www-decpa-org-all-access

Empowering Lives

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 20:00:02 GMT

Erin's Journey with the Disability Empowerment Center

Meet Erin Shenk, a remarkable individual whose life has been transformed through the support and services provided by the Disability Empowerment Center (DEC). Erin's story is a testament to the power of many of the services offered by DEC.

Finding Support and Guidance

Erin reached out to DEC seeking assistance, support, and guidance. Her first impression was one of assurance, thanks to the caring and understanding nature of the DEC team. "The communication has been wonderful and staff always follows through," Erin shares.

Advocacy and Peer Support

One of the key services Erin benefited from was advocacy. Paula, a dedicated advocate at DEC, helped Erin make her voice heard, especially during challenging times like being over-medicated. Peer support also played a crucial role in Erin's journey. "Peer support has been invaluable, especially during the most difficult times, like the loss of my husband Chris due to cancer," Erin recalls.

Overcoming Challenges

DEC's support was unwavering during Erin's husband's illness. Paula has been there every step of the way, providing emotional and practical support. "It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to go through," Erin says. With DEC's help, Erin was able to navigate this challenging period and emerge stronger.

Living Independently

Since connecting with DEC, Erin's life has changed significantly. She now participates in more activities and lives as independently as possible. "I can now do more things on my own, attending more activities, and living as independent as I can," Erin proudly states.

Empowerment and Personal Growth

Empowerment, to Erin, means having control over her own life. DEC has supported this by helping her follow through on her goals and stay on top of them. Paula's guidance, strength, and understanding have been a blessing. "Paula has always been there for me, advocating for me to obtain waiver services, getting involved with Kathy's Circle of Friends, and Halcyon, and giving me the opportunity to believe in myself," Erin explains.

A Wonderful Organization

Erin encourages anyone thinking about reaching out to DEC to do so. "It is a wonderful organization," she says. DEC has instilled in her the belief that all things are possible and that people can achieve their goals, just in different ways.

Celebrating Moments

One of Erin's greatest moments with DEC is participating in DEC the Halls. These events and activities have brought joy and a sense of community to her life.

Facing Challenges

Erin's journey hasn't been without its challenges. Overcoming the death of her husband, obtaining home and community-based waiver services, finding a dependable caregiver, and believing in herself have been significant hurdles. Yet, with DEC's support, Erin has managed to navigate these challenges and continue her journey towards empowerment.

A Message to the Community

Erin's story is a powerful reminder of the impact DEC can have on individuals' lives. Her journey showcases the importance of advocacy, peer support, and the belief in one's ability to live independently. DEC is more than just a service provider; it's a community that empowers people with disabilities to take control of their lives and achieve their goals.

Celebrating Empowerment: DEC's Awareness Event at Eden Resort

Fri, 02 May 2025 18:32:33 GMT

From Nursing Homes to Independence: DEC's Success Stories

We are thrilled to share highlights from our recent awareness event at Eden Resort, where we debuted a powerful video showcasing the inspiring stories of individuals who have transitioned from nursing homes to their own homes through our Nursing Home Transition (NHT) program.

Event Highlights:

Video Debut: Attendees had the opportunity to watch firsthand the transformative journeys of our consumers, made possible by the dedicated efforts of the Disability Empowerment Center (DEC).
Engaging Discussions: The event featured insightful discussions on the importance of empowering individuals with disabilities and expanding our NHT program to reach more people in the coming months.
Community Support: We were overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm from our community, reaffirming our commitment to making a positive impact.

Join Us on YouTube: Did you know DEC is on YouTube? We periodically share videos related to our programs and current events. We invite you to follow our channel to stay updated on our latest initiatives and success stories. Check out the latest video that we showed at our Eden Resort event and subscribe to our channel! http://www.youtube.com/@disabilityempowerment2679

Looking Ahead: As we continue to expand our NHT program and strengthen the other programs we have, we are excited about the future and the opportunities to empower more individuals to live independently. Stay tuned for more updates and stories of transformation.

Thank you for your continued support!

