HONESDALE, PA — Did you know that Northeast PA has its very own center that serves and supports individuals with disabilities? The Human Resources Center (HRC) was created in 1973 by a group of local professionals along with motivated parents who believed there should be more opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the NEPA region. 

Within its 50 years of service, HRC has grown from a small nonprofit agency with only three employees to a larger group now employing over 400 people throughout the region. These employees are committed to supporting and assisting individuals with disabilities in Carbon, Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna and Wayne counties. 

“Through our diverse program offerings, we empower those we serve to make meaningful life choices, encourage self-advocacy, and promote independence while breaking down the barriers that hinder community inclusion,” according to the center’s mission statement. It also aims to aid individuals in realizing their potential through establishing meaningful relationships and uncovering their interests. Additionally, the center emphasizes that while promoting equality is important, it is also important to celebrate individual differences. 

To learn more about the center and its services, I spoke with Kaitlin Harrison, the marketing director of HRC. “We have a multitude of services that we provide for individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism,” she said.

Harrison then went on to compare HRC to an onion—there are many layers to it. “We have employment, residential and day services. We also have vocational services, so the list really goes on and on when it comes to exactly what services we have,” she explained. 

She also mentioned their Lifesharing program. The program offers a chance for people with disabilities and/or autism to “become part of a nurturing family dynamic,” both a home and a supportive relationship, the HRC website states. The center also offers Community Homes—communal living homes with trained staff on site 24/7.

Additionally, the HRC has a sister agency, known as the Human Resources Foundation (HRF). This foundation primarily aids in financially supporting HRC programs and services. However, HRF also provides grants and awards for nonprofits and charitable organizations throughout NEPA. “Their biggest thing is the home modifications, the grant funding and supporting HRC if we have any need on a financial front,” Harrison said. “Really, what they have ventured out doing is focusing on the elder community… providing grants so that people can remain in their homes, such as [funding] the need to put a ramp on their front porch… Basically we had a little extra need that was identified, and so the foundation was born.”

When I asked if there was anything else Harrison would like to talk about, she immediately pivoted toward NEPA Gives. According to their website, NEPA Gives is “a 24-hour online giving extravaganza that’s all about giving back to the community.” The donations can be made any time from 7 p.m. Thursday, June 6 through 7 p.m. on Friday, June 7. 

Finally, I wanted to ask what some of the most significant outcomes of the work being done at HRC are. Harrison thought for a minute before responding. She mentioned that building a sense of community and awareness are key outcomes. But maybe more importantly: “I would have to go with independence,” she said. “Independence in the sense of people having a stigma surrounding our population… What we’re doing day in and day out is treating them like anybody else, as they should be treated.”