Youth Organize Holiday Blood Drive Fourteen youth from Western PA Child Cares intensive open residential treatment program held their 2011 Holiday Blood Drive. The youth performed 34.5 hours of community service while collecting 21 units of blood from 28 participants. The blood collected can save 63 lives.
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Helping the Salvation Army This past holiday season, Western PA Child Care youth partnered with the Salvation Army and volunteered their time collecting donations. The event took place at the Cranberry Mall near Oil City, Pennsylvania. Donations provide dinners, clothing, and toys for families in need.
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MAYS Earns Private Academic License Mid Atlantic Youth Services received a private educational license that takes effect on November 1st, 2011. Both PA Child Care and Western PA Child Care will have the ability to award diplomas to graduating youth. Click here to see the license.
Department of Public Welfare Inspection Report The Department of Public Welfare performed an unannounced walk through inspection of the Western PA Child Care on July 13, 2011. Their report concluded that the building was well maintained and clean. All youth presented themselves in a neat, well dressed manner, and took time to politely introduce themselves. A strong positive child culture was evident within the facility.
The annual inspection included the review of child and personnel records. Child records were well organized and contained all necessary documentation. All youth interviewed reported feeling safe within the program. Click here to read the entire report.
PACC student wins JCJC Youth Award Marcus Edwards, a youth from PACC has been named a winner from JCJC for this years youth awards. He will receive his award at the annual conference held in Harrisburg on November 2nd, 2011.
Youth Recieve High School Diplomas Mid-Atlantic Youth Services is one of 11 programs chosen to be part of the PACTT (Pennsylvania Academic and Career Technical Training Alliance). Being part of the PACTT alliance allows MAYS to be a part of a credit recovery program, allowing youth to make up for lost education time. With PA certified teachers in each classroom, state of the art equipment and small classroom size, youth at MAYS are able to improve their academic competencies. Educational services are provided on a year round basis. Both of our facilities are able to award high school diplomas to youth who graduate during their stay.
Youth at both facilities are able to enroll in the Intensive GED Tutoring class and take the exam while placed with MAYS. Youth who have finished their high school requirements, are able to participate in college course work via the internet, become part of the Job Readiness Program and or enroll in one our Vocational Programs.
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Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser Pictured below are girls at Western PA Child Care who organized a week long event for breast cancer awareness. They sponsored a “Walk For The Cure” which was held in the gym along with a bake sale which was held in the cafeteria. The group raised $1,170.
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Mobile Computer Lab Offers Opportunity The mobile computer labs at PACC and WPACC offer youth new opportunities for computer software training. Our Microsoft Office Specialist Training program provides advanced instructor and on-line based training in multiple Microsoft Office 2007 utilities including Microsoft Office Word, Microsoft Office Power Point, Microsoft Office Excel, Microsoft Office Outlook, and Microsoft Vista for the Business Worker. Each course is offered as a stand-alone, self-paced program utilizing both Custom Guide online learning solutions and Kaplan IT Learning systems. Upon successful completion of the program the students will be given the opportunity to take the Certiport test for their corresponding class and receive their certification from Microsoft.
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Future Farmers! MAYS youth tend to the garden at the facility. The vegetables are then used on the salad bar during lunch and dinner.
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MAYS Youth Work Learn New Skills MAYS youth work with old furniture to make it look new again. Our Upholstery Course provides instruction in the identification and stripping of furniture as well as the installation and application of springs, webbing, padding and other materials. Such areas as fabric identification, wood furniture framing and related mechanical drawing are included. For more information contact us at paccupholstery@midatlanticyouth.com
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Vocatonal Education Youth at MAYS studying in the Career Technical Training Classroom, learning to work on circuit boards
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OSHA 10 Training The picture below shows youth at WPACC participating in the OSHA 10 training class. The goal of the certification is to teach younger workers how to stay
safe in the workplace and begin to prepare our students for a safe future in their chosen career. By providing our students with fundamental safety knowledge needed in the workplace, this program brings the significance of safety to the forefront.