Remembering Dan

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 12:30:00 GMT

Always in Our Hearts

Today, we pause to celebrate and remember the extraordinary life of our beloved former Executive Director, Dan Stroup on what would have been his 65 ^th birthday. ��✨

As we reflect on the invaluable contributions he made to our organization, we are filled with gratitude for the indelible mark he left on all of us. His visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and infectious enthusiasm touched the hearts of everyone he encountered.

Under his guidance, we witnessed remarkable growth and positive change. He had a rare ability to inspire us to achieve greatness and pushed us to reach new heights as a team. He consistently led by example, reminding us to embrace innovation, teamwork, and compassion in all our endeavors.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was also a caring mentor, a trusted friend, and a source of unwavering support for each of us. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the projects he championed, and the values he instilled within our organization.

Today, we honor his memory by recommitting ourselves to the causes he held dear. We strive to uphold the standard of excellence he set and carry forward the passion he instilled in us.

To our dear former Executive Director, on this special day, we send our warmest thoughts, love, and gratitude. Your impact on our lives and our organization is immeasurable, and we are forever inspired by your life's work. Happy birthday, and may your spirit continue to shine brightly in our hearts.

#RememberingALeader #HappyBirthday #InspirationalLegacy #AlwaysInOurHearts

From Caregiver to Liberated Individual

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:24:53 GMT

Mr. Folk’s Journey Out of a Nursing Home

After six years of tireless efforts to escape the confines of a nursing home, Mr. Folk's dream finally became a reality. What makes his journey even more remarkable is that he was once a caregiver in a similar facility, giving him invaluable insight into the damaging effects of the care system. His unique perspective not only contributed to his resilience in enduring difficult situations but also allowed him to transcend the misery he witnessed, not just for himself but for those around him. Mr. Folk's unwavering determination, hope, and spiritual faith played pivotal roles in his ability to rise above the dehumanizing nature of nursing homes. This article explores the profound impact of nursing homes on individuals and celebrates organizations like the Disability Empowerment Center, which supported Mr. Folk in achieving his dream of liberation.

The Dehumanizing Experience of Nursing Homes - Nursing homes are more than mere facilities for physical care; they can strip individuals of their spirit and humanity. The mechanical, uncaring nature of these settings, combined with how they organize and respond to people's needs and wants, reduces residents to mere recipients of physical care. This dehumanizing experience systematically confines individuals, suppressing their autonomy until they are reduced to shells of their former selves. Nursing homes prioritize financial gain, doing the bare minimum to minimize costs and maximize benefits while keeping residents alive if insurance payments are received.

Mr. Folk's Unique Perspective - Mr. Folk's background as a former caregiver provided him with a rare and profound understanding of the care system. This firsthand knowledge strengthened his resolve to endure and resist the harsh realities that often lead others to give up. Despite the challenges, Mr. Folk remained determined, hopeful, and emotionally detached, allowing him to rise above the suffering he witnessed. His unwavering faith in God's will be served as a guiding light, filling him with hope and curiosity about what life had in store for him.

The Hidden Cost of Nursing Home Care - Many are unaware that nursing home care in a medicalized system is far costlier than community-based care. The financial expense, however, pales in comparison to the true cost: the erosion of individuals' lives as they are reduced to burdens within a system sustained by our collective financing. Unfortunately, this crucial information remains obscured, clouded by bureaucracy and inaccessible to most. It is only when we find ourselves on the inside that the grim reality becomes undeniable, leaving little room for change or intervention.

The Gratitude of the Disability Empowerment Center - Having witnessed both sides of the coin, Mr. Folk's journey highlights the urgent need for reform within the care system. The Disability Empowerment Center, recognizing the significance of his experience, provided the support necessary for him to escape the confines of the nursing home. The organization's commitment to empowering individuals like Mr. Folk is vital in reshaping a future where independence and dignity are paramount.

