Search Results

Shadowfax NEWSand Events 10.07.25 Celebrating 40 years of Shadowfax This year, we proudly celebrated 40 years of empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism in York County. Our anniversary event was an exciting opportunity to welcome guests into our newly renovated spaces, showcase our programs, and celebrate the people and community that make Shadowfax what it is today. Guests enjoyed tours of our new classrooms and learning spaces, designed to expand opportunities in digital literacy, horticulture, art, culinary arts, fitness, and wellness. These spaces reflect our ongoing commitment to providing innovative programs that support growth, learning, and independence for the individuals we serve. A highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of our new mural, Organic Mechanics, designed by Ophelia Chambliss and Luz Marrero. The mural blends the industrial spirit of our building with the human connections at the heart of our work. Gears symbolize teamwork and collaboration, while gladiola flowers represent growth and honor our 40th anniversary. The mural came to life through community painting, with guests contributing to the design by completing sections back at home and installing the final piece in our new classrooms. It stands as a powerful reminder of creativity, connection, and shared achievement. Throughout the day, guests enjoyed program highlights, explored our history, and connected over refreshments and community fun. We are thrilled to continue sharing our expanded programs and services, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will have in the years to come. We extend a special thanks to York Barbell, Cheryl Kugler, Chef M Inc., Nasim & Co., Carla B. Long, Ophelia Fifi Chambliss, Danza Antiqua, Jenny Hill, Devon Tolbert, KJW Creative Design, and everyone who made this event possible. Your support and dedication made our 40th anniversary celebration truly memorable.

Looking Forward to GLY 2026! The Shadowfax Corporation is excited to participate once again in Give Local York / GLY365, York County’s year‑round hub for community giving and nonprofit support. Through GLY365, our mission of building inclusive communities and expanding opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism is strengthened by donors, volunteers, and supporters across the region. In 2025, we were thrilled to raise $8,238 thanks to 101 generous donors! This built on the momentum from 2024, when we raised $5,259 with 106 donors, helping to support programs that empower independence, community connection, and meaningful lives for the individuals we serve. As we prepare for Give Local York / GLY365 2026, The Shadowfax Corporation is gearing up to engage even more supporters and strengthen our impact. Our goal this year is to expand awareness of our programs, build community connections, and continue providing opportunities for growth and fulfillment. GLY2025 Reaching For An Even Brighter Future

Jewel White As a senior-level human resources leader, Jewel believes that employees are our greatest asset, and empowering them to achieve greatness and success is one of her greatest joys. As an HR professional, Jewel has experienced 30 years of exceptional results in leading all areas of human resources, including policy development, program and project management, recruitment and retention, change management, onboarding, training and development, diversity, equity and inclusion, employee relations, and employee engagement. She has held positions in the public and private sectors and for nonprofits. As the Director of People & Culture, Jewel oversees the planning, leading, development, and implementation of HR programs that align with the organization's goals and vision. Jewel was drawn to Shadowfax because of her many years as a volunteer at her church in the Special Needs Ministry, which serves individuals with disabilities of all ages. Jewel holds a master's degree in human resources management and a bachelor's degree in communication arts. A native of Prince George's County, Maryland, Jewel enjoys serving in her church, sports, reading children's literature, and watching classic movies.

Day Program Located on Pattison Street In 2025, our Day Program underwent a complete redesign to better meet the needs of the individuals we serve. With expanded services and a renewed focus on skill-building, the program provides participants with meaningful opportunities to develop independence, confidence, and life skills. Our goal is to create a supportive, engaging environment where every individual can grow, connect with peers, and achieve personal milestones. Through a combination of structured activities, hands-on experiences, and personalized support, our Day Program empowers participants to reach their full potential while fostering a sense of community and inclusion. New Additions To Our Day Program Cullinary Arts Exploring creativity in the kitchen while learning valuable life skills in food preparation, safety, and service. Individuals will gain hands-on experience in culinary techniques that support independence and career readiness. Digital Literacy Digital literacy is vital for employment, health, and social participation. This program empowers individuals to navigate the digital world with confidence, fostering independence, reducing isolation, and creating opportunities for growth and community involvement. Wellness A welcoming hub for mental and physical well-being, offering classes, functional fitness instruction, and nutrition education to support healthier lifestyles and stronger communities. Horticulture Horticulture nurtures growth, sustainability, and community connection. This program empowers individuals to engage in gardening, farm-to-table practices, and innovative techniques, fostering wellness, skill-building, and meaningful opportunities.

