Our Mission

Using Sanctuary practices and principles, we help youth and families overcome adversity and build positive futures within a safe, Christian environment that respects and promotes individuality and strengthens community.

Catholic Charities

Harborcreek Youth Services is affiliated with Catholic Charities, Diocese of Erie. Admissions, provision of services, and client referrals are made without regard to race, color, religious creed, disability, ancestry, national origin (including limited English proficiency), age, or sex.

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Erie

Our Program

Harborcreek Youth Services is a fully accredited child and family social service agency recognized for achieving the highest standards of professional practice in child residential treatment services and family preservation and treatment services.

GED/WORK EXPERIENCE

A General Educational Development (GED) program is available to clients who have experienced little or no success in traditional educational settings, whose age suggests they will not complete their formal education, or whose placing agencies have requested that they be assigned to the program. Clients study independently in a guided classroom setting and/or in extensive homework contracts in preparation for taking the GED.

The Work Experience Program (WEP) was established as a part of the agency's educational program for clients who have already earned a diploma or a GED. It also accepts clients who are studying for a GED.

WEP enables clients to

Gain valuable work skills
Develop a positive work ethic
Develop skills for independent living
Earn money for restitution or savings
Enhance their self-perception
Earn a GED.

WEP emphasizes work experience; therefore, most of the clients' time is spent on job sites. While it is more important to develop a good work ethic than to acquire specific job skills, WEP participants gain valuable experience in a variety of fields. These include commercial kitchen/laundry, housekeeping, landscaping/lawn maintenance, general maintenance, painting, demolition/salvage, woodworking, auto detailing, basic construction and general labor.

For the past several years, WEP clients have volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. In this capacity, clients gain a wealth of knowledge related to construction and building rehabilitation; however, Habitat for Humanity projects are much more than opportunities to acquire new skills. Of equal importance is the lesson that all of us have an obligation to contribute to our communities and to help those in need. WEP participants donate an average of 80 to 120 hours a month to Habitat for Humanity and we look forward to maintaining a positive relationship with that organization for many years to come.

The overwhelming majority of clients who participate in WEP leave Harborcreek Youth Services with feelings of confidence, pride and satisfaction in what they have accomplished.

For more information about the GED and Work Experience Programs, contact Len Lombardo, Director of Service Delivery, at (814) 899-7664, Extension 307.