Embracing a New World - Transitioning from the nursing home to the outside world is a profound adjustment for Mr. Folk. As he stated during his first appointment in the community, "This is a new world for me." After spending over six years in a nightmarish existence, he discovered that the entire world had transformed, leaving us all in a state of transition between the old and the new. It is our responsibility to create a welcoming environment, not just for individuals like Mr. Folk, but for everyone. His presence serves as a constant reminder of our shared history and shapes our collective vision for the future.

Conclusion - Mr. Folk's incredible journey from caregiver to liberated individual inspires us all. His unique perspective and unwavering determination shed light on the damaging nature of nursing homes and the urgent need for change. By supporting organizations like the Disability Empowerment Center, we can empower individuals to break free from the chains of institutionalized care and embrace a future where compassion, dignity, and independence are fundamental. Together, we can create a world that welcomes and uplifts all individuals, ensuring that Mr. Folk's presence and other people’s unique experiences continues to guide us toward a brighter tomorrow.

Remote supports with Safe in Home

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 13:00:30 GMT

Empowering independent living on your own terms

Image by Freepik

Remote supports have become increasingly important for people with disabilities who want to remain in their own homes. With the help of technology, people can receive the assistance they need without leaving the comfort of their own space. Remote supports can include virtual check-ins, telehealth appointments, video conferencing, and online resources to help individuals manage their daily needs.

One of the main advantages of remote supports is increased independence. By receiving assistance from a distance, people with disabilities can maintain control over their own lives and routines. Remote supports can also be more cost-effective than traditional in-person care, making it easier for individuals to access the services they need.

However, it's important to note that remote supports may not be suitable for everyone. Some individuals may require more hands-on care or have specific needs that cannot be met through virtual means. It's important for individuals and their caregivers to assess their needs and determine the best course of action for their unique situation.

Overall, remote supports offer a promising solution for people with disabilities who want to live independently in their own homes. By leveraging technology, individuals can receive the assistance they need while also maintaining control over their lives.

In our last monthly staff meeting, Donna from Safe in Home spoke to our staff about their services. Safe in home is just one organization that has these remote supports. You can visit their website by going to: https://www.safeinhome.com/

DEC Mourns the Passing of Judith Heumann

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 18:14:30 GMT

December 18, 1947 -March 4, 2023

The Disability Empowerment Center joins the disability community in mourning the loss of Judith Heumann. One of the founders of the independent living movement, she was instrumental in the passage of the Rehabilitation Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA). Her advocacy led to the first federal regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibits discrimination based on disability, and to the U.N.'s adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Her career spanned leadership roles in the federal government – including the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State – as well as disability advocacy groups, local government, philanthropy, and international organizations.

Judy joined with advocates to make real changes in the US and globally. As the Executive Director Jaclyn Nagle notes that “Today is a sad day for all people with disabilities. We must move on and continue her legacy and we must continue to fight for our rights. Now more than ever we are at risk of going backward. In the spirit of others before us we must LEAD ON!” Read the full press release here.

Happy Thanksgiving from DEC!!

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 21:00:00 GMT

A Thanksgiving Message

As Thanksgiving approaches in a few days, I find myself being thankful for so many things. First, I am thankful for family and friends. I'm also very thankful for all of you and the family I joined here at DEC. There have been many people who have said that if we practice each day and begin with gratitude it will positively impact our day. I spend each morning reminding myself how grateful I am to be able to work with you as you achieve your goals to interdependence.

I know that the holiday season can be difficult for many people. It is a time to remember, spend time with loved ones and build traditions for the future. If you find yourself being sad during the holiday season, Please remember that you indeed have a family here at the center. We are here for you and will continue to be here for you as we enter 2023.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Jaclyn

The Beauty of Support

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 19:59:13 GMT

The Beauty Of Support

Everyone needs support and people with disabilities are no exception. We either had our disabilities for a long time or just acquired them. No matter what the situation may be, everyone, families, individuals without disabilities, need support. However, people with disabilities are either embarrassed to seek support or do not know where to go. First of all, don’t be embarrassed! We all may have different circumstances; things happen to us that we have NO CONTROL over. We all have had a bathroom issue in public even if you have a disability or not. It happens and if someone says they have not had that issue they are either not telling the truth or it has not happened to them – yet.

