Raeann Walquist ’20
Assistant Editor
LVC students now have the chance to earn service hours and even find employment opportunities with Kaleidoscope Family Solutions.
Kaleidoscope Family Solutions provides services under government-funded waivers to support adults with intellectual disabilities or autism. Kaleidoscope aims to help teach individuals new skills and increase their independence.
“Kaleidoscope is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of families and individuals so they can construct a colorful experience in their life’s journey,” Andrea Hostetter, recruiter for Kaleidoscope Family Services, said.
Kaleidoscope is currently looking for direct support professionals to provide in-home and in-community services and provide positive change for adults and families.
“They work with the individuals to transfer skills of daily living like cooking, cleaning, volunteering, participating in social activities, exercising and money skills to help the individuals become as independent as possible,” Hostetter said.
Students can continue to work with Kaleidoscope during winter and summer breaks either in the Lebanon area or in a city near their hometown.
“We are always looking for direct support professional to work one-on-one with the individuals around the Lebanon area,” Hostetter said. “We also provide services all across the state of PA and surrounding states if students would be looking to continue work over school breaks.”
Kaleidoscope Family Services offers many outings and excursions for the individuals they work with making the job both rewarding and exciting.
“The most exciting part of being a direct support professional is watching the growth of skills that you are helping a person learn in order to achieve independence,” Hostetter said. “Kaleidoscope puts a lot of time and effort into social activities to provide a fun, yet safe environment. This year we went to Hershey Park, Dorney Park, Ocean City New Jersey, the Philadelphia Zoo and we have an overnight camping trip coming up next week.”
There are a few requirements for students who would like to work as a direct support professional. They must have a vehicle, a valid driver’s license, proof of auto insurance, valid vehicle registration and must pass a background check. Students who are interested in working as a direct support professional can reach out to Hostetter at ahostetter@kfamilysolutions.org