Tables festooned with red cloths, red and green scented candles and confetti shaped like snowflakes gave a warm and festive atmosphere to the community room of Lavigne Manor in Farrell. Adding to the ambiance was an evergreen tree aglow with lights and decorated with garland and ornaments. A heap of wrapped, age-appropriate gifts for those in attendance rested beneath its boughs.

The cozy surroundings were part of a Christmas party Tuesday in Mercer County Housing Authority's senior community, for residents of Ark and Unity houses. The Hermitage-based office of Helping People with Disabilities (HPD) hosted the fifth annual event for residents of the homes managed under the auspices of Southwest Gardens Economic Development Corp. in Farrell.

According to Dottie Sims, HPD's vice president and treasurer, the party's purpose is to dispel stereotypes and myths about the homeless and to raise awareness about those with disabilities.

"We are an advocacy group," she said of the organization for which she is office manager and served as overseer of the party. "We need to get the message out that the stereotypes are not true. Some would not think of disabled people having a party for others, but they are active and vital in our (community's) lives.

"Also, everyone is close to being homeless. Were it not for the grace of God, anyone could be homeless. We have to be cognizant of those things."

A study in perpetual motion, Mrs. Sims always seems to be on the go helping others. "I told my pastor, if I had a day where I couldn't do something for someone else, I wouldn't want to be here," she said. "We are blessed every year to do what we do."

Tim Finegan, executive director of Erie-based Community Resources for Independence (CRI), said his group works closely with most people who are disabled. "I want to compliment the staff of the Hermitage office," he said. His organization is the parent group of HPD.

"It has been a privilege to host the party for the past five years," said Vivian LaCamera, HPD president, who also serves as president of Sharing and Caring for Persons in Need of Mercer County and is a member of Community Action, Legal Aid and Anti Discrimination boards.

Lynette Hartley said she loves her job as coordinator of Ark House. "I could be working at GM building cars, but instead I'm building lives," she said. "It means something to help build, or rebuild, somebody's life. We have a house full of women, all with different personalities, and yet we live in peace and harmony. It is a gift from God. If God is in the plan, then there will always be an Ark House somewhere."

Honing in on what could be called the true meaning of Christmas, she added, "We have to love one another here, don't we?"

Also recognized at the event were Grant Summers, Unity House coordinator; Louis V. Bennetti, Center for Independent Living case manager with CRI; Jeanne Marosy, president of Lavigne Manor Resident Council; Chuck Giambrone, CRI's special projects coordinator and statewide advocate team community organizer; and Ruth Ann Hart, HPD's secretary for nearly two years.

HPD has office hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 3875 E. State St., Suite B., Hermitage. Call (724) 347-4121, Ext.; fax, (724) 347-5966; or e-mail:

myfaith@imaginenet.net

You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Lisa Mehler at lmehler@sharonherald.com