Program: Via of Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Contact Person: Corey Smith
Website: Via

Via is a large provider agency that offer’s employment, residential, community-based supports, inclusive childcare, and early intervention services to 1,000 consumers and families each year. Via has been aggressively converting all facility-based services to the community for a number of years. Their board of directors has set a goal to provide all services in community-based settings by 2006. Agency President/CEO Ron Rucker and Director of Employment Services, Corey Smith have successfully led the full conversion of four workshops in three different states to community employment. Via is now converting its existing sheltered workshop by developing employment opportunities and making community connections.

Via currently supports 130 people working in community employment settings. Like most CRPs, Via has been struggling with attracting funding for valued community-based outcomes. As a large provider, the agency owns a number of buildings for facility-based services. Proceeds from the sale of these buildings are being used to offset the cost of providing high quality community-based services. Via also maintains a variety of other revenue producing ventures, including two thrift shops, special events, and a developing Internet resale business to support the agency’s mission.

Via is unique. When the employment department struggles and loses significant amounts of money, the message is to carry on and continue to focus on providing valued, integrated employment outcomes. Employment staff members are now being trained in work incentives, customized employment strategies, resource sharing, and supported self-employment.

Strategies to address barriers: Organizational | Individual

Allegan County Community Mental Health
The Arc of Stanly County, Inc.
Career Design & Development Services
Career Support Systems, Inc.
The Cobb/Douglas Community Services Boards (CSBs)
Community Involvement Programs
HPS, Helping People Succeed, Inc.
KFI
Rise, Inc.
Via of Lehigh Valley