The bottom line is that we all need support. There are ways to reach out to get this. It starts with you. Take a small step, Be honest. Reach out to a trusted friend. However, there are other resources you can reach out to and here are some suggestions:

Find your local CIL. Many have peer support staff, or peer support groups. DEC has a monthly support group.

Check out the calendar under "Events' or call our office for more information.

Look for Online support groups – Online support groups are out there. Just a word of caution – make sure that they are run by reputable groups.

Seek a group that has a shared interest in something you do. It does not have to be disability related to be supportive. When you do something you like or have an interest in you are meeting people who share an interest with and have that to discuss. Over time, you can make new friends.

Some people need more professional support and there is nothing wrong with that. One good thing that came out of the pandemic was that telehealth is popular. You can now see a therapist on your computer, iPad, or cell phone. Most of them will take your insurance. Just ask. Telehealth eliminates the need to scheduling transportation or having someone go with you if you need personal care.

These are just a few suggestions.

You can also reach out to DEC anytime!

Tips for an IEP Meeting

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 14:22:31 GMT

Tips for an IEP Meeting

It is school time, and the first semester is now over for many. This time can be stressful if your child has an IEP. It may seem impossible to parents when they're sitting across a table from a lot of school professionals. Parents may not understand how to put the needs of their child into words that follow the right educational rights. School personnel, on the other hand, may not grasp the concept that the parents may not understand what they are talking about when they talk about specially designed instruction or other resources available to the child. Oftentimes it is a communication issue. Here are some tips that parents can use during an IEP meeting:

· Hire an educational advocate to explain to you what the school terminology is and can also provide the school with your requests in a language that would fit the current IEP or the child's rights.

· Bring a friend or relative to the meeting that knows the child well and can speak about what they see when the child is in other situations outside of school.

· Put everything in writing. Even if you have a conversation with anyone at the school, follow up with an e-mail to summarize the conversation. That gives the other party the chance to respond to clarify or modify what they meant during the conversation.

· If the child is receiving therapies or services from outside agencies, make sure you sign a release of information so that the outside agency can speak to the school district personnel to make sure that the child is receiving parallel services while they are at school.

· Ask the teachers to e-mail you every day or have some communication with you on a consistent basis so that you can modify how your child is doing in school. Progress reports come out at the end of each quarter; however, you don't want to wait until then to discover a problem.

· Remember that everybody is there to help your child. In very few of the cases the school district does not wish to work against you. As previously stated, there may be miscommunication or what you're seeing at home they may not be seeing in school.

· Whenever possible, and appropriate, please include your child within the IP meeting especially when they are in the higher grades. Not only can the child answer questions as to what it is like during their school day, but they can also learn to advocate for themselves.

· Whenever you find yourselves at a crossroads, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. Our agency is always available if needed.

Have a great school year!

Message from the Executive Director

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 17:06:10 GMT

Happy Fall!!

Hello all! Happy Fall!

In my first few months at DEC, I have had the opportunity to meet some of you. I am looking forward to meeting more of you soon.

I am excited to be a part of this wonderful organization and grateful for working with such a great team, including all of you. I have always heard the phrase that it takes a village to raise a family. During my time here, although short, I realize that DEC is a family and I want to continue to foster that and make our family bigger and stronger!

We have had a picnic in each county and that was a blast! I will be providing more opportunities to do. The first of those activities will be our PEERS group in Lancaster on the second Tuesday of the month at 11:00 AM in our Lancaster office. For those in Lebanon, do not worry, a group will be announced for you soon! The PEERS group is intended to provide support to the consumers and have fun activities to do. If you are interested in joining contact me at jnagle@decpa.org .

Save the date for DEC the Halls this year! It is on December 7 ^th at Melhorn Manor. Invites will be sent out soon. Also, in the near future we will be starting an advocacy group called DECAG – DEC Advocacy group. (The group may choose to change the name later) - more to come!

