Lifesharing Program

Life Sharing is an opportunity for a person with an intellectual or developmental disability to become a part of a family that has like-minded interests and shared experiences. Since 1985, KenCrest has been connecting people through Life Sharing in seven of Pennsylvania's Southeastern counties, many of whom have stayed together for over 10 years.

I didn't know what Life Sharing was until I came to the Life Sharing office to be honest with you. Having a special needs child and then coming to KR to work, I did learn a lot of things that were really important to me, and then David came into the picture and he's been there ever since. I love Tina; he's the best friend I had, and I got a friend named Harley, that's her husband. Tina is my family.

For most participants, Life Sharing is an extension to their biological or natural families. They build friendships and bonds with their providers, contribute to their households, eat together, and participate in all family activities and celebrations, including trips and vacations.

What do you like about being here? I love it. I like his family, my family together. He and I have a very good relationship. It's kind of like the mother and son type of relationship. Yeah, so he wants to know how her day is; he wants to know if she's got to go to work today. Life Sharing is all about relationships and creating great matches between providers and participants. Some matches are built on previous connections, like providers who choose to support their relatives who have an intellectual disability, or maybe a former staff member who enters into a Life Sharing family with a person they previously worked with at a day program. Some connections just spark over similar personalities and hobbies.

Lauren said hi, and I said hi. She said, "This is Lauren," and I said the first thing I said to her, "You have a pretty smile," and she said, "Thank you." All potential Life Sharing families are given ample time to get to know each other and build a bond through meetups, day, overnight, and extended visits to ensure each match is a perfect fit for everyone involved.

Her uncle and aunt brought her for visits. They said to her, "Ask Ida if you can stay with her." She asked me, "Ida, can I stay with you?" I'm like, "Sure!" She paid me places, and she loves me, and yes, we have fun together.

The success of our program is built on the matching process and the ongoing support that KenCrest provides Life Sharing families. It's about fostering strong relationships and bonds between people, and in the process helping them to grow in their independence and confidence while broadening their connections in the community.

Andy's a great travel fan. I am. He's really great, the best me of job. Like, I would recommend Life Sharing if you're looking to bring somebody into your home. You think of it as bringing in a new family member, and that's basically what it is. He's a part of our family, so as you see, especially my whole family – I mean my mom, my husband, my daughter, my nieces and nephews, all babies.

What’s special about your relationship with Ida? We always can talk to each other about things, and I love her, and I hope we can have more time together.