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Living with a mental health disability

DEC, an acronym for Disability Empowerment Center, besides being Lebanon’s best kept secret, is an organization based in Lancaster and Lebanon whose mission is to support anybody who has an emotional, physical, or mental disability.

There are multiple ways I’ve personally experienced how DEC has assisted people to become more independent which leads to having a better quality of life.

One of my interactions was very special to me. A few years ago, after my release from a psych hospital, Paula Moyer, my Independent Living Coordinator, inspired my husband and I to start a support group for individuals dealing with the challenges of bipolar. For several years we encouraged people as they discussed their problems and stressors of life. It was so rewarding to see many of them become more confident and gain the ability to move on in life.   

Last Fall, I was employed part time with DEC as an Independent Living Coordinator. For several months I assisted consumers with some of their trials. Paula graciously tried to help me learn the challenging computer system and answer my questions. During that time there, I began to realize the scope of aid and the numerous ways the caring staff at DEC helped people…assisting with a job search, an application for employment, or writing a resume, learning computer skills, finding an apartment, transportation, mediating between a tenant and landlord, attending court to advocate for a consumer, contacting medical professionals regarding medication, refills, appointments, offering benefits to the elderly, helping the consumer come up with viable solutions to a particular problem …and so many other services to help deal with life’s challenges.

The digital literacy classes helped me get more proficient in my computer skills and OVR helped me try to find employment.   

The monthly Circle of Peers that Paula hosts, helps support those of us trying to deal with our challenges. By interacting with others, doing a craft, viewing a video, or just enjoying refreshments, we develop friendships and realize we’re not alone.

I appreciate the compassionate staff at DEC and the many programs that are available there. It’s also comforting to me to know that it’s always there for me and so many others. 

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Empowering Lives: Erin's Journey with DEC

Meet Erin Shenk, a resilient individual whose life took a transformative turn when she connected with the Disability Empowerment Center (DEC). Erin reached out to DEC seeking assistance, support, and guidance during a challenging period in her life. From the moment she connected with DEC, she felt assured by the caring and understanding nature of the team, especially Paula, whose unwavering support became a cornerstone of Erin's journey.

Erin utilized various services offered by DEC, including advocacy and peer support. Paula's advocacy ensured Erin's voice was heard, particularly when she was being over-medicated. The peer support provided Erin with a safe space to share her concerns and receive guidance, especially during the difficult time of losing her husband, Chris, to cancer.

One of the most significant challenges Erin faced was navigating her husband's illness. Paula was there every step of the way, offering support and ensuring Erin didn't face this hardship alone. This support extended beyond emotional comfort; Paula helped Erin obtain waiver services and get involved with community groups like Kathy Circle of Friends and Halcyon, empowering her to believe in herself.

Since connecting with DEC, Erin has gained a newfound sense of independence. She now participates in more activities and lives as independently as possible. Paula's guidance and strength have been instrumental in this transformation, helping Erin stay focused on her goals and believe that all things are possible.

To Erin, empowerment means having control over her own life. DEC has instilled in her the belief that she can achieve her goals, even if it means doing things differently. Erin's story is a testament to the impact DEC can have on individuals' lives, providing them with the tools and support needed to overcome challenges and thrive.

Erin encourages anyone considering reaching out to DEC to do so, describing the organization as wonderful. Her journey with DEC highlights the importance of community support and the profound difference it can make in empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

Feel free to share this story on your social media to highlight the incredible work DEC is doing and the positive impact it has on people's lives!

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Nursing Home Transition

After almost 4 years in a nursing facility we have a coonsumer who is home with her loving family with the support of the Disability Empowerment Center. On her way out of the building she yelled WHOOOOO! She couldn’t say 'Gracias' enough today.  She kept saying thank you, thank you, thank you. She originally entered the facility for wound care after cancer surgery. She is well healed now, but due to COVID has been quarantined a lot of the time recently and hasn’t been walking. This has caused her to become weaker, but her daughter, and personal assistant is determined through rehab and working with her to walk more, She will be moving better soon. 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. Home in time for Christmas the whole family said it will be a very special Christmas this year!!.