Who Can Use The Services of Handi-Crafters?

We can help anyone who faces barriers to becoming employed. Our clients include people who have mental or physical disabilities, public assistance recipients and at-risk youth.

Funding
Public or private funding for our services must be arranged before you can participate in one of our programs. There are several agencies that sponsor our clients including the Department of Mental Health/Mental Retardation (MH/MR), Blindness and Visual Services (BVS), the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), the Department of Community Development (DCD), and various school districts. If necessary, Handi-Crafters may be able to help an eligible individual secure sponsorship from one of these organizations.

Admission into our Programs
Anyone seeking admission to Handi-Crafters' programs should contact our Fred Stabene, Vocational Evaluator. All applicants are reviewed by Handi-Crafters' Admissions and Discharge Committee before being accepted. This usually involves a formal assessment to determine if an applicant would be able to benefit from our services.  Handi-Crafters will use its best professional practices to determine acceptance on an individual basis and reserves the right to decide if it has a program that can effectively meet your needs.

The Referral Process
Your referral source should contact Fred Stabene, Vocational Evaluator, and submit a client information packet containing:

· Recent psychological or psychiatric reports
· A list of medications
· Any physical restrictions or other limitations
· A Comprehensive Evaluation Report or an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for students or an Individual Service Plan (ISP) for referrals from the Department of MH/MR

The Intake Interview
You, your family and other team members will then be invited to an intake interview to discuss the following:

· The programs that are available at Handi-Crafters
· The number of days per week you will attend
· Your starting date
· Transportation to and from Handi-Crafters
· Daily lunch arrangements (you may bring your own lunch or buy a meal from our cafeteria)

The interview will include a tour of the agency.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

Health Services
Health Services are provided by a Registered Nurse. The nurse administers medication as well as addressing agency health issues to assure general health and safety.

Transportation
Transportation is the responsibility of the person entering the program.  Chester County Paratransit provides transportation for clients who are eligible for services or funding from the Chester County MH/MR program. Handi-Crafters can help eligible individuals make the necessary arrangements to use the Paratransit service.

For more information, please contact Fred Stabene, Vocational Evaluator, at
610-384-6990 x231 or fred.stabene@handi-crafters.org