Youth leave with a certificate of completion in general industry standards. This allows youth to have an upper hand when applying for employment with companies who may require said training.
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Fire Department Benefit Car Wash MAYS held a car wash and collected donations for the Emlenton Fire Department. We had a great turn out and the youth worked very hard washing cars and asking for donations. We never thought we would have such a great turn out but the cars, trucks and even motorcycles came at a steady pace for five hours. Ameen, Nyeem, Tyrone, Khalif, Qydir, and Mr. Morris raised $816.21 to benefit the Emlenton Fire Dept.
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Youth Learn Financial Responsibility Two youths from Western PA Child Care open bank accounts at Farmers National Bank in Emlenton. Seven of our students have opened accounts this year. They are responsible for making deposits and withdraws while recording their checks and keeping track of their balances.
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Saving Lives Western PA Child Care blood drives have been very successful over the years. The youngsters organized three blood drives in 2010 and a total of 10 drives since they started in April of 2008. They collected a total of 328 productive pints and have saved a total of 973 lives.
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Going "Green" Youth from Western PA Child Care stay active with the community by planting trees in Parker, Foxburg, and Emlenton. In 2010 they planted over 100 trees with plans to continue planting in the spring of 2011.
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The Times Leader News Article Lego workshops for children held at LCCC Luzerne County Community College recently offered several Lego Robotics MINDSTORM workshops for children at the PA Child Care Center. The workshops are designed to give participants skills in industrial maintenance technology and to allow students to work with the robotic inventions to enhance learning.
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Some of the participants, from left, first row: Salvatore Piccillo, teacher, PA Child Care Center; Ken David, teacher, PA Child Care Center; and Vito Malacari, teacher, PA Child Care Center. Second row: Christine Donnolo, associate dean, continuing education, LCCC; Kristina Kornova, teacher, PA Child Care Center; Cheri Shaver, vocational coordinator, PA Child Care Center; and Evelyn Molina, educational liaison, PA Child Care Center. Third row: Michelle Goff, teacher, PA Child Care Center; Dave Elick, instructor, continuing education, LCCC; William Walters, director of education, PA Child Care Center; and Jill Stadlony, teacher, PA Child Care Center.
PACC becomes a Licensed SAT Testing Center
In 2010, PACC became a Licensed SAT Testing Center, better preparing youth for the continuation of their education.
Microsoft Word and Excel Certificates
Several youth throughout PACC participated in a 2-3 day program through New Horizons. At the end of the program, youth were certified in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
Working with Emlenton Borough Youth from Western PA Child Care work for Emlenton Borough earning minimum wage while assisting with day to day maintenance with the borough.
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Lego Camp Throughout the months of September and October, several groups of youth participated in a one week Lego Robotics Technician Workshop. This was a cooperative learning opportunity through the Luzerne County Community College from which each youth received a certificate of participation.
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Staying active with the March of Dimes The students of Western PA Child Care continue to be active members of the March of Dimes. Youth held a Chinese auction with all proceeds being donated to the March of Dimes.
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Kaboom Playground Project On October 7th, two youth from PACC volunteered at a Kaboom Playground Project where they helped construct a playground in a local Wilkes-Barre neighborhood.
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A Thank You from the American Red Cross
In August of 2010, the youth from WPACC organized a blood drive in association with the American Red Cross. Employees and community participation contributed to a successful campaign. Click here to read a thank you letter from the American Red Cross.
Habitat For Humanity
On June 5th, three youth participated in a Habitat For Humanity project located in Edwardsville, PA. The young men helped build a home.
Helping the Local Community Youth from Western PA Child Care worked to restore an old jail cell at the Emlenton Borough Building.
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United Way’s Day of Caring
Five youth and several staff from the PACC facility helped out at the United Way’s Day of Caring held on May 13, 2010. They completed two projects. Both were at local camps, Camp Kresge, the local YMCA camp and Camp Louise, a Girl Scout Camp. At the camps, they helped set up tents, float docks, clean areas, rake leaves, etc. to prepare for camp season.
