​What is life sharing?
It can be an existing family or a single person who is managed by an agency.
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How does it work?
The goal is to find the right match that is compatible. They enjoy doing the same things, similar lifestyle pace, similar values, etc. When evaluating a host, you can ask the reason why they would like to do this, what the home is like, religious beliefs, pets, finances and is everyone involved on board with sharing their life with someone with a disability.
The host family or host person is an independent contractor of the agency. Many are licensed and some can be unlicensed like in the case of extended family but they still have to follow the agency rules. The person with the disability must have their own bedroom.
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The first visit in meeting with a host family is usually in the office and the second visit can be in the home.
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Why would someone consider life sharing?
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Providers:
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Access Services
Where: 3975 Township Line Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020-4200
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CARES
Community Day program includes volunteering, pre-vocational, health/wellness, and recreational.
Delta Community Supports
Lehigh County
Call: (215) 654-1000
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Keystone Human Services
Where: Lehigh and Northampton Counties
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Merakey
Where: 3864 Adler Pl, Bethlehem, PA 18017
Call: 610-866-8331
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PA Mentor
Where: 3450 High Point Blvd Suite 160, Bethlehem, PA 18017
Call: 610-867-3173
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Community Services Group (CSG):
Offers a Lehigh Valley IDD Program Where: 320 Highland Drive, Mountville (Lancaster)
Offers Project Opportunity
Where: 7310 Tilghman Street, Suite 300, Allentown