The Laurelton has over 50 buildings and 300 acres while the Selinsgrove Center is even larger. Pennsylvania promotes itself as growing greener and smarter, but the state's record on closing these state institutions has been anything but smart. State officials have been moving people with special needs out of state owned and operated institutions, such as the Laurelton and Selinsgrove Centers, into small group homes in local communities. Officials claim it is better for people with mental or physical disabilities to be in community settings rather than isolated from the community.
Opponents question the quality of care and oversight in decentralized homes.
Trained and certified employees, some with many years of dedicated service have concern for their jobs and financial security. Local business and municipal officials fear the loss of millions of dollars from the regional economy, and we all question the future use of these large state institutions. The future use of the Laurelton Center, which now lies vacant after being suddenly closed, without a plan, a few years ago, is still uncertain. Now state officials promote PA as growing greener and smarter while the future of the Selinsgrove Center is also in the shadow of uncertainty. To grow smarter state officials should think smarter and they can start with the Laurelton and Selinsgrove Centers.