The Neighbors programs are a collaborative partnership between people with disabilities, their families, CPARC, and UCP Central PA. Neighbors is a unique peer oriented program, using self-determination principles that will meet the needs of a diverse group of people.

The Neighbors programs are funded by the Office of Developmental Programs and all participants have a diagnosis of mental retardation. To be eligible for the program, participants should express a desire to participate and be active citizens in their community. Participation in monthly service projects and donating time and energy to various volunteer projects are an important part of the program. Program participants can live in any of the surrounding counties. Staff are creative and energetic, bringing a fun and enjoyable experience to all who attend.

Located in downtown areas, participants take advantage of the local community. They walk and shop downtown as well as eat in many of the restaurants. In order to remain active, both programs will remain small in the number of participants daily. Located in Carlisle, Hanover Street Neighbors has a staff ratio of one staff for every four participants and will have no more than twelve participants per day. Located in Mechanicsburg, Mechanicsburg Neighbors has a staff ratio of one staff for every three participants and will have no more than twelve participants per day.

While at the programs, participants can choose from a variety of activities. Some participants enjoy using the computer to play games, research information, set up and check e-mail accounts, and type word documents. Many participants also enjoy playing card and board games, making crafts, reading the newspaper, listening to the radio, watching movies, working on educational skills, and socializing with friends.

Many participants are interested in learning to be more independent. At Neighbors some participants are learning cooking and baking skills. Foods that they prepare are sometimes eaten at the program as a lunch or dessert and sometimes donated to others in the community. A washer and a dryer are available for those who want to learn to do their own laundry. Everyone helps to keep the program clean and organized by choosing a job each day that range from taking out the trash, cleaning the bathroom, washing the windows, watering the plants, sweeping, and getting the recycling ready.

The main component of the Neighbors programs is community involvement. Participants are in the community on a weekly basis, some daily. They visit places such as Zoo America, Lake Tobias, City Island for Senators games, Chocolate World, the State Museum, the Historical Society, Wildwood Lake and Kings Gap. Participants also enjoy shopping, going to the library, visiting the parks for walking, picnics, and games, going bowling, going out for ice cream, to the pet stores, movie theaters, and to the Sports Emporium.