C-PARC functions

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Types of Work

CPARC is mainly known and recognized for its work with people with disabilities. The volunteers and employees are present at all times in case of emergencies. They visit with their clients and are involved in the details of their lives. They know about their families and friends and previous experiences. By doing this, the CPARC volunteers and employees have become trusted friends of their clients and in return, give them a sense of belonging. The CPARC workers also distribute medicine and check to make sure their more capable clients are taking their medicine regularly. In the group home, the CPARC workers cook dinner for their clients, make sure that everyone is doing their designated chores such as laundry, and try to maintain a comfortable atmosphere. In the Cluster Apartments, the CPARC workers make sure that each tenant is taking care of himself properly. They also help the tenants by completing certain chores the tenants are unable to do themselves, such as changing light bulbs or repairing an appliance. In the North St Apartments, the CPARC workers check on the tenants on an as-needed basis because many of them are able to function almost entirely on their own. However, the CPARC volunteers and employees still do check on them and help them with chores such as opening their mail and interpreting certain letters and bills.

CPARC also ensures that people with disabilities are granted the same rights and protections as people without disabilities. The organization provides a safe living environment with respectable volunteers and employees who want to see their clients be successful in life and integrated into society. To further accomplish this, they provide counseling for their clients and their families to help cope with the lifestyle and inescapable adversities. Also, the organization has contracts with different businesses within Carlisle that employ their clients. For example, a program with Dickinson College allows their clients to work in the kitchen and Walmart also hires members from CPARC.

A day care center for young children and the elderly with and without mental disabilities is also provided. For the young children, it is a typical day care center where their parents can be confident that their children will be cared for and treated well while they are at work. The center for the elderly is a place where senior citizens are able to spend their day with friends. There are activities planned, such as arts and crafts or trips to the movies and Walmart.