Search Skills of Central PA

Dear Friends of Skills,

I would like to share our family’s story with you. Our family is from Centre Hall. In the 30s, my sister and I were both born at home, while my brother Richard was born at the Bellefonte Hospital. After his delivery, my parents were told that he had suffered a birth injury. No one really explained how or why this happened. My parents were told that Richard would not live more than one year.

Well, they were wrong; he will turn 71 this coming year.

As a child he was full of life, inquisitive and very sociable. He loved everyone close to him. He knew everyone’s phone number and called to talk to friends and family frequently. He rode his bike around the neighborhood and loved to go out and play with other children. He enjoyed singing and knew the words to many of the songs from that era.

Between the ages of 18 and 21 Richard started to decline socially, physically, and mentally. No one is sure what happened to cause his withdrawal and behavioral issues. Despite the challenges, my parents wanted to retain the responsibility of caring for their son. In 1966, my parents made the difficult decision to move him into a state center. It was a long drive from Centre Hall, but my parents made the trip faithfully every weekend. We were not happy with his care there, so, when the opportunity arose, Richard was moved to another state center. We were pleased with the care, but it was still not like home.

In 1998, the center closed and Richard moved into the community home where he lives today. Skills’ staff assisted him with the move and helped to make the transition an easy one for everyone involved.

It is a lovely home in a small neighborhood in Bellefonte. He shares the home with three people, and has his own room and a pet cat named Miss Kitty. The staff members who work in the home are more like family than staff. Thankfully, my mother did get to see him move into a community home, and Richard got to spend time visiting her at Nittany Gardens where she lived before she passed. My sister and I are now at peace, knowing he is in a loving environment, getting the opportunity to do things he enjoys. We are very thankful that Skills makes sure my sister and I have input in, and are a part of, our brother’s life.

Richard pets his beloved Miss Kitty

As we approach the holiday season, please join me by including The Skills Foundation among those you remember. Your contribution will help Skills continue to provide Richard, and hundreds of others, the opportunity to live with purpose and dignity, and to their fullest potential. Please know that a gift of any size is welcome and appreciated.

Sincerely,

Gloria Humphreys

P.S. In these financially challenging times, Skills depends on your support to help overcome the constraints of funding cutbacks. Your support is urgently needed to enhance services and to retain experienced, caring staff. Please make a donation to Skills’ annual appeal today.

Those who responded to the 2008 appeal contributed to create opportunities and provide support for people with disAbilities throughout central Pennsylvania. Skills thanks you for your generous gifts!