Fran Mcdermid News Today

Local news from StateCollege.com and Centre County Partners. Read about Strawberry Fields: At Age 50, This Nonprofit Shows No Signs of Slowing Down and more from the State College, PA region

Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, State College nonprofit Strawberry Fields has built its reputation on serving the needs of the intellectually disabled and mentally ill, according to Chief Executive

The parent of a child battling substance use and mental health issues, Chris Potalivo said he’s found few residential options that could meet an array of various mental health needs in Centre County, a reality that mental health professionals say may not be easy to change.

It was no ordinary business meeting in State College’s Good Day Café on the morning of April 1. All five participants were far too enthusiastic. And even though the joe is always hearty at the coffee shop at 286 W. Hamilton Ave., something more powerful than caffeine was energizing this gathering. Everyone at the table cared deeply about the same cause: providing meaningful employment to individuals with special needs. Three leaders of Compassion Café, a coffee shop being established on the...