Possibilities Issue 5

POSSIBILITIES KENCREST MAGAZINE | ISSUE 05

ONE FAMILY'S JOURNEY WITH EARLY INTERVENTION

&

CONTENT CONTRIBUTORS

Editor-in-Chief Marian Baldini, CEO & President Executive Editor Chip Riddleberger, Director of Government Relations and Advocacy Editor Ellen Mansfield, Chief Philanthropy Officer Contributing Writers Sydney Kerelo, Creative Content Manager Sana Garner, a KenCrest parent Chip Riddleberger, Director of Government Relations and Advocacy Russell Stewart, Director of Development KenCrest Centers Board of Directors Jim Andrews • Steve Brenneman • Merri Brown Mona Zander • Kevin P. Dougher • Colin D. Dougherty • James Garvey • Carol Hammarberg Scott McCloskey • Lauren McDonald • Sean Outen • Eric Rahe •Roy Diamond KenCrest Services Board of Directors Sheila Bruce • Mona Zander • Patricia Bush Frank Guthridge • Tracey Jasey • Mamta Maini • Sean Outen • The Rev. Dan Smith Stephen Van Osten Design Sydney Kerelo, Creative Content Manager Aubrey Hoffert, Digital Media Manager Photography Aubrey Hoffert, Digital Media Manager Sydney Kerelo, Creative Content Manager Possibilities is published by KenCrest Services, 960A Harvest Drive, Suite 100, Blue Bell, PA 19422 How to Reach Us 610.825.9360 kencrest.communications@kencrest.org KenCrest is a 501c3 non-profit human services provider throughout Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Delaware. www.kencrest.org

TOP: A student we support playing at the Happy Friendly Farm. // Photo by Aubrey Hoffert.

COVER PHOTO: Sheila Bruce and her daughter Virginia at their home in Pennsylvania. // Photo by Aubrey Hoffert.

02

Our Mission KenCrest’s mission is to support community development by exploring possibilities, mobilizing resources, and empowering dreams.

Published: April 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

06 RAISING A READER AT KENCREST 10

SWIFT SUPPORT HELPS KIDS STAY IN PRESCHOOL

14

KENCREST JOINS FORCES TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD HUNGER

16

ADVOCATING FOR DISABILITY RIGHTS

18

ONE FAMILY'S JOURNEY WITH EARLY INTERVENTION

A COMMUNITY FOR FAMILIES 24 CULTIVATING WITH DISABILITIES

27 WHY YOUR GIFT MATTERS 28 THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS KENCREST.ORG 03

be rg

Dear Friends,

Ch ip

Ri dd le

Ph // r e

offert. rey H Aub y ob ot

ADVOCACY: MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

Sincerely, Chip Riddleberger, Director of Government Relations & Advocacy

04 POSSIBILITIES | ISSUE 05

For many people with an intellectual or developmental disability, springtime brings about a significant change: budget season. Each year, each state presents its unique challenges, like the need for increased funding to navigate programs offered for the IDD population KenCrest serves more effectively.

This year, Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro recently released his recommended budget, which includes a 12 percent increase in rates and $215 million in IDD funding with a $266 million federal budget drawdown. Governor Shapiro’s budget recommendation is a starting point for negotiations with the legislature that will be in play for the next few months.

While Delaware wants to add a few new faces to its General Assembly, including a governor’s race, the state will raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour in January 2025. KenCrest’s Delaware Executive Director, Brett Askins, and a few Direct Support Professionals are fighting to increase wages for DSPs because of their vital, highly skilled workforce. In Connecticut this year, Governor Lamont did not recommend increasing nonprofit funding, something many nonprofit leaders are fighting against.

KenCrest actively advocates for policy issues affecting children, families, and individuals with IDD by raising awareness on important topics and educating legislators, stakeholders, and community members.

In this edition of KenCrest’s Magazine, Possibilities, you’ll discover the importance of advocating for someone with an intellectual or developmental disability who can’t use their voice to be heard, both young and old. Plus, learn how KenCrest supports and advocates for little learners to thrive, including our Raising a Reader program and a partnership with Operation 143 that brings healthy meals to those in need outside the school week. And so much more!

As you read through the stories in this issue, I hope you will spring into action with us and help advocate for our KenCrest community, young and old, throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut. I hope this new season will bring greater possibilities for us all.

A staff member painting a bird house with one of the individuals we support. // Photo by Aubrey Hoffert.

KENCREST.ORG 05

A KenCrest teacher reading with a few of her students at an Early Learning Center. // Photo courtesy of KenCrest.

RAISING A READER AT KENCREST

06 POSSIBILITIES | ISSUE 05

KenCrest, in partnership with PNC and the William Penn Foundation, encourages young learners to get ahead in their education through its Raising a Reader program and our community-based Lending Libraries

By Sydney Kerelo

R

eading is an essential skill for young children; it improves their cognitive abilities and mental health and helps them perform better in academic settings. However, according to a National Assessment of Educational Progress report, only 37 percent of fourth-graders and 34 percent of eighth-graders in the United States are proficient in reading.

