Penn Foundation recognizes the power of collaboration and has partnered with two local educational institutions and one fellow non-profit organization to enhance the behavioral health services available to the community.
Pennridge School District
Through its Children’s Community Based Services program, Penn Foundation has been working with the Pennridge School District to provide school personnel with behavioral consultation and education. Clinicians conduct weekly sessions, both one-on-one and in groups, for students at the district’s high school and middle schools who demonstrate at-risk behaviors or emotional issues. They have run a myriad of groups including a school anxiety group, pro-social group, and a group for children who are bullied, among others. Ckinicians have also provided student functional assessments as well as outcome evaluations regarding the work that is being provided.
Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 and Upper Bucks County Area Vo-Tech School
Jack Clark, Supervisor of Autism, Alternative Education, and Life Skills for the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, invited Penn Foundation to participate in a grant the Unit received from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to provide consultative and clinical support services to students at the Upper Bucks County Area Vocational Technical School. Depending on the success of this program, it could expand to satellite locations within the participating school districts (Quakertown, Pennridge, and Palisades).
Indian Creek Foundation
Penn Foundation has entered into a collaborative venture with Indian Creek Foundation (a Souderton-based organization serving children and adults with Autism and developmental disabilities) to provide psychiatric outpatient services to individuals with both developmental disabilities and mental health issues. A satellite outpatient office has been established in an old school house on Indian Creek’s property. “I see this as a win-win situation for both of our agencies,” says Karen Kern, Director of Mental Health Services. “Indian Creek possesses the expertise and experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities while Penn Foundation is strong on the mental health side. We’ve always had a good relationship, and this partnership will enhance the quality of service that our mutual clients are receiving.”
