Everyone deserves a place to belong. A place of support and understanding. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Some people, those possibly labeled as people with disabilities, don’t always feel welcome. This is where Laura Jones and Pa Connect are working to make a difference. “The vision for Pa Connect is the culmination of a lifelong journey,” said Jones. “Having spent over a decade as a special education paraprofessional, I saw firsthand the gaps in our community’s support systems. But for me, this mission is personal. Diagnosed with Dyslexia and ADHD at a young age, I spent much of my school years feeling like an outsider.”
Despite those early challenges, Jones graduated from college with a clear purpose: to ensure no one else felt the way she did. “My family life also shaped this goal, as many of my loved ones live with intellectual developmental disabilities and autism. Through these professional and personal lenses, I realized our community was missing a “third space”. Somewhere accessible, consistent, and inclusive,” said Jones.
While Jones understands that other local programs serve this population, she believes they are often limited by restrictive hours or rigid programming. “I believe there should be a place where individuals of all abilities can gather on their own terms,” said Jones. Pa Connect was created to be that space; a community hub where people can meet friends, explore their interests, and feel welcomed without the pressure to conform.
The goal of Pa Connect is to foster a genuine sense of belonging for all adults in a flexible environment where socialization is a choice, not a requirement. Members are welcome to participate in organized group activities, engage in independent tasks, or bring their own projects to work on in a supportive setting. By removing the pressure to conform, they have created a community resource that respects individual preferences while promoting inclusion.
Pa Connect serves the adult community, specifically those aged 18 and over. “While our programming is tailored to meet the needs of individuals with autism and intellectual developmental disabilities, we are an inclusive space open to the public, and welcome everyone,” said Jones. For family members, the center serves as a vital community anchor, offering peace of mind that their loved ones have access to a safe, inclusive space. “While our community offers a variety of public programs focused on children, there is a significant lack of dedicated spaces for adults. Pa Connect fills this gap as a specialized drop-in center that emphasizes a relaxed atmosphere and self-directed participation,” said Jones. By creating a flexible environment for individuals of any ability, Pa Connect ensures that adulthood doesn’t mean losing community connection and agency.
When asked what Pa Connect offers participants, Jones responded, “We offer a diverse range of activities designed to spark connection and creativity. The center offers a variety of recreational options, including a pool table, ping-pong, and video gaming, as well as quieter pursuits like board games and crafting. From movie days to specialized themed events, the space provides something for everyone”. She went on to say that these activities also serve as a backdrop for organic socialization, allowing participants to engage with the amenities and each other at their own pace.
When asked how she ended up in her current location, Jones responded, “When I first presented the vision for this non-profit ministry to the board of the United Churches of Lycoming County (UCLC), it was clear that our goals were perfectly aligned. The mission of Pa Connect—where everyone is truly welcome—reflects the core values of the UCLC.”
Jones further mentioned that she immediately fell in love with their current space, which formerly served as the community food pantry. Also, the size is ideal for their programs. “The beautiful murals on the walls create a vibrant, uplifting atmosphere for our members.
Pa Connect is entirely free to the public. Their goal is to remove as many barriers to connection as possible, ensuring that every adult in our community has a place to go, regardless of their financial situation. The only requirements for entry are that participants must be 18 years of age or older and complete a standard liability waiver before enjoying the facility. Currently, the PA-Connect Adaptive Activities Center welcomes participants every Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. “While we are starting with this mid-week schedule, our vision is to expand as our community’s needs grow. We are actively working to extend our hours to include additional weekdays, evenings, and weekends, ensuring our space is accessible whenever our members need it most,” said Jones.
“While Pa Connect is a new resource for Williamsport, its heart is rooted in the lessons I learned from my family. I want to dedicate this mission to the loved ones who inspired me to build this space. My late aunt, Maryanne Bamonte, who was not only my inspiration but” my best friend—lived with intellectual developmental disabilities and left us far too soon. I also want to thank my cousins, Sidney and Hunter Moff; their lives remind me daily of the beauty of being exactly who you are, regardless of the world’s expectations. They taught me that authenticity is a superpower. I am also profoundly grateful to my husband, my family, and my friends. Their unwavering support is the foundation upon which Pa Connect stands.”
Pa Connect is located at New Covenant United Church of Christ, 202 E. Third Street, Williamsport, PA 17701. The entrance is located on the Academy Street side of the building. Parking is available in the church lot or directly on Academy Street. The facility operates every Wednesday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Stop in or contact them by emailing pa.connect.aac@gmail.com.
