luther rose in white with blue heart and white cross in the center

Church Relations

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ
has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Romans 15:7 (NRSVUE)

Our faith communities thrive when everyone is welcomed and affirmed. However, creating a welcoming space for people with disabilities can be challenging.

Here, you can find the support you need to live out God's call to welcome all to your community.

KenCrest believes that everyone deserves and is capable of building genuine connections and friendships. We strive to empower individuals and organizations to create inclusive communities that welcome all people regardless of physical or intellectual ability.

Support for Faith Communities

Is your congregation looking to be more accessible?

We have compiled resources to help faith communities provide a more welcoming experience for members and visitors of all abilities.
 

Find Resources Here

Education for Faith Communities

Does your congregation want to learn more about KenCrest?

If your congregation would like a KenCrest representative to speak during worship or to a specific church group, please reach out. We love to share about our mission and our work!
 

Connect with KenCrest

Our Networks

Member of:
+ Lutheran Services in America
+ LSA - Disability Network

Affiliated with:
+ Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
+ Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of ELCA

Our Lutheran Inspiration

 Sister Maria Roeck, a Lutheran deaconess, founded the Kensington Dispensary for the Treatment of Tuberculosis in 1905.

In 1947, Sister Grace Jones, another Lutheran deaconess, took leadership and shifted the mission to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
 

Read More About Our History

Our Congregational Partners

We love building relationships with local congregations to support each other in our mission to serve our communities. Click below to learn how your congregation can support KenCrest and see a list of the churches we currently partner with.

Coming Soon


A few fun facts about Lutherans and the KenCrest connection:

What did Martin Luther, father of Lutheranism, say about service?

"Therefore, we should be guided in all our works by this one thought alone - that we may serve and benefit others in everything that is done, having nothing before our eyes except the need and advantage of the neighbor."

From Freedom of a Christian (1520).

What is a Lutheran deaconess and why are they called "Sisters"?

"Deaconesses are called Sisters because of their fellowship of faith and love in Christ... and because they minister to those who are committed to their care in true sisterly love."

From The Annual of the Mary J. Drexel Home and the Philadelphia Motherhouse of Deaconesses, 1905.

What kind of Lutheran leadership does KenCrest have today?

One-third of the members of the KenCrest Centers Board of Directors are always Lutheran. The KenCrest Services Board always has at least one Lutheran member. (Our current CEO, Marian Baldini, also happens to be an ELCA Lutheran!)

From KenCrest Board of Directors Bylaws.

KenCrest Overview

"Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." Romans 15:7 (NRSVUE)

 

At KenCrest, we believe every person has inherent dignity. We empower dreams by creating supportive and welcoming communities.

KenCrest supports people with intellectual or developmental disabilities through residential options, community engagement, early intervention, and enabling technology. We also help young children reach their full potential through our Early Learning Centers. All our services aim to enhance quality of life based on individual desires, preferences, and goals.

Learn More About KenCrest >>>

Residential Services

"How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!" Psalm 133:1 (NIV)

 

At KenCrest, we believe empowering dreams fosters community development. We offer individuals the choice in who provides their support, how that support looks, and with whom they live and share their life.

KenCrest provides residential services through community group homes and apartments, Lifesharing partnerships, supported independent living, and transition homes for medically fragile children.

Learn More About Residential Services>>>

Community Supports

"In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." 1 Corinthians 12:5 (NIV)

 

At KenCrest, we believe everyone deserves and is capable of building genuine connections and friendships in their communities.

KenCrest supports individuals' access to and thrive in inclusive communities through services like Meaningful Day Community Engagement, Employment, School to Career, and Clinical Services.

Learn More About Community Support Programs>>>

Early Intervention

"Jesus said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'" Mark 10:14 (NIV)

 

At KenCrest, we believe no one is too young to deserve personalized support. Our birth-to-five program serves children with intellectual and developmental delays and coaches their parents/caregivers to provide support at home and in the community.

KenCrest offers speech, physical, and occupational therapy, as well as nutrition services and behavior supports for children from birth to five years old. We also provide training for other Early Intervention providers and Early Learning Centers.

Learn More About Early Intervention>>>

Early Learning Centers

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

 

At KenCrest, we believe early education is key to success. Our seven Early Learning Centers in Philadelphia offer academic learning through active play and hands-on experiences, fostering a lifelong love of learning.

KenCrest provides Pennsylvania Keystone STARS 4-quality-rated education through programs such as Head Start, Early Head Start, and Pre-K Counts at seven centers around Philadelphia.

Learn More About Early Learning Centers>>>

Advocacy

"Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable." Proverbs 31:8 (CEB)

 

At KenCrest, advocacy and social responsibility are core values. Our priorities include increasing independence for people with disabilities, investing in high-quality early learning opportunities, and supporting the direct care workforce.

We educate legislators, stakeholders, and community members on these topics through meetings, program tours, and advocacy events.

Join KenCrest's Advocacy Efforts>>>

The Power of Prayer

"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV)

Prayer is a vital support for KenCrest's mission. You can uplift the needs of those we serve and the direct service providers by praying for their spiritual and physical strength, as well as hope for these communities. Additionally, pray for wisdom and discernment for policymakers working on legislation impacting people with disabilities, children, and working families.

We appreciate any prayers you and your congregation offer on our behalf.