Collaborative Activities

Collaborative and outreach programs at Clelian Heights include:

• Continued expansion of the vocational training center through increased contract work with local businesses. Click here to learn more about the Clelian Center business services and the terrific companies that contract with us.
• Development, production and marketing in the community of Captain and Sandy Dog Biscuits and Clelian Scentsations Soap made by the Clelian Center workers.
• A combination and extension of efforts with area businesses and private foundations to expand the Clelian Center supported employment and job-coaching program.
• Expansion of the school “Transition to Work” program to include many service groups in the local community. Led by the Transition-to-Work Coordinator, students ages 14-21 enter the world of work by filling volunteer positions and experiencing a variety of service jobs in the community.  Partnerships include: St. Vincent DePaul Store; Delmont Library; Christian Layman Corps; Christ Episcopal Church; The American Red Cross; Westmoreland County Food Bank; Redstone Highlands; Meals on Wheels; St. Emma’s Retreat Center and a few local businesses such as Chick-Fil-A and The Shaggy Dog.
• Active parent and friends group, FOCHO (Friends of Clelian Heights Organization), dedicated to providing support and information for families as well as actively raising funds annually for special programs.
• Partnerships with local church and civic organizations such as the United Way, Kiwanis, Knights of Columbus, Lions Clubs, and Rotary Clubs.
• Field practicum, observation, service and student-teaching opportunities offered to students from: California University of Pennsylvania, Carlow University, Kaplan Career Institute-ICM Campus, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, St. Vincent Seminary, St. Vincent College, Seton Hill University, University of Notre Dame, University of Pittsburgh, Westmoreland County Community College, and local high school students.
• Summer service outreach opportunities offered to out of state students from Cor Jesu Academy and Sacred Heart Academy during a four week summer session.
• There are active Cub Scout, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, Hands of Friendship prayer group, and a monthly Learning For Life Program—all made possible through dedicated volunteers and local community organizations.
• In partnership with Westmoreland Community College and the University of Pittsburgh, college students sponsor a ‘College Day” for Clelian Heights students on their campuses.
• Participation in the local, regional and State Special Olympics: Golf, Bowling, Skiing, Swimming, Track and Field.
• In-services and workshops for area professionals and families for skill development in various aspects of Special Services particularly in the areas of Communication, Adaptive Curriculums, Adult Vocational programming, Autism, Behavior Management, Medications, Sensory Integration Training, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Waiver Funding.
• Collaboration with support groups for persons with disabilities and their families, providing technical assistance, cooperative training opportunities, use of our facility for meeting space and social activities.
• A partnership program with Seton Hill University Departments of: Music Therapy, Art Therapy, and Special Education.