhood Services Technology Lab is also home to the Lancaster County Career and Technology’s Medical Administrative Assistance Program.

 

With the contributions of ALCOA our lab is able to provide youth and adult basic and advanced computer training to help bridge the digital divide.