Guitar Hero Tournament On March 17, 2010, youth, Justin M. of Maryland held a Guitar Hero Tournament at the facility. The tournament rose over $200 which was donated to Haiti earthquake victims through the Red Crescent.
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Stuffed Animal Drive In February, youth, Shayn B. from Lancaster County hosted a stuffed animal drive. She collected new and gently used stuffed animals for Stuffed Animals For Emergencies (SAFE), an organization dedicated to providing stuffed animals to children who have been through a traumatic situation. Shayn’s drive collected over 200 stuffed animals which will be sent to Haiti for earthquake victims.
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Road Clean Up Western PA Child Care youth from our open residential program took part in “Road Clean-Up Day” while assisting Emlenton Borough with their section of the “Adopt a Highway” program.
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Black History Month Celebration During the month of February, the youth at PA Child Care prepared for the 3rd Annual Black History Month Celebration. Youth created posters, wrote poems and essays and put together a program with acting, singing and dancing. The celebration took place on March 5, 2010. Parents, probation officers and students all attended the event located at the facility.
At Western PA Child Care, students chose an event or person to study and gave a presentation on how that event or person changed lives for blacks in America.
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His Resting Place Maternity House
In January, youth, Rebecca H. from Philadelphia County hosted a fund raiser to benefit His Resting Place Maternity House. Rebecca knitted two blankets which she raffled off. With the money collected, she bought baby and infant supplies which were donated to the maternity house. His Resting Place takes in women leaving the Luzerne County Correctional Facility who are pregnant or with child to help them rejoin the community.
Helping to Restore the Community
MAYS Youth at Western PA Child Care continue with community service projects in Emlenton Borough. Volunteers help to restore Emlenton's historic Pumping Jack Museum. Click here to read the Newspaper article.
Fire Safety Program Emlenton Borough Fire Department visit the facility to present an overview on fire safety for the youth at WPACC.
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Cherish Your Community Event Youth from the open program joined other local organizations to participate in the Cherish your Community event. Sponsored by Westinghouse and Mitsubishi corporations, youth from the program participated in planting 75 trees in the Parker area to kick off the event.
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PAY DAY! Youth display their first pay checks from being employed by Emlenton Borough.
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CPR Training Builds Character Twenty-Six youth from the Open Residential unit continue to build competency by learning First Aid and becoming certified in adult and infant CPR.
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Read the Latest MAYS Newesletter
This months newsletter is titled "2009 in Review". We take a look back at some of the memorable moments at Mid-Atlantic Youth Services. Click here to download the Newsletter.
MAYS Fund Raiser "Gets Cooking" A spaghetti dinner was held in Emlenton to benefit the Restitution Program at MAYS. Youth prepared and served the meal to many employees and community member in exchange for earning monies to be paid to the victims of juvenile crime.
Event Photo
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Community Service Opportunity MAYS youth complete community service hours at the Crawford Center in Emlenton. Five youth spent several weeks doing minor repairs and landscaping to the property.
Event Photo
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Working to Improve Our Community MAYS youth build a gazebo at the beginning of the Emlenton bike trail. This rest area was constructed as part of the rails to trails project in Pennsylvania.
Event Photo
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Congresswoman Visits WPACC Congresswoman Dalkemper visits WPACC for a tour of the facility and the opportunity to meet the youth of Mid Atlantic that have been active in the community of Emlenton.
Event Photo
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Youth Visit Local University Campus Youth from WPACC attend the Clarion University vs. Slippery Rock University football game as part of an opportunity to enjoy a sober activity, while having the opportunity to see a college campus and evaluate campus life to assist with their future plans.
Event Photo
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WPACC Youth Honor Black History Month
Youth from Western PA Child Care expressed themselves in a theatrical performance honoring African Americans during Black History Month earlier this year.
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Introducing the PACC Chronicle
The youth advisory club and staff at PA Child Care recently put together a publication highlighting various facility events and youth programs. The youth did a
great job at gathering information for use in the publication! Click here to download this month's edition.
12 WPACC Youth Attend Coach Carter Speech Event
On February 26, 2009, the original Coach Carter, whom the movie was made about, gave a motivational speech at Clarion University. He discussed setting goals and how hard work
does, in fact,
pay off.
