The Westmoreland Food Bank will partner with Achieving True Self on strategies to help recruit and support individuals with Autism and Intellectual/ Developmental Disabilities through a training session held on April 28, 2022.

Achieving True Self (ATS), located locally in Irwin, PA offers behavioral health treatment with a strong family systems approach in assessment and treatment of persons with autism and behavioral health diagnoses. ATS team members focus on the transference of skills throughout all stages of treatment to support the ultimate independence of the individual served, their family, and their surrounding community. Achieving True Self is increasing its offerings to the community, including the expansion of trainings and consultation opportunities for public and private schools and the development of the first ATS Center for Achievement.

The Food Bank has long welcomed persons with autism and intellectual disabilities to volunteer at its Delmont warehouse. The organization is poised to adjust its volunteer and employee recruitment approaches and educating food bank staff on the support strategies for working with autism and intellectual disabilities can help match the needs of both groups.

The autism and intellectual disability community offers unique skill sets of untapped talent that can fill gaps in the Food Bank’s existing work structure. Food Bank staff are eager to learn more about how we can work to bridge this gap, support these communities, and further advance our mission.