EHCA (Erie Homes for Children & Adults, Inc.)

     EHCA's mission promotes the idea of 'everyday lives,' and sometimes that includes fun trips to amusement parks and baseball games. And sometimes it's the everyday, more 'mundane' moments like cleaning and cooking that stand out even more. It's seeing Nick, who is always on the go, pause for a moment and help Briana vacuum. Nick usually doesn't stay still for long, and it would be so easy for Briana to choose to do this herself. But her role is to empower Nick, and this is his home.   

    Our homes absolutely love cooking and baking together, just like any family would.  This is one of the things that truly gets to the heart of 'everyday lives' for us.  Food really is the great uniter, and differences in abilities don't change that.  Our teams use these moments to build deeper bonds with residents as they engage all senses - the feel of the ingredients, the smells, the sights, the sounds of chopping. 
    
   They adapt each step to accommodate each resident's needs to make sure everyone has the chance to be involved to whatever extent they wish.  We even have adaptive equipment that allows those with limited dexterity to operate appliances (there are posts on our Facebook page that demonstrate)!  While all that is going on, it's also just an everyday dinner moment that ends in sweet potato fries for dinner!

Why EHCA?

     We assist people with intellectual and physical disabilities throughout Erie, Crawford, and Venango Counties.  All programs are personalized for each individual, and we specialize in caring for those who are considered medically fragile. 

     Our Options program works with those living in our homes, living with a caregiver, or living independently to work toward personal goals.  Goals can range from learning basic tasks like cooking or driving to finding employment, planning a trip, making a friend, or any other goal. 

     Project First Step aims to reduce the incidence of preventable developmental disabilities.  It helps women with at-risk pregnancies deliver healthy babies and assists families in creating stable home environments. 

     MOVE (Making Opportunities for Volunteerism and Exploration) is a day program that provides opportunities to get involved in the community, enjoy art in various forms, learn skills, and so much more.  MOVE fosters independence and inclusion by focusing on everyone’s unique abilities and interests.

     Lastly, Life Sharing provides support and services for those caring for a loved one at home or for those wishing to open their home to assist an individual with disabilities. 

     Since our founding in 1912, we have evolved to meet our community's needs while maintaining our commitment to serve the region’s most vulnerable residents.

(Your dollars will go to the EHCA Foundation, which directly supports EHCA's programs.)