The ultimate goal of the Peniel Family Services Division is to provide the tools which will strengthen families by assisting children and young adults to cope in times of family crisis.

Program Description: PENIEL Family Services Division is an out-patient program whose management is directly under PENIEL Treatment Facility. We provide clinical therapy and Christian Counseling with practical emphasis to children, teens, and families. Individual as well as family sessions are conducted by trained clinicians and overseen by a Licensed Social Worker with years of experience and success. Appointments are scheduled in advance based on the patients’ need and at the discretion of the clinician. Group therapy is also provided according to age and diagnosis compatibility. An individualized service plan is developed for each client in order to provide the specific tools the client needs to be successful.

Below is a list of the services we provide at the
Peniel Family Services Division:

• Individual counseling
• Family counseling and intervention
• Group therapy
• Play therapy
• Clinical assessment
• Legal advocacy
• Educational advocacy
• Safety assessment for children
• Referral to community resources
• Prevention of placement and abusecounseling
• Substance abuse treatment
• Parenting skills training
• Medical and mental health assessment and referral

Meet the Staff of Peniel's Family Services Division

Carlene Larmond, MSW, LSW Program Director Carlene Larmond, MSW, LSW, has 20 years of experience working with children, youth, and families. She is licensed in the states of New York and Pennsylvania. Ms. Larmond, a graduate of Fordham University, has been employed as a Social Worker at PENIEL since 1997. She currently works closely with Mental Health Specialists, Human Service Providers, clinicians, teachers, and legal authorities. She also teaches the Parenting Skills Class weekly and is a member of the PENIEL Administrative Staff. Ms. Larmond has received intensive training over the past 20 years in confidentiality, ethics, family dynamics, parent/child conflict, crisis intervention, counseling the abused child and/or adult, child/teenage advocacy, parenting skills, dual diagnosis, substance abuse and mental health issues.

Patricia Eagleson Resident Nurse Medical Department Patricia has been serving at Peniel for over 25 years. She is functioning as one of the Registered Nurses in the Medical Department. Providing health promotion education, completing entry history and physical evaluations, and coordinating resident’s medical care and emergencies. She is well equipped to serve. Patricia has since obtained her Master’s Degree and also is presently serving as a Registered Nurse Practitioner at Memorial Medical Center. Patricia brings a remarkable amount of knowledge and expertise in addressing the needs of children and youth to the Family Services Division. Patricia is also a leader at PENIEL Praise Community Church.

Kara Ketley, BA Clinician Kara has a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Human Services. Her work with children has proven to be phenomenal. She has tremendous patience with her clients and is extremely effective. Kara also serves as the Director of the Children’s Ministries of PENIEL Praise Community Church. Along with her staff, she has influenced and changed that department to meet the needs of the children in a noteworthy way. She is meticulous, creative, and competent. The children that she has worked with are successful and thriving. We are thrilled to have her aboard as a part of this team.

Peggy Balicki Receptionist Peggy Balicki is a native of Johnstown. She is a mother of three and a devoted wife of forty-nine years to Bill Balicki. Peggy brings professionalism and an excellent rapport with the youth. She is on staff in the Children’s Department of PENIEL Praise Community Church and is loved by children of all ages. We are very pleased to have her aboard as our receptionist.