Westchester County Awards $97K Contract to Community Based Services

North Salem, NY — Using a $97,844 contract championed by Westchester County Legislator Erika Pierce, Community Based Services (CBS) now provides innovative transition planning for high school students with disabilities in northern Westchester County. CBS provides community habilitation and respite services for children and adults as well as housing, employment, and day habilitation for teens and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.

The contract enables CBS to fulfill a great need among the 18% of students who have a disability. Transitions are difficult for most individuals and especially difficult for young people with developmental disabilities. Public schools provide services to children with disabilities who, upon reaching the age of 21, must leave the comfortable and nurturing school environment. When an individual reaches 21, the responsibility shifts, and services now must be requested and applied for by the families. Although there are agencies, services, and professionals to assist in the process, these adult services are fragmented. CBS recognized this need and created the Transition Planning service to help families and students.

“Most families are not aware that transition planning needs to start in the early years of high school. With access to transition planning services from CBS, families will be equipped to prepare for, navigate and find suitable support and services for their loved one,” says CBS Transition Coordinator Jennifer Havrilla.

“I have seen firsthand how difficult and disruptive this transition can be for families. Having accessible support through the process, including an understanding of the various steps needed and timelines involved, will be very helpful to families, especially working families. I am excited for the county to be working with CBS to provide this important support and guidance,” says Westchester County Legislator Erika Pierce.

The contract has enabled CBS to add a transition planning coordinator, Jennifer Havrilla, to its Transition Planning Services team. In her role, Jennifer collaborates with schools to better reach students who have an IEP or 504 plan and are aging out of school-based programs. In addition, she works with school personnel and the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities to organize transition fairs. Families who attend the transition fairs will receive information on transition planning, services available to children, adults, and families, and the coordination of services.

“Thank you, Westchester County, and the tireless effort of Erika Pierce. Your support demonstrates your understanding of how crucial this service is to families who have children with special needs. This contract enables us to help them navigate the often-cumbersome process of finding quality services and enrolling them in NY State’s system. Educating families is the priority so that access is made easier,” says Chief Executive Officer Vicki Sylvester, Ph.D.

To learn more about Transition Planning Services and to get started, visit https://commbasedservices.org/transition-planning/.

CBS provides people with autism and other disabilities the best quality of life through residential and community based opportunities. The agency has been enriching lives, providing jobs, and cultivating dreams for people with disabilities since 1981.