Keep coming back to view our blog on our website and if you are interested to sign up for email communications, please do so on the website www.decpa.org

Jaclyn

Boscov's Friends Helping Friends

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 16:56:48 GMT

Help DEC by SHOPPING!!

The Disability Empowerment Center is participating in Boscov's Friends Helping Friends again this year. We are selling Shopping Passes for $5 that can be used in any Boscov's store on October 19. The pass entitles you to 25% off in store. While shopping you can register to win a $100 Boscov's gift card. 100% of your donation comes directly back to Disability Empowerment Center, For Shopping Passes or more information, contact Katrina Stirn -Kstirn@decpa.org or 717-394-1890 ext 301.

🦋 Malin Monarchy 🦋

Mon, 02 May 2022 13:00:10 GMT

DEC Consumers Help To Grow the

Monarch Butterfly Population

413 Families Volunteer to Restore Monarch Butterfly Habitat Across the U.S.

In late December 2020, a very kind Lancaster Newspaper writer named Ad Crable called us, Malins Monarchy (a husband and wife duo) to make inquiries about the fate of the Monarch Butterflies. We had been trying for months to find common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) seedling plugs.

However, we discovered that common milkweed was extremely hard to find for Spring 2021. Once the pandemic hit, it looked like there was not much hope to find common milkweed locally or on the internet for the spring. We decided to share with Ad Crable our perception that there is hope for the Monarch Butterflies migration. We told him that for it to continue there would have to be a widespread commitment by local folks everywhere planting gardens and fields with milkweed.

Milkweed has been the ONLY plant the monarchs have laid their eggs on for 10 million years. This milkweed has been drastically reduced nationwide due to excessive use of weed killers such as RoundUp. So at the end of the phone interview, Linda finished with a laugh and an offer - “Tell your readers that if they send me a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope), we have common milkweed seeds to share from last year’s garden”.

Ad Crable asked, “What if folks send you envelopes?” We assured him that our little patch that had started from 10 plants would provide a dozen seeds per person. We have had many articles about our monarchs and our efforts to sustain them over the last 25 years, but this article was like the proverbial 2 loaves and 5 fishes.

Mixed in with our Christmas cards, the letters from you began arriving with bright Christmas stamps! We had our first 3 letters in a couple days. Then right after New Year’s there were 32 letters in our mailbox. By the end of the first week of 2021, there were 81 more requests!

By February 14 (celebration of our love affair with each other and Monarchs) we had 400 letters from many folks all over the country asking for our local (unsprayed/unpoisoned) milkweed seeds.

We read each one of your precious notes and letters. We enjoyed your hand-colored pictures and photographs.

On Feb. 27th (2 months after our article was published) we opened each of your SASE and sent off our response. We sent a letter answering many of your questions to all 413 of you gentle folks. We filled little plastic baggies with milkweed seeds and a photo of one of our local seed pods.

We included a small photo card showing how to start the common milkweed. Some of you asked for just 5 seeds to start, while others asked for enough safe seeds for an acre of land!

We smiled at how much you all hoped our little garden would provide common milkweed for folks all over this country. In our letters to you we enclosed our email address, so if you wished to share questions or stories or photos or outcomes, we’d be able to read and be encouraged!

You see, a few months before Christmas I had a full right side stroke. We have now added wheelchair walks down and up the driveway to my 2 ½ hour therapy sessions several times a week. I re-learned to use my right hand to open your letters.

In kindergarten-print I wrote the numbers on your envelopes, and with great limited mobility I counted out the seeds. I took off the fluff and put a dozen or so in each little bag along with the letters my hubby printed out. A loving thanks to my hubby and special thanks for those of you who sent surprise “butterfly bucks” and gifts like extra stamps to share with those who needed! Your stories and notes inspired me to keep bringing letters home and packing up your SASE!

Most of the story is yet to be written - I have a long rehab in front of me, but I have your wonderful memories of past fields of butterflies to fill my mind. It has been a love story between 413 strangers and a mom and pop mission and a wonderful orange and black butterfly. It has been an adventure story, a historical novel of a different land with rural settings. It has been a delightful children's story of classroom jars and tanks with butterfly eggs. It has been a vocab list of new words and math equations of hectares, and science discoveries of life 10 million years ago.

