From the desk of our CEO: As I reflect on the past year, the word PERSERVERANCE, comes to mind. Roads to Freedom Center for Independent Living (RTFCIL) has had many changes over the last year. |
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The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on the consumers we serve which was compounded by the implementation of Community Health Choices (CHC) on January 1st, 2020. Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) have been contracted to provide Home Community Based Waiver Services in the state of Pennsylvania. The three MCOs include UPMC, AmeriHealth Caritas, and PA Health and Wellness. Office of Long-Term Living decided to make Service Coordination an administrative function, and MCO's chose to partner with very few Service Coordination Agencies across the state. Therefore, RTFCIL decided to delve our resources into Nursing Home Transition (NHT) services. RTFCIL is a contracted NHT provider with all three MCOs. We have also contracted with all three MCO's for Pest Eradication, Community Integration and Home modification services. During this contracting process, our NHT services expanded to 33 counties in the Commonwealth and have successfully transitioned 54 consumers in 2020. We’ve already transitioned 37 people into the Community so far this year. This is a remarkable feat during a pandemic which targeted people with disabilities living in congregate long term care facilities. Our team are not only essential, but they are also Heroes.
Speaking of Heroes... with the recent passing of the American Rescue Plan, we are calling on our State to increase hourly wages and benefits for Direct Care Workers in Home and Community Based Services, enhance recruitment and retention of these attendants, as well as divert & relocate people from nursing facilities and other institutional settings. Additionally, we are advocating for President Biden’s Infrastructure Plan to expand accessible, affordable, and integrated housing for people with disabilities.
As we persevere, we will continue to live the mission that got us here. That mission starts here. Roads to Freedom CIL, is an organization with tremendous determination. From our dedicated staff to our tireless advocates and loyal Consumers, RTF is blessed with individuals dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to live full independent lives outside of unsafe, institutional settings. Warmest Regards, Misty Dion, CEO |
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| | CILebrate the 31st Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! On July 26th we celebrate this important civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including: jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. | | |
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| | To learn more about the ADA, click the button below... The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s gave rise to other civil rights movements, most notably the Women's Rights Movement and the Disability Rights Movement. While minorities and women were protected by civil rights legislation passed by the United States Congress during the 1960s, the rights of people with disabilities were not protected by federal legislation until much later. | | |
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| | Unable to leave your home but would like to get vaccinated? GIVE US A CALL! We will schedule someone to meet you where you are. 570.327.9070 ext. 205 office@cilncp.org | | |
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| | 2021 PA Virtual Independent Living Conference: The Fight Goes On Pennsylvania Centers for Independent Living (CILs) invite individuals of all abilities, ages and backgrounds to a vibrant virtual conference. "The Fight Goes On" is a conference created for Pennsylvanians with disabilities and their advocates. | | |
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Rep Payee Success Shawn came to us about two months ago to sign up with Roads to Freedom Rep Payee services, he had just moved back from Mississippi. Shawn was staying at Saving Grace Shelter but because of Rep Payee services budgeting his money, Shawn was able to rent a furnished room of his own! Shawn says his room is very clean and he is excited to purchase household items to make his stay even more comfortable. He stated he cannot believe how expensive things are, like bed sheets and pillows! All of which he can now afford thanks to Rep Payee services handling his finances. Click the button to LEARN MORE about our Rep Payee services. | | |
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Assistive Technology WHAT IS ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY? Assistive Technology is any device that allows persons with disabilities to live, work, and play more independently and effectively. Roads to Freedom is the local outreach partner of the statewide program known as Technology for Our Whole Lives (TechOWL). We cover 10 counties in northcentral Pennsylvania. TechOWL seeks to increase the availability and utilization of assistive technology devices and services for all Pennsylvanians with disabilities. Click the button to LEARN MORE about our Assistive Technology services. | | |
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Nursing Home Transition Success At the age of 57 while planning a move from Long Island, NY back to PA, James suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. Angela, James’ wife, began calling different Pennsylvania agencies to get the help James needed. Every phone call led to another phone call. |
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James’ faith in returning home was diminishing. Directed to Community Health Choices and the Nursing Home Transition (NHT) Program, things finally started moving in the right direction. James chose PA Health and Wellness (PA H&W) as his managed-care organization and was assigned a service coordinator. Everything was in place for James to return home to PA… |
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It all came to a halt when James’ MCO was unsure on to provide services to him in another state, transitions have never been made across state borders. After many phone calls with PA H&W, the service coordinator, Angela, and the NHT Coordinator, PA H&W agreed to make an exception to help get James back to his family. Transportation was set up to take James home to PA on April 19, 2021! The day of transition was an emotional one, James’ wife and mother were both there for his arrival. Over a year of being isolated in a facility during a pandemic, James was finally home! |
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Although he is still learning to use his voice again, James was able to push himself up to a sitting position and whisper to the NHT coordinator “I want to hug and thank you too. Thank you for getting me home!” This brought tears to everyone’s eyes. |
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After being home for just 30 days, James no longer needs a feeding tube and can eat his wife’s home cooked meals, his demeanor has changed for the better, and he is no longer over-medicated. James is working with PT and OT to stand and walk again. James’ favorite thing to say to his friends is… “TAKE CARE AND BRUSH YOUR HAIR.” Click the button to LEARN MORE about our Nursing Home Transition Program. | | |
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We are currently looking for sponsors for our 1st Annual BINGO fundraiser we are hosting on October 9, 2021. This event not only helps raise funds for our Ramping Up Life Program but it also will raise awareness for our mission across the community. Ramping Up Life covers costs associated with access and independence. Through the Ramping Up Life Program, we have helped many people achieve their independence quicker and faster than federally funded programming. It is by generous donations that make the difference in the futures of the people we serve. If you are interested in supporting someone's access and independence, please contact Amy at acline@cilncp.org. | | |
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| | Visit our website to view all open positions. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. | | |
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| | Become an attendant TODAY! Click the button to LEARN MORE about what it means to be an attendant. | | |
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Use the 'Upcoming Events' button periodically to check for new events. |
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