BENEFITS PLANNING Our Benefits Planning services support individuals and families in understanding and navigating public benefits while pursuing greater independence and financial stability. Through personalized guidance and education, we help participants make informed decisions about employment, income, and benefits eligibility. Our goal is to reduce uncertainty, promote self-sufficiency, and empower individuals to plan confidently for their future while maintaining access to essential supports. certified benefits counseling Our Work Incentive Practitioner (WIP) certification strengthens our ability to provide accurate, individualized benefits counseling to the people we support. This certification ensures we can clearly explain how employment impacts Social Security benefits, Medicaid and Medicare, SNAP, and other work incentive programs. By offering reliable, person-centered guidance, we help individuals make informed decisions, reduce concerns about losing benefits, and confidently pursue competitive, community-based employment. Associate Director of Employment Oluwadamilola Odubunmi and Associate Director Melanie Watts are our two Work Incentive Practitioner (WIP)–certified team members. Both earned their certification in 2025, strengthening our agency’s capacity to provide accurate, up-to-date benefits counseling and individualized support.

Our Services At Shadowfax, we support services designed to empower individuals and strengthen independence, inclusion, and quality of life. DAY SUPPORTS Our Day Program is for adults who want to learn new skills, connect in the community, grow individually, and achieve personal success. We provide a variety of recreation and social activities to ensure fun and fulfilling days in a comfortable, friendly, and stimulating environment. We have programming to develop kitchen skills for home and work. We offer horticulture experiences, and arts, including mixed media, performing art, and fiber art. We also support wellbeing through health and fitness programming, with regular physical activity in the fitness area. LEARN MORE RESIDENTIAL SERVICES We believe all people should be able to pursue their dreams and have access to a wide variety of opportunities. Our dedicated team supports people in establishing a home — understanding a home is not simply a place to rest one’s head. A home is a place of safety, where you have a voice, the ability to surround yourself with people of your choosing, and the security to express your individuality. LEARN MORE EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS Our Employment Supports Program combines individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism with community partners to provide paid, meaningful employment. We provide support throughout the entire job search process to ensure individuals earn a competitive wage at a job that matches their interests and training, leading to success. LEARN MORE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT At Shadowfax, we understand the importance of being a member of the community, having a valued role, making a contribution to society, and having one’s rights as a citizen fully respected. Working together with our community partners, we are continually seeking meaningful opportunities for the individuals we serve to flourish. We provide the opportunity to build relationships and skills, and contribute to the community, through ongoing volunteering engagements at Meals on Wheels, animal shelters, farms, and other community organizations. LEARN MORE BENEFITS PLANNING As part of our continued commitment to providing comprehensive support, Shadowfax offers Benefits Planning Services. Our certified specialists can assist with navigating complex public benefits and understanding how work can impact them. We provide in-depth guidance on the employment journey. LEARN MORE OUR 2024 NUMBERS Shadowfax is experiencing a tremendous amount of growth and we are excited about the initiatives we have put in place to build a more inclusive world for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. Our community and partner outreach continues to expand through our Employment Supports Program and the many volunteer opportunities we offer. We look forward to building our movement, extending our reach, and impacting lives in meaningful ways. For more information about our services, please contact us. We would love to hear from you. 717-854-7742

Cathy Hagens Cathy Hagens began her career with Shadowfax in 1986. She oversees the Administrative, Fiscal and Facility Maintenance Departments. Cathy and her team manage the finances and benefits for the individuals that reside in the residential homes, ensuring that each person can live an “Everyday Life.” The facility maintenance department ensures that all of Shadowfax’ s buildings and homes are compliant with all safety, federal and state regulations. Cathy spearheads the annual golf benefit which is Shadowfax’ s major fundraiser. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Financial Transperancy At Shadowfax, we are committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. Below you’ll find our most recent audited financial statements and related reports, which reflect our commitment to ethical financial management and maximizing impact in the communities we serve. Financial Statements and Highlight Reports Review our most recent independent audit and financial reports. 2024 Highlight Report A snapshot of our impact, accomplishments, and growth throughout 2024, made possible by the support of our donors and community partners. Click Here 2023 Highlight Report An overview of key initiatives, outcomes, and organizational progress from 2023, highlighting how resources supported our mission and services. Click Here

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Our Community Engagement services are designed to help individuals build meaningful connections and actively participate in their communities. Through social activities, recreational opportunities, and community-based experiences, participants develop social skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging. By encouraging exploration and involvement beyond program settings, we support individuals in building relationships, discovering interests, and strengthening independence in everyday community life. Community activities Participant-led trips that encourage exploration, connection, and independence. Volunteer Opportunities Meaningful opportunities to give back while building skills and confidence. Social & Recreational Activities Group experiences that foster friendships and social development. Life Skills in the Community Real-world skill practice in everyday community settings. Individualized Support Person-centered supports tailored to each participant’s goals and interests.

