Finding the right support and services for individuals with disabilities can be challenging. But it’s not impossible. KenCrest is dedicated to providing comprehensive services that cater to the unique needs of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This guide will help you understand the different services KenCrest offers and how you can get involved.
Services Provided by KenCrest
Residential Options
- Community Living Homes: Located in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut, our homes are set in safe, accessible neighborhoods, fostering an inclusive community where residents can build relationships and pursue their goals.
- Lifesharing Program: This program matches individuals with host families who provide a nurturing, family-oriented environment that promotes interdependence and builds self-esteem. We serve seven Pennsylvania counties, including Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, and Philadelphia.
- Supported Independent Living: Using the Charting the Life Course program, those with an IDD can learn ways to communicate their needs, advocate for support, and reach their goals to live an independent lifestyle. They receive up to 30 hours of support each week based on their support needs and desired outcomes. Some people use this to assist them in cleaning or learning a new skill. Each person is introduced to a realtor to help them find their own place to rent.
- Children’s Transitional Care Homes: KenCrest operates two care homes in Philadelphia to support medically fragile children and/or medically technology-dependent children with various diagnoses. We were one of the first organizations in the country to pioneer this specialized care model, empowering families to move their young children from the hospital to a more home-like setting. During the process, the KenCrest staff help the parents acquire all of the resources they would need at home and train them on how to care for their child before they transition home.
Community Support Programs
- Community-Based Services: We provide in-home and community support to individuals with IDD who live at home with their family, in a residential setting, or with a Lifesharing provider. Services include habilitation, companion care, respite, community participation opportunities, and specialized skill development.
- Meaningful Day: This program helps individuals participate in activities that bring joy and purpose to their lives, such as hobbies, classes, and social events. These activities create a natural path to expanding the social networks of the participants.
- Clinical Services: KenCrest offers a range of therapies, including behavioral, communication, and sexuality support, tailored to meet each individual's specific needs.
KenCrest provides early intervention services for children with developmental delays or disabilities. These services include developmental assessments, therapy, and family support to help children reach their full potential. These services are located throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.
- KenCrest believes employment services should be available to anyone, and we use various tools, from person-centered planning to interest inventories and electronic resumes, and digital networking to assist every job seeker in attaining their career-related goals. We offer job coaching, training, support in resume writing, and more.
- School to Career: This program supports transitioning from high school to adult employment, helping individuals develop skills and find meaningful job opportunities.
KenCrest utilizes innovative technology solutions to empower individuals with disabilities to live independently at home and work. Our team uses assistive technology to help people deepen their interactions, control their environment without assistance, develop daily routines, and stay connected with their greater community.
KenCrest has seven Early Learning Centers throughout Philadelphia that provide high-quality early childhood education, focusing on inclusive practices and comprehensive family support. We also recognize that school means more than academic learning. Our HighScope curriculum emphasizes kindergarten readiness through active play and learning, which provides children with direct, hands-on experience with teachers and peers, materials, events, and ideas.
KenCrest offers a wide range of services designed to support individuals with disabilities and their families. Whether you're looking for residential options, community support, early intervention, or employment services, KenCrest has resources to help.