Transition Academy Social Club

Transition Academy Social Club – 2025 

(Instructions on how to get involved and point of contact per region are provided below)

Friends. Fun. Future.

Having an active social life and maintaining friendships are essential for living a happy life. We all value spending time with friends and enjoying our favorite activities, and social interactions also teach important life skills in a fun, engaging way.

At PA Inclusive, we know how important these opportunities are for everyone in our community. That is why we created the Transition Academy Social Club, an inclusive program where high school students with disabilities can socialize, make memories, and build lifelong skills.

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About the Program

About the Program

The Transition Academy Social Club is for high school students ages 14 to 21 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism and Down syndrome.

Students come together for weekly two hour sessions filled with activities, conversations, and hands-on experiences. The program runs in three 10 week session modules spread over 10 months, providing consistent opportunities to connect, learn, and grow.

Available in all nine service regions (please specify your region when reaching out):

• Available in all nine service regions please specify your region when reaching out

  • Pittston, Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Location: PA Inclusive, 22 East St Suite 3, Pittston, PA 18640

  • Poconos, Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Location: PA Inclusive Poconos, 912 Main St Suite 300, Stroudsburg, PA 18360

  • Schuylkill, Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Location: PA Inclusive Schuylkill, 500 Progress Avenue, Pottsville, PA 17961

  • Lehigh Valley, Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Location: The Portal Comics and Gaming, 321 Woodlawn Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18018

  • Berks County, Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Location: Exeter SHS Library, 201 East 37th St, Exeter, PA

  • Scranton, Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Location: Boys and Girls Club of Northeastern Pennsylvania, 609 Ash St, Scranton, PA 18510

  • Wilkes Barre, Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Location: 36 S Washington St, Wilkes Barre, PA 18701

  • Palmerton, Time: ***********, Location: Palmerton Area Library, 402 Delaware Ave, Palmerton, PA 18071

  • Reading, Time: ***********, Location: 237 Court St Suite 303, Reading, PA 19601

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What Students Experience

• Community Exploration – Visit local businesses, enjoy recreational outings, and discover new places

• Life Skills – Learn cooking, hygiene, communication, problem solving, and other independent living skills

• Job Readiness – Explore career goals, practice interviews, and strengthen workplace communication

• Volunteer Opportunities – Participate in community service projects that give back

• Social Connection – Make friends, enjoy group activities, and hear from inspiring guest speakers

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Our Goals

• Increase self-advocacy by focusing on disability awareness, the transition process, and employment skills

• Teach independent living skills for everyday life in the community

• Prepare for workplace readiness through career exploration, job search preparation, and communication training

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Extra Perks

• Refreshments provided at each session

• Course kit with program materials

• Official Social Club t-shirt for every participant

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Open House Week

We will host open houses Monday, September 15 through Friday, September 19 at locations across our regions. Come meet our team, learn more about the program, and see if the Social Club is the right fit for you.

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Locations and Contacts

Berks County
Mondays, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Initial Referral Contact: Joseph Sabol – jsabol@painclusive.org
📱 724-840-9057

Lehigh Valley (Bethlehem)
Mondays, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Initial Referral Contact: Arsalan Warsi – awarsi@painclusive.org
📱 570-269-5429

Pittston
Tuesdays, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Initial Referral Contact: Anthony Melf – amelf@painclusive.org
📱 570-762-6979

Wilkes-Barre
Tuesdays, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Initial Referral Contact: Anthony Melf – amelf@painclusive.org
📱 570-762-6979

Poconos (Stroudsburg)
Thursdays, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Initial Referral Contact: Arsalan Warsi – awarsi@painclusive.org
📱 570-269-5429

Scranton
Thursdays, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Initial Referral Contact: Anthony Melf – amelf@painclusive.org
📱 570-762-6979

Schuylkill
Thursdays, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Initial Referral Contact: Dave Funk – dfunk@painclusive.org
📱 570-952-1336

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Locations Pending Confirmation

Reading
Initial Referral Contact: Joseph Sabol – jsabol@painclusive.org
📱 724-840-9057

Palmerton
Initial Referral Contact: Dave Funk – dfunk@painclusive.org
📱 570-952-1336

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How to Get Involved

1. Email us at transitionprograms@painclusive.org or contact the Initial Referral Contact for your region listed above

2. Include your name, contact information, and the region you are interested in

3. We will connect you with the program lead in your area to get started

📞 For general questions call (570) 947-6372