Amy Brillinger In her role as the Chief Executive Officer, Amy possesses an unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. This is evidenced by her desire to uphold and embody the values of the Shadowfax mission: dependability, integrity, commitment, innovation, and collaboration. Amy also holds herself accountable to the individuals supported in our programs and their attainment of an everyday life. Equally as important to Amy is creating a positive work culture for the staff who have chosen to make a career at Shadowfax. A proud Penn State University alumna, Amy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business as well as a Master of Health Administration. She holds the designation of Senior Certified Professional from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP). In her leisure time, Amy enjoys road cycling, practicing yoga, and seeking new adventures!

ABOUT US Shadowfax is a private, non-profit human services agency that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. Our agency was founded in 1985 to provide high quality residential services throughout York County. In 1986, the agency supported 12 individuals in four homes. The residential services department now supports approximately 60 individuals in 20 homes and over 135 people are supported in a variety of day services — including supported employment, community participation supports, pre-vocational training, and life skills training. Meet our Board of Directors Meet our Leadership Team OUR MISSION Shadowfax’s mission is to be a leader for people with disabilities and their families. Through our dedicated team, we provide high quality self-directed supports to empower people in developing skills to live and thrive within their community. OUR VISION Inspiring a culture of innovation, accountability and sustainability to promote valued social roles for all people. OUR VALUES Empowerment Respect and Dignity Inclusion Integrity Collaboration Innovation Advocacy Growth-Minded OUR DEI MISSION Shadowfax is committed to comprehensively improving the work culture through the integration of diverse and progressive ideas and team member development. We will carry out this mission through free exchange of perspectives in an ethical and interdependent community of team members, the individuals we support, and our Board members. Inspiring valued social roles for all people.

NEWS 12.13.24 Shadowfax is Expanding Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities in our Day Support Program In keeping with our commitment to promote empowerment and inclusion, Shadowfax is excited to announce we are transforming the way Day Supports are provided. Effective July 1, 2025, Shadowfax will eliminate subminimum wage contract work for individuals with disabilities (14c of the Fair Labor Standards Act). Alternatively, we will continue to expand opportunities through Community Integrated Employment (CIE), volunteering, and relationship development. Participants will focus on developing skills based on their personal preferences and vision for an everyday life. Shadowfax Day Supports Frequently Asked Questions If I work in the shop now, will I still be able to go to Shadowfax? Yes! Shadowfax will continue to offer the following opportunities (see Services tab ): Employment Supports Benefits Planning Community Supports Day Supports • • • • • Can I still get a paycheck from Shadowfax? No, however, Shadowfax is dedicated to helping you achieve your employment goals. • • • • • What is Employment First? Employment First is a national framework that aims to ensure that people with disabilities can participate in community and competitive integrated employment (CIE). It encourages publicly funded systems to prioritize CIE for employment and day services for people with disabilities. • • • • • How does Employment First work in Pennsylvania? Pennsylvania's Employment First plan requires groups that receive public funding to prioritize employment for eligible people with disabilities. The state also has an Employment First Oversight Commission that reviews regulations and policies to improve the initiative. • • • • • What is Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE)? According to WIOA, to be in competitive integrated employment (CIE) means that you are working full-time or part-time, making minimum wage or higher and at a rate comparable to non-disabled workers performing the same tasks, and working with coworkers without disabilities with the same benefits and opportunities for promotions. • • • • • For more information: myodp.org dol.gov/agencies/eta/wioa pa.gov/en/services/dli/apply-for-vocational-rehabilitation- services.html pa.gov/en/agencies/dli/programs-services/disability-and- vocational-rehabilitation/vocational-rehabilitation.html pa.gov/en/agencies/dli/programs-services/disability-and- vocational-rehabilitation/employment/employment-first-for-individuals-with- disabilities.html apse.org