In the midst of the pandemic, families and neighbors will be outside this spring tilling soil and planting zinnia seeds for nectaring butterflies of all species. The pandemic has changed much in this year, but human beings still care for nature in loving ways.

Today my hubby came running back to the house to report - “There are no more seed request letters!” and I smiled and reminded him we don’t get mail on Sundays …

Link to story on Fox 43: https://www.fox43.com/article/news/local/contests/lancaster-center-provides-people-with-disabilities-camping-memories/521-9bff51a8-91a5-4d0b-9e58-6154d0520d63

*Original post found here . A special thanks to Monarch Malins for allowing us to share their blog with you.

Welcome Home Wanda!!

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 13:00:08 GMT

A New Home for Wanda!!

Home in time for Christmas! After almost 4 years in a nursing facility, Wanda is home with her loving family. On her way out of the building she yelled "WOOHOO!" She couldn’t say, "Gracias" enough during our meeting today, Monday, December 26, 2021. She kept saying "thank you, thank you, thank you."

Wanda originally entered the facility for wound care after cancer surgery. She is well-healed now, but due to COVID she had been quarantined and had not been walking, which caused her to become weak. Wanda's daughter and personal assistant dedicated their time to help Wanda through the rehabilitation process in order to increase her level of strength so that she could return home. She is already moving better!

Just before Christmas 2021, when entering her apartment, which is right next door to her daughter, son-in-law and 5 grandchildren, she was amazed. She said it looked like it was out of a magazine! Wanda's whole family reiterated that it will be a very special Christmas this year!!

The Disability Empowerment Center (DEC) is the Center for Independent Living serving Lancaster and Lebanon Counties in Pennsylvania. Stay tuned for more information on the Disability Empowerment Center as well as Centers for Independent Living!

In Memoriam

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 21:09:17 GMT

Dan Stroup August 4, 1958 – January 15, 2022

Dan came to Disability Empowerment Center (DEC) on a whim. He stopped in one day to drop off some of his business cards for his Tutor Doctor business and was invited to join us for lunch by Barb, who, during that conversation recruited him as a board member. Shortly thereafter, he was initially chosen as interim Director, and ultimately Executive Director when DEC’s previous director moved on. He quickly became the ‘captain of our ship’ and taught us all so much during his time here.

Dan grew up in Perry County. Even early in his career, he was dedicated to serving people with disabilities. He worked as a Direct Care Professional for CSG, Shadowfax Corporation, and Bell Socialization. In 1999, he founded Typical Life Corporation in York, PA and was there for over 15 years as the Executive Director. He also started a business providing in-home tutoring services through his company, The Tutor Doctor, Lower Susquehanna Valley.

Dan loved spending time creating short films with his family, going to Penn State football games, and fishing. He was a kind, sincere leader who always had a joke to lighten the mood if it needed to be. He wanted to do good with not only our consumers, but to anyone who needed him. Rest in Peace, Dan.

www-decpa-org-all-access

Empowering Lives

Erin's Journey with the Disability Empowerment Center

Celebrating Empowerment: DEC's Awareness Event at Eden Resort

Remembering Dan

Always in Our Hearts

From Caregiver to Liberated Individual

Mr. Folk’s Journey Out of a Nursing Home

Remote supports with Safe in Home

Empowering independent living on your own terms

DEC Mourns the Passing of Judith Heumann

December 18, 1947 -March 4, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving from DEC!!

A Thanksgiving Message

The Beauty of Support

Tips for an IEP Meeting

Tips for an IEP Meeting

Message from the Executive Director

Happy Fall!!

Boscov's Friends Helping Friends

Help DEC by SHOPPING!!

🦋 Malin Monarchy 🦋

DEC Consumers Help To Grow the

﻿ Monarch Butterfly Population

Welcome Home Wanda!!

A New Home for Wanda!!

In Memoriam

Dan Stroup August 4, 1958 – January 15, 2022

Monarch Butterfly Population