Independent Living Skills Training
Cooking, budgeting, laundry, getting around town: the everyday skills that decide whether you run your own life or someone runs it for you. We work one-on-one with people with disabilities in Cumberland, Dauphin, Juniata, Mifflin, and Perry counties until the skill is yours.
What we work on together
Cooking: planning meals, shopping for groceries, and using kitchen equipment safely
Laundry, cleaning, and keeping a home in shape
Budgeting, paying bills, and using a bank account
Filling out housing applications and understanding what a lease commits you to
Job applications, resumes, and getting ready for an interview
Getting around on your own using public transit and paratransit
Keeping track of medications, appointments, and a weekly schedule
Using a phone, computer, or assistive technology to do any of the above
You pick what to work on. We don’t decide for you, and that’s the whole point.
How it works
Reach out. Call, email, stop by the office, or send us a message through our Contact page. If you’re 18 or older, you can reach out yourself. Under 18, a parent or guardian makes the request.
Meet in person. Every service at Thrive starts with an in-person intake. We’ll meet at our office, your home, or out in the community, whichever works for you. (Intakes are not done over the phone or by video)
Set your goals. You and your Independent Living Specialist write down what you’re working toward, break it into steps, and meet one-on-one for as long as it’s useful.
You decide when you’re done. When you’ve hit your goals, services wrap up. If you want to come back later, the door stays open.
Who we work with
Independent Living Skills Training is for people with disabilities who live in Cumberland, Dauphin, Juniata, Mifflin, or Perry counties. Any disability counts: physical, intellectual, sensory, learning, or mental health. You don’t need a diagnosis on file or a referral from anyone.
There’s no age limit, but there is a better fit for some people. If you’re between 14 and 24, our Youth Transition program covers skills training alongside career exploration and self-advocacy. Call and we’ll point you to whichever one makes more sense.
Training happens where the skill lives. Some of it works fine at our office. Cooking goes better in your own kitchen, and learning a bus route means riding the bus. We go where it makes sense.
A few things to know
It’s free, and it starts with an intake. Skills training costs nothing. Like every Thrive service except Information & Referral, it begins with an intake.
The intake has to happen in person. We’ll meet at our office, your home, or out in the community, whichever is easiest. It isn’t done by phone or video.
At 18 and older, you can request services yourself. Under 18, a parent or legal guardian must make the request and approve services.
There’s no set curriculum. We don’t run classes. Every plan is built around what you said you wanted to be able to do.
Tell us how you need to receive information. Large print, a phone call instead of email, an interpreter: say so when you reach out, and we’ll accommodate.
Ask us your question
The fastest way to get an answer is to call (717) 731-1900, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. If you’d rather write, send us a message, and we’ll get back to you.
Phone: (717) 731-1900, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
Email: office@thrivecil.org
In person: 2601 Herr Street, Harrisburg, PA 17103
Leave a message outside of office hours, and we’ll return it the next business day.
Thrive’s other core services
Independent Living Skills Training is one of five. Information & Referral, Peer Support, Advocacy, Youth Transition, and Nursing Home Transition round out what Thrive does.