Coach Carter became an all state high school basketball player at just 5 feet 2 inches tall after he was told by his coach that he would not even make the freshmen
team. After one game on the freshmen team, he was promoted to the junior varsity team. After one game on the JV team, he was playing varsity as a 5'2" freshman. After playing varsity, he achieved his goal of becoming an all state player.
The 12 WPACC youth who attended the event created a PowerPoint presentation about the speech which they then presented to all the units at Western PA Child Care. Many of the youth were excited
about being in the presence of greatness, and they found Coach Carter's speech to be very inspiring. What the youth took away from the presentation is that "success is only inches away." Other youth reported that "knowledge is not power
but the use of that knowledge is power."
Event Photos
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WPACC Hosts Another Successful Blood Drive
Western PA Child Care hosted another blood drive on January 28, 2009. The drive collected 30 pints of blood which have the potential to save 90 lives!
Event Photos
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Red Cross Provides First Aid and CPR Training
In December 2008, Linda Trojak and Steph Marlow from the Red Cross came to Western PA Child Care and certified 25 youth at the facility in first aid and CPR. The two instructors
have now done CPR and first aid training with 1/3 of the youth population at WPACC.
Training Photos
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Carnegie Science Center Trip
The youth at WPACC took an educational field trip to the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh, PA on December 4, 2008.
Field Trip Photos
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Therapy Dogs Visit WPACC
On Saturday, November 8, 2008, therapy dogs visited the youth at Western PA Childcare. It was an exciting experience for everyone involved. Members of the Clarion County
Obedience Club (CCOC) brought their certified therapy dogs to visit the youth.
“This was an exciting experience for the youth because it’s not every day that our youth get to interact with dogs,” said Ms. Tronzo, a clinical
assistant at WPACC. “For some of the youth it has been several months since they have seen their dogs, so this was an emotional experience for some,” she comments.
The experience was also exciting for the staff at WPACC. One staff said, “I became emotional just seeing the entire unit smile, because it has been weeks since
I have seen some smile.”
The members from the (CCOC) were at first a little nervous due to not knowing how the youth would behave. The members however were actually impressed with how polite
and respectful the youth are. The members all agree the WPACC is the best place to bring their dogs to visit. At the end of the visits everyone wanted to know when the dogs
can visited again!
Event Photos
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Softball Tournament Western PA Child Care staff recently participated in a softball tournament in Meadville, PA. This was the first time the staff organized an outside activity with each other. The proceeds supported Crawford County juvenile probation. Sixteen teams participated in the event, and Western PA Child Care earned second place.
Event Photo
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Luzerne County Juvenile Center Name Change In July 2008, the Luzerne County Juvenile Center (LCJC) was renamed to PA Child Care (PACC). Please make note of this change in your address book.
Emlenton Renaissance Update The youth at Western PA Child Care have been assisting borough employees in a project dedicated to revitalizing the community of Emlenton, PA. Together they're installing new bike racks and picnic tables at various locations throughout Emlenton with the goal of providing residents new amenities to enjoy.
PROJECT PHOTOS
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WPACC Hosts Successful Blood Drive The event raised 45 pints of blood thanks to the 47 individuals who volunteered to donate. The blood donations have the potential to save 135 hospital patients. We would like to thank everyone who participated in making the event successful!
EVENT PHOTOS
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WPACC 2nd Annual Blood Drive Western PA Child Care will be conducting its second annual blood drive on August 27, 2008 from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The theme for this quarter's blood drive is the "Grateful Life Comeback Tour." Anyone who'd like to donate blood is welcome to attend. For additional information on the event, please call Corey Shumaker at 814-221-5684 or send an email to cshumaker@midatlanticyouth.com.
WPACC Parenting Group Western PA Child Care recently started a parenting group with the help of local volunteers. The volunteers come to WPACC once a week to teach the youth good parenting skills.
