Advocacy Services

Our dedicated advocates make community living a possibility for the people we serve. We empower these individuals to enjoy a fulfilling life. We strive to protect their rights and pave the way for their acceptance and success in the community. Our advocates educate the York County community about mental retardation and work to improve the quality and accessibility of the full range of services and supports available. We provide educational advocacy to parents to help to better address special educational needs and services for their children with mentalretardation.

Penn Employment Services

For many people with mental retardation, one of the most significant steps toward self-sufficiency is finding and keeping a job. Success in the competitive workplace can be a tremendous challenge, but every day we see people of all ages making a place for themselves in companies across York County. We help qualified and motivated individuals with disabilities find jobs that fit their interests and needs. We work with them to learn the required job skills. Our Employment Training Specialists provide on-the-job training while helping make necessary accommodations for each individual. We also partner with local school districts to teach job skills and employment-related social skills to help students transition from school to work.

Camp Pennwood

Since it was founded in 1962, Camp Pennwood has provided children with mental retardation the opportunity to enjoy a traditional day camp. Our campers, ages 6 to 21, enjoy age-appropriate activities such as arts and crafts, archery, swimming, horseback riding and musical activities during camp's six-week summer run. With our dedicated staff and volunteers, approximately 80 campers benefit from a safe and educational rural camp experience each year.

After School Options Program

Families that require after-school care for their teenaged children with mental retardation benefit from having a safe, fun place for their kids to enjoy fellowship each afternoon. Kids and their peers can often be seen swimming, exercising and lifting weights at the YMCA as part of theprogram.

P.A.V.E. (Pennwood Adult Vacation Experience)

Each June, adults with mental retardation come to Camp Pennwood to begin a week-long social and recreational experience highlighted by day trips and opportunities to enjoy nature.

Tobacco-Free Healthy Lives

Through a grant from the York City Bureau of Health, The Arc of York County educates all of the seventh grade students in York City School District, and alternative schools, about the effects of smoking and using tobacco products. both on their own health and that of any unborn child that may cause developmental and health problems.

Adult Recreations Club

For more than 50 years, our Adult Recreation Club has offered adults with mental retardation the opportunity to socialize, participate in activities and attend community events. The program operates each year from October through May.

Community Support Services

The Arc provides one on one community support to enable individuals to live as independently as possible and participate in community activities. Individuals in this service can be living with their families or in their own home.

York/Adams ISO for Agency Services

The Arc of York County, under an agreement with the York/Adams Mental Health/Mental Retardation Program, operates an ISO "Agency With Choice Model" for eligible individuals of the mental retardation service program. Under this program option, individuals and/or their representative works closely with The Arc ISO staff to select/recruit qualified support service staff and community supports. The ISO also can administer payments for approved one-time-only services, purchase equipment, or adaptations.