Via Retirement Program Receives Two Rivers Grant
December 9, 2008

BETHLEHEM, PA –  Via of the Lehigh Valley received a $7,000 grant from the Two Rivers Health and Wellness Foundation for its retirement program serving adults with disabilities.  Via’s Retirement program helps individuals transition from Via’s sheltered workshop to retirement activities in senior centers and programs for seniors in their communities.

“People are living longer, healthier lives and adults can expect to spend more time in retirement than ever before,” said Lisa Musselman, Via Community Connections director. 

“Staying involved with family, friends and neighbors is an important part of retirement.  Via helps people with disabilities transition to retirement so they can maintain skills, participate in leisure and volunteer activities, and stay active.”

Via’s retirement program helps older adults choose activities that meet their needs and interests, whether they reside with family, in a residential program or an adult living center.  Activities occur in the community and at senior centers and focus on maintaining quality of life, giving back to the community and staying active.

“Via also provides training and assistance to staff at senior centers so they can successfully integrate adults with disabilities into activities and accommodate this growing population in their community,” said Musselman.

The Two Rivers Health and Wellness Foundation grant meets with their goal of promoting healthy attitudes and practices among the elderly in Northampton County.  Via’s Retirement Program relies on strong relationships with senior centers across Northampton County.

“There is one similar national model in Cleveland that has had success in transitioning seniors with disabilities to community based settings,” said Musselman.

“It is our hope that the county systems for the aging and Office of Developmental Programs embrace this model as a best practice model for seniors with disabilities and advocate for it as a way of doing business in this region.”

Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit human service agency that provides services for children and adults with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome.  Serving the community since 1954, Via’s staff help individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in Children’s Services, Community Connections and Employment.

Via works with children up to age three in their homes and daycares to address disabilities and delays.  Via finds jobs in the community for adults and provides coaching and training for successful employment.  And Via helps people, from teens to those at retirement age, connect and live in their community by volunteering, participating in leisure activities, and finding or purchasing affordable, accessible housing.  Via fosters and advocates the concept of inclusion and choice within schools, neighborhoods and communities, personal relationships, and employment.  Via believes that personal satisfaction and dignity are achieved through individual success and independence and is committed to helping people live full and productive lives.  Visit www.ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.

For more information, contact:
Lisa Walkiewicz, Communications Director
L.Walkiewicz@vianet.org | 484-893-5390