Contact Information
Community of Practice Lead:
Valerie Flickinger, Program Specialist
vflickinger@mercercountypa.gov –
Office phone number – 724-662-3800 x2309
Paulette Benegasi, AE Director, Mercer Co MH/ID
Margaret Augustyn-Williams, Program Specialist
Website/social media links
Check out upcoming events at:
County of Mercer Mental Health and Intellectual Disability Department (mercercountypa.gov)
Communication and Meetings Structure
CoP meeting is held the 4th Thursday of the month at 10am – 11:30am in person. The Mercer Co Employment Coalition is a subcommittee of the CoP. Please contact Valerie Flickinger for more information on location as it may change from time to time.
Goals, next steps or actions plans
Mercer County’s goal is to have a diverse collaborative that works to support and advocate for individuals with ID/AA and their families. To work towards an EveryDay Life that includes community engagement and integration, increase social capital and overall wellbeing.
Next step is getting to speak to families sooner then transition age. Families need to hear about supports, providers, the waiver process, OVR, & ODP multiple times before the message is received. Families can be overwhelmed and just trying to survive day to day & not thinking about the future of their loved one who has an ID/Autism diagnosis.
AE/SCO/Provider/DHS/Broad Community Partners Represented within Collaborative:
Mercer County MH/ID
City of Hermitage
Diversified Family Services (DFS)
Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV
Mercer County Behavioral Health Commission
OVR
SAU1
St. Michael’s Harbour
The Arc Mercer County (MCAR)
TEM Care Behavior Health
PA Career Link & West Central Job Partnership
PA Family Network
Professional Habilitation Services (PHS/Erdos)
Whole Life Services
Youth Advocate Programs (YAP)