Posted 10/31/2025
Farm Trip
Kylee, Amy, Mick, Mark, and Yvonne from Merakey New Ventures Portage recently took a trip to the farm. While learning about the animals on the farm, the individuals fed the horses, goats, pigs, and a baby cow. Their smiles at the end of the day made it clear that they had a wonderful time.
New Ventures Fall Fun
Individuals from Merakey New Ventures recently enjoyed some fall activities.
Yeck Farms
The ladies from Coleman home visited Yeck Farms for some fall fun.
Football Hall of Fame
Mike from the Lincoln Home took a trip to Canton, OH to check out the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Looks like he scored a touchdown with this visit. Go long, Mike!
Pittsburgh Penguins
Mary from Green Garden had a great night out with Lisa and Cortney. They grabbed dinner before heading to the Pittsburgh Penguins game, which was a birthday gift from Mary’s sister. If you know Mary, you know how much she loves the Pens (especially Sidney Crosby). She was absolutely in her glory at the game.
Kennywood Fall Fest
Genny and Program Manager Susan White enjoyed a spooky adventure at Fall Fest at Kennywood Amusement Park in Pittsburgh.
Pink Out for Breast
On October 27, The Kennedy and Edward J. Zapp Program Centers proudly showed their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month by dressing in their best pink gear including shirts, hats, socks, and more.
Everyone enjoyed delicious pink lemonade and sweet treats generously provided by Holy Spirit Fellowship Church, Inc. Classrooms joined in the effort by including Breast Cancer Awareness discussions and activities throughout the day.
Pamphlets, awareness wristbands, and small favors were shared as attendees came together to spread hope, strength, and awareness in the fight against breast cancer.
Leadership Meeting
On October 22, nearly 100 employees attended the monthly IDD ICF Western Region Leadership meeting. The agenda included departmental updates, anniversary recognitions, and participation from several external partners.
RISE presented on age sensitivity, offering practical communication tips for individuals with Alzheimer’s. Blackburn’s/Har-kel, Inc. provided guidance on ordering items for those we serve that may not be covered by insurance.
A big thank-you to the Western PA Allegheny and Beaver County Home teams, led by Senior Directors Stacey Speer and Susie Cassidy, for their festive Halloween-themed decorations and pumpkin centerpieces. Their efforts created a warm, seasonal atmosphere and they generously provided lunch for attendees.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this meeting informative and engaging.
Wellness Wednesdays
LPNs from the Capital Center IDD program started hosting monthly Wellness Wednesdays. The goal is to encourage individuals to participate in activities including physical, spiritual, and mental wellness. The first Wellness Wednesday was a hit, with nine individuals participating and having a blast. Thanks to all the staff for their assistance with bringing the individuals to the office. The group is looking forward to the next Wellness Wednesday.
Advocacy-Group-Meeting
The Pittsburgh Campus recently hosted the Advocacy Group meeting, featuring a special visit from Pittsburgh Zoo’s Zoomobile and a fun pumpkin decorating activity. The meeting brought together residents and staff from Kennedy Center, Patricia Hillman Miller Campus, Pittsburgh Campus, Slippery Rock, and Zapp Center, creating a wonderful opportunity for connection and collaboration.
Zoomobile staff members Sam Hodgson and Whitney Jones did an outstanding job engaging residents through sights, sounds, and hands-on experiences. Residents were captivated by the animals the team brought and asked thoughtful, curious questions throughout the presentation.
The event concluded with a pumpkin decorating activity. Each resident received their own pumpkin to decorate and to take home. This collaborative event was a wonderful way to bring residents together, reconnect with old friends, and build new relationship
