The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development received a $20,000 grant from the Lancaster County Community Foundation as part of the Shaping Tomorrow Next Generation Awards. The Schreiber Center will use the grant to expand its Independent Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Program, which equips teens and young adults with developmental challenges with the practical life skills needed to live more independently and confidently as they transition into adulthood and enter the workforce.

The IADL Program provides participants with hands-on experience in essential tasks such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, budgeting, and job readiness. For many, these skills are the key to transitioning from dependence on caregivers to a life of self-sufficiency. By focusing on areas like decision-making, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication, the program also prepares participants for the workforce, helping them integrate into society as active and contributing members.

Beyond learning how to manage daily responsibilities, participants seek to build confidence in their ability to take control of their futures. Many graduates of the program go on to pursue employment and further education. This increased self-sufficiency not only benefits the individuals, but can also have a positive ripple effect throughout the community, reducing the reliance on social support systems and enabling participants to contribute economically and socially.

The recently awarded grant will enable the Schreiber Center to expand the IADL program from two cohorts to four annually, ensuring more young adults have the opportunity to participate. The funding will cover the costs of program essentials, staffing, and social integration opportunities. Expenses to be covered include hygiene kits, group dinners that simulate social outings, and allowances for participants to practice budgeting and shopping.  

The Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development provides family-centered education and therapy programs for infants, children, and adolescents with disabilities, developmental delays, and acquired injuries. The center's goal-oriented approach is designed to maximize each child's ability to function independently within the community.