Empowering
Independence
The Branch’s Supported Living program promotes independence for those adults living with mental health diagnoses or intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who are able to live independently but need ongoing support. While The Branch does not provide housing, our team of direct-support professionals provides in-home, person-centered support tailored to each individual’s goals and needs. That may be assistance with medication and symptom management or help with budgeting, organizational skills, social skills, education, and more. All Supported Living participants receive one-on-one, in-home coaching to help them live their best lives as valued members of their community.
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what a few of our Supported Living participants have to say:
“I love meeting with staff every week. I find it beneficial because my staff helps me stay independent and helps me a lot.”
—“C,”— Supported Living client
“The Branch helps me with paperwork and other stuff when I need help.”
—“M,”— Supported Living client
“The Branch has helped me with my exercise and learning the computer. I would recommend them.”
—“G,”— Supported Living client
“I feel like I accomplished something. I’m proud of myself!”
—“D,”— Supported Living client
The Branch serves individual Supported Living clients throughout the Pittsburgh area, and provides group services to three HUD-subsidized apartment buildings owned by ACTION-Housing in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh.
Krause Commons, Charles Morris Hall, and Jason Kramer Hall
These HUD-subsidized apartment buildings in Squirrel Hill were developed collaboratively by The Branch and ACTION-Housing. The buildings offer affordable housing to individuals with developmental disabilities who are able to live independently. The Branch staff facilitates group events such as Sabbath dinners, wellness groups, and educational activities. ACTION-Housing provides building management and maintains the waiting lists for occupancy.
If interested in applying to live in one of these halls, please contact Supported Housing Management Services (SHMS) at 412-829-3910.
For more information about Residential Support Services, contact Keely Chuba at kchuba@thebranchpgh.org.
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Building healthy relationships
The Jewish Singles Social Network is a social group for adults with disabilities. It was created when the need for a social group for people living with disabilities who are older than teens but not seniors became apparent. The group meets at the Sally and Howard Levin Clubhouse monthly to plan activities, and The Branch provides the staff advisor.
Activities commonly include:
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Dining at local restaurants
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Attending movies and baseball games
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Hosting game and craft nights
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Walking for exercise in the community or on city park trails
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Shopping trips
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Special holiday celebrations
The group prides itself on its independence. The advisor attends planning meetings, but activities are attended without staff support. Currently comprised of about 20 active members, this member-driven group abides by a code of ethics established by the group itself. It has a board of officers, including a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer/bookkeeper, and an outreach person. Officers are voted in annually through a democratic process.