Mon Valley Supports Coordination

120 East Ninth Avenue
Homestead, PA 15120

Phone: (412) 464-1545
Fax: (412) 464-3371

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Independent Supports Coordinator (ISC)?
An ISC assists people with mental retardation to recognize and obtain their goals in life. To assist in this self-determination process, the ISC can help develop a variety of support services for the individual and his/her family. Support services can be obtained from numerous agencies throughout the county and/or individuals in the community. Once services are identified, and the referrals made, services are then implemented. Monitoring is completed by the ISC to insure that services are of the highest quality and that identified results are obtained. The ISC works as an advocate for the individual to insure that his/her needs are being met.

What are the eligibility requirements?
To qualify for Supports Coordination services, you must be diagnosed with mental retardation. The onset of this diagnosis must be prior to the age of 22. Children under the age of 3 are eligible for our services if there is a diagnosis of a syndrome or a 25% or greater cognitive or neurological delay that would likely indicate or predict a diagnosis of mental retardation.

How is a referral made?
To make a referral, you can contact Mon Valley Supports Coordination at (412) 464 1545. A personal interview will be arranged at a convenient time and location.

How much does it cost?
There is no cost to the individual for these services.

How does Mon Valley Supports Coordination (MVSC) work within the Community to meet the needs of the individual, his/ her family and the community?
MVSC works in partnership with the community. It provides information for people to make informed choices and to increase their social opportunities. MVSC provides opportunities and services for educational and training activities, a lending library of both resource materials and toys, dances, underwriting a recreational program through the Communtiy College of Allegheny County, summer picnics, and a quarterly newsletter. To receive more information on any of these activities please contact our office.

What is Family Support Services (FSS)?
FSS is a source of funding that provides support to people living in the community. Mon Valley Supports Coordination offers both traditional and cash pay models of Family Support Services. The funding allocated to an individual is determined by the profile scale and the availability of funds.

What are the Eligibility requirements for FSS?
All individuals with mental retardation or developmental delays residing with family members/foster families or living alone within the community are eligible for Family Support Services.

What types of services does FSS typically cover?
FSS can be utilized for the following services but not limited to:

Family Aides
Respite: short term care and supervision of individuals given at the family home or a licensed facility lasting 24 hours or longer
Therapies: speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy and art/music therapy
Recreation
Adaptive Equipment
Mobility Training
Behavioral Consultations
Parent Education and Training

The FSS Coordinator must give approval prior to the implementation of services.

What are the costs for FSS programs?
There are no fees to the individual or his/ her family.

Mission to the Individuals, Families and the Community
The Mission of the Center is to minister to the physical, social, cultural and spiritual needs both of the individual and of the community in such a way as to promote community betterment and desirable citizenship.

Mon Valley Supports Coordination is a division of Rankin Christian Center