ODP Deputy Secretary, Fred Lokuta and Bureau of Autism Director, Nina Wall Visit SPIN!

On Monday November 4th, the Deputy Secretary for ODP and the Bureau of Autism Director from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania spent the afternoon visiting SPIN services. During their whirlwind tour of SPIN and our services they visited with managers, Direct Support Professionals, and individuals SPIN supports to get a first-hand look at how we live our mission and Pillars. The visit began at the Norcom Community Center where Robert told them of the services he receives and we all talked about the innovative services provided in this unique place where people enjoy learning new things and developing skills in a fun social community setting.  While at the NCC Colleen also told our visitors about her experience with employment and we all discussed SPIN’s commitment to employment first for people and shared successes of our Employment Services.

Our second stop was at 10541 Drummond where Justin talked about his many accomplishments and we discussed SPIN’s BHU, our residential service program for people with Dual Diagnosis. We also spent time talking with Fred and Nina SPIN’s commitment to professional and workforce development. Our visitors, the leaders within our Commonwealth of ID and Autism services told us they were incredibly impressed with our overall services and our innovative approaches. They asked SPIN to be a part of statewide workgroups where they are discussing the long range goals for Pennsylvania services, specifically in the area of Employment and Residential Services for People with Dual Diagnosis. This visit showed the leaders in Pennsylvania that SPIN is doing excellent work!