Tag: Greensburg

Harrisburg Day on the Hill

The Westmoreland County Blind Association was invited to attend an event in Harrisburg earlier this week called “Day on the Hill”. The event was sponsored by UniqueSource. The purpose of the trip was to allow our consumers an opportunity to thank our state representatives and senators for helping to support “My Work, My Choice”.

We attended a dinner on Monday, October 16th at the West Shore Country Club, followed by a day of scheduled meetings with various congressmen on Tuesday, October 17th. During each visit, our consumers and past UniqueSource Employee Award Winners, Michael Kissell and David Marks, met with these congressmen and expressed their appreciation for their recent support. They also provided each congressman with a gift of a “My Work, My Choice” picture, shirt and hat. Additional WCBA staff who participated in the trip included Tim Miller (Executive Director), Amy Matenkosky (Executive Assistant), Karen Booley (Production Manager), and Greg Millar who assisted with our transportation.

Click on the image below or visit our Day on the Hill Photo Album to see photos of the trip.

Congratulations to Michael Kissell

Congratulations to Michael Kissell, an amazing co-worker and friend of ours! He received a UniqueSource Achievement Award for demonstrating outstanding and exceptional character in living and coping with disabilities, particularly in the workplace.

You can use this link to read the full press release.

The Pittsburgh Tribune Review also recently posted this nice article and video about his award, “Greensburg man receives UniqueSource Achievement Award“.

My Work My Choice – Thank You

To all of those involved with the “My Work My Choice” campaign: We want to thank everyone–government representatives, workshop representatives & staffing, parents, families, friends and especially the special needs individuals for all of the hard work that went into going to Harrisburg and keeping our sheltered workshop programs going. We could not be more proud of the people involved from across all of Pennsylvania who supported this cause for those who needed their voices to be heard! People listened and changes are being made!

Important Meetings Regarding ODP

We need to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. With that in mind, the Westmoreland County Blind Association will be hosting meetings on February 8th to determine what action is needed to have the Commonwealth revise their “Proposed Changes” for individuals with an intellectual disability.

What will be discussed?

  • Update information on several large Organizations joining our group to provide assistance.
  • Updated information will be provided on the potential of a hearing in Harrisburg.
  • Review the outcome of meetings held with ODP and a SELECT few Providers.
  • Provide contact information from other Providers, family members, advocacy groups, etc. throughout the Commonwealth, in order to build a stronger network.
  • Determine dates for a RALLY in Harrisburg.

As you are all aware, it is getting to CRUNCH TIME!!! Our voices are definitely being heard and we cannot stop until there is a change.

Who should attend?

  • Providers
  • Families/Caregivers
  • Consumers
  • Politicians

*We are arranging for conference calling for those of you that are unable to attend in person.

Times: 9:30 a.m. or 6:00 p.m.

Location: 911 South Main Street, Greensburg PA 15601

Please RSVP Tim Miller or Deann Wallbaum at 724-837-1250 or at tmiller@wcbainpa.org.

Lions Club Donation

Thanks to the 
District 14-E Lions Club (Westmoreland County) who recently donated a check to the Westmoreland County Blind Association in the amount of $3,240 for equipment needed in our Work Activity Center!

Our Shredding Department has many options to fit your document or hard drive destruction needs. Whether you are a large company, small business, or have your own personal documents, no job is too big or small! By selecting WCBA as your document destruction service, you will be supporting our employees with visual, intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to help maintain their independence and productivity.

For many, finding meaningful employment in today’s economic climate is difficult and have diminished employment opportunities in our community. It is through the kindness of our neighbors that the WCBA mission endures!

Volunteers Needed

We are in need of volunteers for answering telephones and/or stuffing envelopes for our direct mailing projects. The work would be performed during our business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Shifts are very flexible and based on your preferred days and times. Contact Rebecca Labuda, Human Resources Coordinator at 724-837-1250 ext 14 to learn more.