Youth Transition
Life after high school starts long before high school ends. We work with young people with disabilities, ages 14 to 24, across Cumberland, Dauphin, Juniata, Mifflin, and Perry counties to build the skills, confidence, and plan to run their own lives.
What we work on together
Speaking up for yourself in IEP meetings, at work, and at the doctor’s office
Figuring out what you’re good at, then job shadowing, applications, and interviews
Applying to the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, with hands-on help from us
Cooking, laundry, budgeting, managing medications, and keeping a schedule
Getting around on your own using public transit
What it takes to live on your own, and how your benefits work once you’re earning
Volunteering, recreation, and building a life beyond school and work
Peer mentoring with a staff member who has a disability too
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 school, 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
Youth Transition is for young people with disabilities between the ages of 14 and 24 who live in Cumberland, Dauphin, Juniata, Mifflin, or Perry counties. Any disability counts: physical, intellectual, sensory, learning, or mental health. You don’t need an IEP, a diagnosis on file, or a referral from anyone.
Parents, guardians, and school staff are part of this. Transition planning in Pennsylvania starts at age 14, and the IEP is only part of it. School handles the academic side. We handle what comes after: the living skills, the self-advocacy, and the practice a young person needs before school supports go away. We attend IEP meetings when we’re invited and coordinate with transition coordinators and special education staff.
A few things to know
It’s free, and it starts with an intake. Youth Transition 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 school, 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.
We’re federally funded, so we don’t lobby. We can explain how a system works and help you advocate for yourself inside it.
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
Youth Transition is one of five. Information & Referral, Peer Support, Independent Living Skills Training, Advocacy, and Nursing Home Transition round out what Thrive does.