Community Connections at Ivy Hill

Photo of Ivy Hill staff with Foundations Community Partnership, a local Bucks County nonprofit that provides funding to community programs.

Ivy Hill is all about community, both inside and outside of the barn. Whenever we can, we aim to collaborate and engage with community members, businesses, and partners, as all of these groups are part of the Ivy Hill family. Some of our community outreach programs include:

NORTH PENN KNIGHTS-IN-TRAINING FOR EMPLOYMENT (KITE):

Creating a Culture of Employment for All: A partnership between North Penn High School and community-based businesses to provide meaningful work experiences in preparing students with disabilities for future employment.

K.I.T.E. intends to: introduce special education students to in-district and community paid and/or unpaid employment settings; expand vocational experience and interests in the community; develop “soft skills,” such as communication and problem-solving; provide opportunities to learn “hard skills,” such as those that can be listed on a resume; offer job coaching supports to decrease dependency and increase endurance; and collect data through evaluation systems that monitor progress.

THE NEXT STEP PROGRAMS

The Next Step Programs offer young adults opportunities to build skills for independence, create new friendships and explore everything our local community has to offer. Our Explore program is a full day community-based program, which includes work-based learning opportunities, social and recreational experiences, and community excursions.

ST LUKE’S, PENN FOUNDATION’S WELLSPRING CLUBHOUSE

This program is a Transitional Employment Program for adults with mental health challenges that have interfered with employment opportunities. This program was started several years ago, and the Wellspring staff and transitional employees have become an integral part of the Ivy Hill Family, helping us to carry out our mission. 

BUCKS COUNTY INTERMEDIATE UNIT SEQUEL PROGRAM

SEQUEL is a part of the BCIU and assists adults with disabilities to explore meaningful leisure, volunteer, and employment opportunities within their community. SEQUEL has been specially designed to be person-centered and growth oriented. We are always excited to work with the BCIU and have these adults spend time at the barn.

PEACEFUL LIVING

Just as no two people are the same, no two days at Peaceful Living are exactly alike. From exploring social and recreational activities, making art, telling jokes, or playing music, there’s never a dull moment in our Day Programs. But most importantly, we provide individuals the opportunity to discover their passions, to express their talents and gifts, and to share enthusiasms in the community.