Programs and Services

Community Partners

The Community Partners program provides individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities living on their own in the community with non-traditional case management supports in a partnership model. This approach utilizes the community to the greatest extent possible. Community Partners aims to minimize the need for formal human services, enhance quality of life, and ultimately eliminate the potential risk of inappropriate institutional placement.

The partnerships between case managers and clients are short-term ventures and focus on community involvement. Partnerships are formed that move beyond the traditional role of case manager and client and work to aggressively facilitate community integration. Community Partners serves individuals who have fallen through the cracks of the human service system because they are ineligible for other services or unable to make the connection on their own. While the ultimate goal of a partnership is community integration and involvement, initial contact is frequently made during a time of crisis.

By providing a variety of services, solutions are often found to significant issues such as medical emergencies, potential evictions, extreme isolation, financial challenges, difficulty obtaining attendant care and other services as well as locating accessible/affordable housing. The resolution of long term issues or crises then leads to the primary goal of community integration.

Services include but are not limited to:

• Promoting relationships- Helping individuals seek out and maintain relationships in the community.
• Traditional case management- Determining with the partner what services are needed in their lives and coordinating those resources in the community.
• Information and Referral- Helping individuals learn about other social and human services they might be eligible for.
• Housing- Assisting individuals with finding safe and accessible housing.
• Employment Referral- Referring individuals to supported employment services.
• Life Skills Education- Providing the practical education and training skills necessary to perform activities of daily living safely.
• Protective Services/Crisis Intervention- Providing temporary assistance to people during times of extreme hardship.
• Problem Solving/Counseling- Assisting with problem solving and coping skills, interpersonal relationships and developing and maintaining relationships. Referrals include appropriate counseling resources and support groups.
• Advocacy in Transportation - Assisting individuals with securing basic transportation needs.

For more information about Community Partners, please contact UCP at (412) 683-7100 or send an e-mail.

http://www.ucppittsburgh.org
Updated: 03/17/2008