Update from the Director

A Season of change and celebration at Strawberry Fields.

As the leaves begin to turn, Fall reminds us change can be wonderful-and here at Strawberry Fields, we are embracing reflection, growth and celebration.

In September, we proudly welcomed the state licensing team from the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) for our annual inspection. We’re pleased to report a successful completion of the licensing process, which included a thorough on-site review and record audit. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our managers and staff, who consistently go above and beyond to ensure compliance and quality care.

With the return of fall routines, our individuals are busier than ever! Activities are in full swing, including Special Olympics bowling, bocce, and swimming. We’re also thrilled to be engaging in Best Buddies, Boy Scouts, and Harmony events as the Penn State semester kicks off. Additional community favorites like Aktion Club, art class, FitLink cardio drumming, and shared meals at Grace Lutheran Church continue to enrich our days.

To celebrate the end of summer, our Whitehall program hosted a fun party in which they created tie-dye t-shirts and played games—a joyful send-off to the summer season!

As we continue our journey with Performance-Based Contracting, we’re wrapping up our first National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) credentialing year. Our goal is to have 8 Front Line Supervisors and 5 Direct Support Professionals certified by November 30, 2025. We’ll soon begin selecting staff for the next cohort, continuing our commitment to professional development and excellence in care.

We’re also making great strides in our integration with Devereux. Our department now benefits from expanded resources, including nursing, psychiatry, and the D-PBIS program—a proactive, preventative approach to creating safe and positive environments. Staff and individuals will begin learning about PBIS in the coming months.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to host our next Family Forum during the first week of November—details will be shared soon, and we hope to see you there!

The holiday season is just around the corner, bringing with it opportunities for connection and celebration. We’re looking forward to Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, and our annual Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 2nd at Park Forest Baptist Church. It will be a festive evening filled with dinner, a gift exchange, and a visit from Santa!

As always, thank you for your continued support of our individuals and the dedicated staff who serve them. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.