CLASS PHOTOS
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MAYS Youth Honored in Community Parade Our youth were the Grand Marshal’s of Emlenton, Pennsylvania's community parade held in July. They were honored for all the community service they completed within the past year. The first picture is a photograph with U.S. Congressmen Bill English. In addition, everyone enjoyed a fireworks display. Five of the youth saw fireworks for the first time in their lives!
PARADE PHOTOS
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WPACC Facility Expansion The Western PA Child Care facility expansion opened on July 3, 2008. The facility now contains 36 male secure treatment beds, 24 female secure treatment beds, 26 male open residential beds, and 13 co-ed shelter beds. At this time all beds are full.
MAYS Receives March of Dimes Award Mid-Atlantic Youth Services set a goal to raise $1000.00 for the March of Dimes and exceeded it by raising $1350.00. The March of Dimes is dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. For more information, please click here.
AWARD PHOTOS
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WPACC Open House Western PA Child Care is hosting an open house event on June 30, 2008. Probation is invited to tour the facility with an overview of services. After the tour, a golf scramble will take place at 1 PM at Clarion Oaks Golf Course. The fee is $10.00 per golfer. Participants will receive 18 holes of golf with a cart, a catered dinner, and prizes. For additional information or to register for the event, please call Corey Shumaker at 814-221-5684 or send an email to cshumaker@midatlanticyouth.com.
Youth Organizes Blood Drive Paris J., a high school senior from Philadelphia, PA, organized the blood drive as his senior project. Paris contacted the Red Cross and planned the event which raised over 30 pints of blood!
EVENT PHOTOS
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JCJC Conference Winners The following youth were award winners at the JCJC Conference held at the Harrisburg Hilton on Oct. 31, Nov. 1, and Nov. 2. The theme for this year was "What is in my toolbox for success."
Name
County
PO Name
Facility
Jeremy B.
Luzerne
Tom Lavan
PACC
Vikania A.
Lancaster
Thomas Ho
WPACC
Stephen J.
Washington
Addie Burtrum
WPACC
Rebecca L.
Philadelphia
Anna Duarte
WPACC
The youth were present at the awards dinner on Wednesday, Oct. 31 along with two family members. Each were recognized and given the opportunity to address those in attendance. All the youth did an excellent job and presented well.
Workshops at the Conference Also at the conference, Mid Atlantic conducted two workshops on Thursday, November 1. Dr. Taylor from WPACC conducted an hour and a half workshop on Self Injury, why it happens, and how to treat it. Dr. Truscott from PACC conducted an hour and a half workshop on Cognitive Behavior Therapy and its application.
Family Day On November 17, WPACC will be having its Family Day for the boys units. Approximately 40 boys will have family present from 10 AM to 4 PM. Families will enjoy a catered meal, entertainment from the youth, music, games, and quality family time.
Expansion at WPACC Ground was broke at WPACC the week of November 5, 2007 for a planned expansion. A target date of April 8, 2008 is set to open another 12 bed male secure unit and a 13 bed open residential unit for low functioning males with mental health needs.
Expansion Plans for 2007 In the Spring of 2007, Mid-Atlantic Youth Services is planning on a 24 bed expansion at Western PA Child Care in Butler, PA. There will
be 12 new secure residential treatment beds for males and 12 new non-secure residential treatment beds for court-ordered males. Additional information
on our expansion project will be coming soon.
MAYS provides youth services to over 26
Pennsylvania counties and the state of Maryland.
New Secure Residential Treatment Program Beginning in January 2006, a secure, long-term program for sex offenders/fire setters will be available at PA Child Care. The program lasts from 9-12 months and places an emphasis on victim restoration and impulse control.
Click here for additional information on MAYS Secure Residential Treatment Program.
Mid-Atlantic Youth Services, Corp. Video Brochure As a new addition to Mid-Atlantic Youth Services' web site in November 2005, this brochure provides an overview of services and programs available at both MAYS facilities.
Facility Grand Opening On September 21, 2005, dozens of guests celebrated the grand opening of Western PA Child Care and witnessed the ribbon cutting ceremony. The facility, located in Emlenton, PA, will improve the lives of troubled children and bring 100 job opportunities to the Butler County area.
