Prevocational Services

MCAR has four prevocational sites - three sites on our campus in Hermitage and one site in Greenville. Individuals who attend any one of these workshops are involved in the process of "prevocational services". The overall goal of prevocational service is to develop work skills and work attitudes that the individuals can use to progress to a higher level of vocational placement whether that is in the prevocational setting or in a competitive placement in the workforce. The individual and his/her Interdisciplinary Team develop an Individual Support Plan each year. At this meeting, the team discusses the individual’s goals for the coming year and plans accordingly.

Different work sites and work opportunities are discussed below.

Adult Training Facility

    Individuals involved in this program will participate in a variety of degrees of teaching and learning.  Individuals will be taught daily living skills, completion of task, community integration, and engaging in the most fundamental task.   The objective to this program is to assist individuals in everyday learning and promote a positive learning environment. 

Furniture Refinishing

MCAR’s Furniture Refinishing Department has been refinishing furniture for members of the community for decades. Individuals strip and stain the furniture by hand then spray on a polyurethane finish. The individuals who refinish furniture have good eye hand coordination, can to identify the grain in the wood, and know how to apply just the right amount of pressure when sanding. Customers are extremely pleased with the finished product as we have many repeat customers. In addition to refinishing furniture for private citizens, MCAR does refinishing work for area businesses and churches.

Subcontract Work

Individuals in MCAR’s prevocational center complete a wide variety of subcontract jobs for area business and industry. Subcontract work includes, but is not limited to, collating, packaging, assembly, heat sealing, labeling and mailing. We also have two subcontracts for PIBH – Pennsylvania Industries for the Blind and Handicapped.

The first of these subcontracts involves refurbishing historical markers for the state of Pennsylvania. Each year the PA Historical Commission identifies those historical markers across the state that are in need of refurbishment. Our staff travels across the state to pick up the identified markers and bring them back to MCAR’s Hermitage campus. The first step is to drill and retap the holes, then sandblast the markers to remove the old paint. Next the blue background color is sprayed on in the furniture-refinishing booth. Individuals then repaint the yellow lettering by hand.

The second PIBH contract involves assembling sign stand holders used by construction crews. These sign stands are the only ones approved for use on jobs contracted by the state of Pennsylvania. The finished signs are shipped to construction companies across Pennsylvania.

Greenhouse

MCAR’s newest venture is our recently constructed greenhouse. Individuals are able to explore their interests in horticulture and find out just how green a thumb they possess. We grow our own vegetables and flowers that the individuals can sell to their families and the community.

Volunteer Opportunities

Our individuals have been very receptive and enthusiastic about volunteering in the community. Volunteer experiences have helped to develop self-esteem and a positive presence in the community. Individuals volunteer at area hospitals, nursing homes, Prince of Peace, Salvation Army and Good Shepherd. Our individuals work as greeters, companions, and receptionists.