Studies have shown that children exposed to reading before preschool tend to develop a more extensive vocabulary and are likelier to succeed in formal education. However, not all children have access to books or other reading materials.

In 2019, KenCrest started its Raising a Reader program to help students in Early Learning Centers (ELCs) have access to books at home and establish reading routines with their families.

For years, the Executive Director of KenCrest’s ELCs, Melanie Brennan, noticed students asking to take their favorite school books home. Reading to toddlers and young children helps them learn to listen, form words from sounds they hear, and develop a broader vocabulary. Early exposure to reading is integral to students' academic success later in life, which many parents don’t realize.

KenCrest’s Raising a Reader program empowers parents and their children to read books at home.

Each center that offers the program has red bags filled with four books, ranging from picture stories to STEM books to multicultural stories. There are even books in two languages for bilingual families. Every Monday, the students are given a bag to take home to return on Thursday, and each week, they get a different set of books with the hope that by the end of the school year, each student will have read various books.

KENCREST.ORG 07

RAISING A READER

A KenCrest teacher reading with a few students at one of the Early Learning Centers. // Photo courtesy of KenCrest.

“This program changes the lives of our young students and their families,” says Everene Williams, KenCrest’s Literacy Facilitator. “Especially those in Philadelphia because we are connected with other initial early childhood literacy initiatives throughout the city to network with anyone with the same goal in mind.” Everene facilitates Parent Education groups connected with the Raising A Reader Project.

One partner, PNC, is helping KenCrest bring reading to life through the Little Lending Library Project. On its 15th anniversary, as part of PNC’s Grow Up Great program. The bank decided to donate over 15,000 children’s books to the community, including at KenCrest. PNC staff built "Little Library" bookshelves that sit outisde our centers for the community to access.

“As part of our 15th anniversary, we wanted to find a way to get more children’s books directly into the hands of our city’s kids and families,” says Kara LaFleur, the Vice President and Assistant Director of PNC Client and Community Relations. “The Little Library Project seemed to fit the bill! We invited PNC employees to decorate, paint, and assemble the Little Libraries, and with a lot of help from our PNC Realty Services/Building Operations colleagues, we installed several libraries outside of KenCrest’s Early Learning Centers.”

Each library was donated by PNC or PNC employees so KenCrest students, families, and other community members could help themselves with a new book. The company more than doubled the number of books donated, ultimately donating more than 38,000 books to preschool students and their families in the greater Philadelphia/South Jersey area in 2019.

16 POSSIBILITIES 08 POSSIBILITIES || ISSUE ISSUE 04 05

“What we could never have anticipated, though, was just how important these little libraries would become during the early days of COVID-19, when so many places, including public libraries, were shut down for weeks on end,” says LaFleur. “KenCrest shared with us that families continued to visit the Little Lending Libraries—often during daily walks. They see them as an asset to their neighborhoods and a bright

“

This program changes the lives of our young students and their families. "

spot in their day since each is decorated differently with bright colors and fun illustrations.”

Children who have early access to books, a learning-rich home environment, and high-quality early education are far more likely than their peers to meet various developmental goals and are more likely to succeed in school. Making more books available to families— especially those facing economic challenges—is critical to helping kids learn and thrive. Plus, reading together creates a lasting bond between parents and their children.

According to Nationwide Children, snuggling up with a book together as a family can strengthen the physical and emotional bond between adults and children. Hearing the voice of their loved one can not only be soothing and provide a sense of security, but it can also help the brain form meaningful connections.

A photo of a parent we support with her son at one of our Early Learning Centers. // Photo by Aubrey Hoffert

To learn more about KenCrest’s Raising a Reader program or its partnership with PNC and the William Penn Foundation, visit KenCrest.org/EarlyLearning.

KENCREST.ORG 09

SWIFT SUPPORT

SWIFT SUPPORT HEL STAY IN PRESCHO

Two KenCrest students doing arts and crafts. // Photo courtesy of KenCrest.

08 POSSIBILITIES | ISSUE 10 POSSIBILITIES | ISSUE 05 04

SWIFT SUPPORT

LPS KIDS HOOL

By Sydney Kerelo

KenCrest’s SWIFT Support program helps hundreds of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities remain in school.

I

n 2008, St. Teresa of Calcutta Early Learning Center opened its doors with one goal: to provide a faithbased, quality education for children before they enter kindergarten. However, seven years ago, in 2017, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) announced a bulletin to the Early Learning Community that all children under the age of five years old, including children with developmental disabilities (IDD) in Pennsylvania should be included in their community's early learning centers (ELCs) and preschool programs as a way of authentic inclusion.

This posed a challenge for St. Teresa’s director and teachers.

