A Closer Look at EIG's Community Participation Support

Community Participation Support (CPS) is one of EIG's many growing services, but it's also one of the most misunderstood.

When many people hear "CPS," they think of community outings or volunteering. According to Lynn Yocum, Director of Community Participation Support at EIG, that's only part of the story.

"Community Participation Support is about helping people become active members of their communities," Lynn explains. "Volunteering is one way we do that, but our goal is to help individuals build confidence, develop meaningful relationships, strengthen pre-vocational skills, and work toward their own personal goals. That means the activities they partake in are determined by what aligns best with their skill building goals and interests."

That philosophy closely reflects how the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) defines Community Participation Support. ODP describes CPS as a service that promotes community inclusion by helping individuals participate in meaningful activities based on their interests, strengths, and goals while developing skills that support greater independence and future competitive employment.

At EIG, that isn't just the definition we follow, it's the foundation of our program.

Meeting People Where They Are

Lynn believes every successful CPS experience begins with understanding the individual.

"No two people have the same goals," she says. "Our job is to meet people where they are and build opportunities around what matters to them."

Rather than placing everyone into the same schedule of activities, our team takes the time to learn each person's interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Some individuals want to build employment skills through volunteering. Others want to become more involved in their community, make new friends, explore hobbies, or simply gain confidence trying something new.

Every plan looks different because every person is different. When appropriate, EIG also provides one-on-one Community Participation Support, allowing experiences to be tailored specifically to the individual's needs. For those who enjoy learning alongside others, peers may be intentionally paired together to encourage teamwork, social interaction, and lasting friendships.

Relationships matter just as much as the activities themselves. That's why every participant and staff member has the opportunity to meet before services begin, helping ensure a comfortable fit from day one.

Purposeful Community Participation

One of the biggest misconceptions about CPS is that it's simply about filling someone's day.

For Lynn, every activity should have a purpose.

"We're focused on making sure activities truly fit the individual and aren't just assigned because they're available" 

Whether someone is volunteering at a local nonprofit, attending a community class, exploring a museum, joining a hobby group, or spending time outdoors, every experience is chosen with the individual's personal goals and skill building needs in mind.

Just as importantly, Lynn says CPS creates opportunities for something many people overlook.

"We want individuals to develop relationships with people who aren't paid supports; people who become genuine friends and mentors. We want to help them develop a real sense of community through natural interactions."

Those natural supports often become some of the most meaningful outcomes of the program.

A Growing Network of Community Opportunities

Since launching just over a year ago, EIG's Community Participation Support program has continued to grow and currently serves many individuals throughout the Pittsburgh region.

Participants now have access to a growing network of community organizations, volunteer sites, businesses, educational opportunities, and recreational activities that can be matched to their individual interests and goals.

Community opportunities include organizations such as Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Dress for Success Pittsburgh, Rainbow Kitchen, Pittsburgh Mercy, Animal Friends, Little Sisters of the Poor, Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, Phipps Conservatory, Carnegie Museums, Hollow Oak Land Trust, Communicycle, and many more throughout the region. Our partner list is ever growing, with nearly 100 different opportunities already.

"We don't look for opportunities just because they're available," Lynn explains. "We look for opportunities that make sense for the individual. That's what makes Community Participation Support meaningful."

One of our individuals at the Forest Hills Farmers Market

Success Looks Different for Everyone

Sometimes success means developing the social skills to make a new friend, or becoming more comfortable in the community. 

For one individual heavily involved in EIG's CPS program, success meant participating in volunteer experiences that helped develop the confidence and pre-vocational skills needed to pursue competitive employment. As of June of this year, they and their team felt confident enough in their skills to begin working with staff toward obtaining traditional competitive employment in the community.

While every person's journey is different, this is just one example of the meaningful progress that can happen through individualized Community Participation Support.

Looking Ahead

As EIG continues to grow, so does the vision for Community Participation Support.

One exciting addition on the horizon is Employment Supports, creating a natural pathway for individuals who are ready to transition from developing workplace skills through CPS into competitive employment.

"Our goal is to continue helping people grow," Lynn says. "As individuals reach new milestones, we want EIG to be able to support them every step of the way."

For Lynn, though, the mission will remain the same.

Meet people where they are.

Build on their strengths.

Create opportunities that matter.

Because Community Participation Support isn't simply about participating in the community—it's about helping people build meaningful, independent lives within it.

Interested in Learning More?

Whether you're an individual seeking services, a family member, or a Supports Coordinator looking for a truly person-centered Community Participation Support program, EIG is here to help.

Our team is committed to creating individualized opportunities that build confidence, foster independence, and help each person become an active, valued member of their community.

To learn more about EIG's Community Participation Support program or to make a referral, contact us today.

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