Kiski Valley Opportunities Unlimited, Inc. (KVOU) is a private, non-profit organization contracted with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Office of Development Programs for participation in the consolidated waiver offering Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) and Person/Family Directed Support (PFDS) in the community.
KVOU was incorporated in late 1971 when family members and friends in the Kiski Valley area saw a need for men and women with developmental disabilities to have a voice in how and where they would live their lives. This community group raised monies to purchase a Vandergrift, PA home in 1973 for five men and women to have the opportunity to be an integral part of the community. KVOU has continued to operate this home for nearly 50 years providing opportunities for our individuals to live everyday lives in the community. KVOU operates four additional residential homes in the Kiski Valley area of Westmoreland and Armstrong counties.
KVOU is a small residential provider agency with long term, well trained, knowledgeable, and caring direct care staff providing quality services to the people we support. KVOU is licensed by the Office of Developmental Programs to provide community homes for individuals with intellectual disability or autism under Chapter 6400 Regulations. The agency is proud of the long-standing record of compliance with the 6400 regulations achieving 100% compliance in all programs 8 of the past 13 years since 2010. KVOU is also an Office of Developmental Programs Qualified Provider and has received 100% compliance in the past two Quality Assessment and Improvement (QA&I) on-site audits in 2018 and 2021 and 100% and Fiscal Claims Review audit in 2020.
KVOU is a qualified, PFDS provider offering In-Home Community & Supports Services to developmentally disabled individuals living independently in the local community. This service is available to individuals in their own home or other residential or community settings not subject to licensing regulations. The service is provided to assist individuals in acquiring, retaining, and improving self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills to continue living independently in their community.
KVOU Mission Statement
The Mission of Kiski Valley Opportunities Unlimited is to provide support for individuals with developmental disabilities in their efforts to grow intellectually, spiritually, socially, and emotionally as members of the community. To accomplish this, KVOU will provide a continuum of residential services to support our individuals in achieving greater independence, choice and opportunity in their lives.
KVOU Vision Statement
The Vision of Kiski Valley Opportunities Unlimited is to provide accessible services and supports that are flexible, innovative, and person-centered through continuous planning for every individual served by incorporating their choice, control and freedom over relationships, employment, roles in the community and use of community resources. Our supports will offer stability that changes occur only with their input and permission and in collaboration with the Office of Developmental Programs and other offices affiliated with the Department of Public Welfare during their transitions. Positive Approaches and the principles of Everyday Lives: Making it Happen will be utilized by ensuring individual's likes, dislikes, preferences and goals are communicated in the most effective mode while providing a safe and healthy environment which fosters their continuing growth in achieving greater independence in their homes and community.