Search Skills of Central PA

Bob with his wife, daughter, and three cousins in their home

Dear Friends of Skills,

My name is Bob Martinazzi and I am the cousin of three wonderful, elderly, and mentally challenged women, who are very dear to my family. Their names are Marcia, Patricia, and Carolyn. Growing up, our families spent a lot of time together celebrating birthdays and holidays, and having picnics and camping at a family fishing camp. After I married, my family continued enjoying summer camping adventures and similar activities with them. When my aunt passed away in 2002, we assumed full responsibility for the caring of my cousins.

As our extended family, we ensured the house was clean and the grocery shopping was done. We took care of all of the cooking, laundry, and personal care for them. We also maintained their family home which was the home they were born in. Each night someone was there with them including my wife and daughter. Taking care of my cousins was a labor of love and a personal commitment to family.

In January 2008, my wife became ill and it became apparent to us that it would be more difficult to provide my cousins with the care and attention they needed. This is what prompted me to write a letter to the State Office of Mental Health and Mental Retardation; requesting the home where my cousins grew up be made into a community home under the care of a reputable organization.

Thankfully my request was approved, so I began the process of selecting the best provider for my cousins. After researching and investigating various providers, I selected Skills of Central Pennsylvania. On February 1, 2009, Skills assumed complete responsibility for the care and well being of my cousins. After ten months of my cousins living in a Skills’ managed community home, I am very pleased with the services my cousins receive each day. Skills gives them a clean and safe living environment, a higher quality of life, and better health care maintenance.

My cousins participate in many different community events and activities. They regularly go shopping, to hair appointments, out to eat, and to the movies. This has significantly enhanced their quality of life. Skills provides them 24-hour staffing seven days a week. Skills’ excellent care and supervision also involves keeping us informed of my cousin’s activities and medical appointments. Skills management includes my family in the decision-making process for the staff hired to take care of my cousins, a major deciding factor in our choice of agencies. My family is still very much a part of my cousins’ lives and we have great peace of mind knowing first hand that they are well taken care of by the Skills team.

As one very appreciative and grateful family, we would like you to consider donating to The Skills Foundation this year. Your contribution will help permit Skills to continue the great work they do for people with various types of disabilities and challenges. All monies donated to The Skills Foundation goes directly to someone Skills serves who is in need of services not covered by other funding sources.

Sincerely,

Bob Martinazzi

Dear Friends,

As we enter the holiday season, The Skills Family wishes you a safe and happy holiday surrounded by family and friends. In these financially challenging times, Skills depends on your support. Please make a donation to Skills today.

Sincerely,

David M. (Mike) Rice Ph.D.
President/CEO