Area students who need extra help with mental health or behavioral issues can get that additional support, along with their lessons, at a new, larger Adelphoi facility in Latrobe.

This week, Adelphoi unveiled its new emotional support and partial hospitalization education programs on the second floor of the former Latrobe Elementary School, located at Ligonier Street and Minehan Avenue. Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce organized the event on Tuesday.

Latrobe-based Adelphoi provides services for at-risk youths. It is leasing space at the former elementary from Robindale Energy, which owns the building and uses remaining areas as its headquarters. Adelphoi has a three-year lease, with a renewal option, and a separate entrance.

Adelphoi moved its three classrooms, including one designated for emotional support, from Latrobe’s former First Ward School.

According to Education Director Joscelyn Gaston, the Robindale building offers room for the programs to expand. Five additional classrooms are available when needed.

“We wanted to make sure we’re providing the best space for the students,” Gaston said. “Our previous space was smaller. We didn’t have any opportunity for growth for more students who may need therapeutic support and services.”

Students have use of the school’s former gym and three rooms for small group activities, including music and art therapy offered in conjunction with Seton Hill University. Local Boy Scouts helped set up a library, which features a donated arcade game, exercise mats and instruments for drum circles.

The two Adelphoi programs serve about 25 students in grades 1-8, mostly referred from school districts in Westmoreland County. They’ve been learning remotely since Nov. 2, as have all students in the Greater Latrobe School District, because of a recent surge in coronavirus cases in the county.

Greater Latrobe school board this week approved having students return to classrooms on Monday. Adelphoi is expected to follow suit.

Adelphoi unit Director Jennifer Zylka said students enrolled in the partial hospitalization program are provided psychiatric care and medication management as well as individual, group and family therapy.

“It’s a higher intensity of therapy versus the emotional support program, where we focus more on the academics and behaviors,” she said.

The programs are staffed by three teachers, two therapists, a mental health specialist, the unit director and a secretary. Four college interns provide additional assistance.

The move provided Adelphoi an opportunity to update technology for the program. A United Way grant of $7,200 was used to buy Chromebooks. The state Department of Education provided $24,500 for security cameras and communications equipment.

Little modification was required to the existing classrooms in the building. Offices for the therapists were constructed inside the classrooms and an administrative office was renovated, Gaston said.

“It’s a very welcoming educational environment for our students,” she said.

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