The
Venango Training & Development Center, Inc. (VTDC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant through the
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) to provide project management and technical assistance for a statewide
Fairweather Lodge (FWL) Project Expansion initiative.
Funded through federal
Money Follows the Person resources and state matching funds, this initiative will support the recruitment and development of
five new Fairweather Lodges across Pennsylvania over the next two years, from
October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2028.
As part of this effort, VTDC will partner with the
Coalition for Community Living (CCL), a national organization dedicated to supporting, promoting, and certifying Fairweather Lodges throughout the United States. Together, VTDC and CCL will provide guidance, training, and technical assistance to community providers interested in establishing new lodges and expanding community-based housing and recovery opportunities.
With the support and direction of
OMHSAS and the partnership of
CCL, VTDC will work to strengthen Pennsylvania’s behavioral health system by increasing access to supportive, community-integrated housing options for individuals living with serious mental health challenges. The Fairweather Lodge model promotes recovery, independence, peer support, employment, and long-term community living through a unique combination of cooperative housing and shared responsibility.
“This project represents an important opportunity to expand recovery-oriented housing and support services throughout Pennsylvania,” said
Colleen Stuart, C.E.O. “We are honored to partner with OMHSAS and the Coalition for Community Living to help bring the proven Fairweather Lodge model to more communities across the Commonwealth.”
Organizations interested in learning more about the Fairweather Lodge Project Expansion and opportunities to participate are encouraged to contact VTDC for additional information.
About VTDC
The Venango Training & Development Center, Inc. is committed to strengthening communities through training, technical assistance, workforce development, and innovative programs that improve quality of life and expand opportunities for individuals and organizations throughout Pennsylvania.
Contact:
Colleen Stuart, CEO
Venango Training & Development Center, Inc.
814-676-5755, Ext. 140
www.vtdc.org
