Alumni are awarded for their Service

Elizabethtown College alumni Dennis and Barbara Felty recently received the Keystone Human Services 2002 Edna Silberman Humanitarian Service Award.  The award was presented at Keystone’s 30th Annual Meeting at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center on Nov. 23.

The Edna Silberman Humanitarian Service Award was established in 1989 in recognition of Ms. Silberman who was a Keystone co-founder.  Silberman dedicated her life to humanity and service to the community.  The award is presented annually to persons who have made significant contributions to individuals and the community, and who have played a major role in helping make Keystone Human Services vision a reality in the lives of others.  Barbara explained it as an award given to people who "live what Keystone stands for."  Barbara believes that they received the award as a recognition of the 30 years they have invested in Keystone.

Keystone’s vision is "creating environments where all people, regardless of background and ability, can grow, make choices and be valued and contributing members of their communities."

Dennis Felty co-founded Keystone Human Services in the early 70s, two short years after he graduated from the College with a psychology degree.  After graduation, he got a job at Harrisburg State Hospital, where he felt the patients were treated poorly.  This was a time before group homes, so nothing could be done, but as soon as the funding was available, Felty and several co-workers began Keystone.  They started with just a single group home, and through the years have spread Keystone throughout several states.  Keystone currently is a provider of services including mental retardation/mental illness support, early intervention, Head Start, therapeutic services and Susquehanna Service Dogs.  Dennis has resided as president of Keystone for the past 30 years.

The Feltys are currently working on a Russian Intern Program for Keystone.  The internship program allows students from Maldova, Russia to come to the United States and intern for Keystone.  During this time they will learn about the programs that Keystone offers in human services and try to bring that back to Russia.

When asked what the Feltys get from doing all of the human service work, Barbara, who graduated from the College with a Medical Technology degree, responded by saying that it is more personal for her.  "I may not be able to help everyone but if I can help one person, then it's worth it."  Although Dennis was in Russia with Keystone’s vice president and unavailable for comment, Barbara said "Dennis was a product of the 60s and wanted to change the world … he has really done that."

In other community service areas, Dennis serves as a board member with the Pennsylvania Association of Resources for People with Mental Retardation and the Susquehanna Art Museum.  He is also an accomplished fine-art photographer who exhibits his work throughout the area. 

Barbara is currently working with Music Fest in the Middletown School District, where she serves as co-founder and board member.  Music Fest puts on a variety show with talent from the schools, community and even professional level.  Most of the money that is raised goes towards scholarships for students going into the arts.  The rest of the money raised goes toward art programs for schools in the Middletown School District. She is also an active member of Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church in Middletown, where she is an Eucharistic Minister.