While our federal government is being reimagined, at the very least, and reinvented as we speak, I had the opportunity to participate in positive and transparent change in Harrisburg.
As the Executive Director of Values Into Action, I was invited to a PA Housing Action Plan Roundtable Meeting in the Governor’s Reception Room at the State Capitol yesterday.
Led by Department of Human Service Secretary Val Arkoosh, a group of Office of Development Programs’ stakeholders including self advocates, provided ideas, information, and input into the PA Housing Action Plan currently being written.
Pictured (left to right): Department of Human Service Secretary Val Arkoosh and Marian Frattarola-Saulino
Thanks to our Housing Transition and Tenancy Sustaining Services Team, including those who use the service, I was able to speak to the importance of people having control over their housing, the importance of employment supports in people being able to afford a home of their own, and the impact the Supportive Housing Pilot is having on people who would otherwise be compelled to live in group homes.
I appreciate the opportunity to share our stories, and to represent the incredible work we are doing to advance choice and control for people accepting ODP services.
Speaking with Secretary Arkoosh afterwards, I thanked her and Governor Shapiro for including the phrase ‘self direction’ in his 2025/26 Budget Address. She called on us to continue our work expanding and enhancing self direction for all.
In an uncertain world where we’re not always clear on who is leading what, and what is actually happening, it’s encouraging to see PA State Government working by, for, and with the people.