The teachers at St. Teresa of Calcutta Early Learning Center identified the need for additional knowledge and resources to support children with developmental delays in their classrooms successfully. Without the appropriate support, many children with delays were on the verge of expulsion due to their challenging behaviors.

“We have two kids currently in our program that were on the verge of being expelled because they were being physical and causing a lot of issues in the classroom,” says Tara Melville, St. Teresa’s Childcare Director.

Melville recalls moments when students would throw tantrums during lessons, hit, push, or bite others, and disengage f rom the classroom entirely.

Even with three teachers present in one classroom, they still struggled to engage with the child. It became a vicious cycle, hindering other students and frustrating teachers.

“We knew it wasn’t always the child’s fault, that we could not provide the right tools to help them,” says Melville. “I've been a director and have been working with children for over 30 years, and we often struggle with what to do when our teachers don’t know how to help students with disabilities. But then I found out about KenCrest’s Child Care SWIFT Support program, and within 48 hours, an instructor could come out here and help us.”

KenCrest’s SWIFT Support program is a new business Initiative started in 2020 by Roseann Adamo, the Executive Director of the Early Intervention and Clinical Programs, to support children on the verge of expulsion from an Early Learning Center. KenCrest Special Instructors work collaboratively with teachers

KENCREST.ORG

11

SWIFT SUPPORT

Photo courtesy of KenCrest.

“

Children having positive experiences in Early Education lays the foundation for positive experiences in future educational environments." in the classroom to identify strategies that will help the child and teacher.

Within 48 hours of the referral call to the SWIFT Support Program, KenCrest Special Instructor Adrienne arrived at St. Teresa of Calcutta Early Learning Center. She worked with the teachers to identify why the behavior was occurring, and together, they developed strategies to decrease those behaviors through coaching, collaboration, and demonstrations, which led to a positive working relationship between Adrienne and the teacher.

Adrienne explained why the child reacted to certain classroom activities and suggested materials to add to the classroom routines. She discussed with the teachers how that was the child’s way of communicating in the environment and emphasized the purpose of each behavior. Since each child learns differently in various settings, teachers must adapt their teaching methods to accommodate each child's needs. Therefore, being able to model and provide real-life scenarios in the classroom was an invaluable support to St. Teresa staff.

According to Melville, Adrienne and the teacher created a visual schedule that all the children in the classroom utilized. She demonstrated and coached the teachers to implement similar strategies and activities that encouraged all children to participate and be successful. Adrienne shared abundant resources that the teachers could access at any time.

“Suspension/expulsion of a child from an Early Learning Center has a negative effect on the child and family,” says Adamo. “Children having positive experiences in Early Education lays the foundation for positive experiences in future educational environments.”

The Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD) Deputy Administrator in Delaware County, Aleasha Redden-Revell, even partnered with KenCrest to focus on inclusion through the SWIFT Support program. She advocated for state funding for the SWIFT program, and in 2022, Delaware County’s Off ice of Behavioral Health began funding the program. Delaware County is the f irst to fund the KenCrest SWIFT Support Program.

To learn more about how KenCrest supports children with intellectual or developmental disabilities, visit KenCrest.org/EarlyIntervention for more information.

12 POSSIBILITIES | ISSUE 05

Photo courtesy of KenCrest.

Get Your Tickets Now THURSDAY, APRIL 25TH, 2024 6:00 - 8:00 PM AT ABINGTON ARTS CENTER

Please join us for KenCrest’s brand new tasting event, Taste the Possibilities!

Taste the Possibilities is KenCrest’s new tasting event, featuring a curated selection of wine, beer, and libations, especially paired with delicious h’ors d' oeuvres.

Celebrate the possibilities of the KenCrest community while savoring award-winning food and drink amongst the galleries of Abington Arts Center.

RSVP now at kencrest.org/tastethepossibilities KENCREST.ORG

13

FIGHTING CHILDHOOD HUNGER

KENCREST JOINS FORCES TO FIGHT CHILDHOOD HUNGER

By Sydney Kerelo Since 2011, KenCrest has partnered with Operation 143 to deliver nonperishable food to children facing food insecurity in Pennsylvania.

I

n Pennsylvania, there are over 1.2 million people—roughly 325,000 children—experiencing food insecurity each year, according to Feeding Pennsylvania. That’s one in eight children struggling with childhood hunger right in our hometowns. But one Pottstown-based nonprofit is fighting against food insecurity by delivering bags of nonperishable items to children in need outside of school.

In 2011, Lisa Heverly saw a need to help Pennsylvania students experiencing childhood hunger by not having sufficient food over the weekends while they were away from school. So, she started her own 501c nonprofit, Operation 143, to help the hundreds of Pennsylvania-based children facing homelessness or food insecurity.

Now, over 13 years later, the organization continues to fight childhood hunger by partnering with local organizations like KenCrest to deliver food bags filled with nonperishable food items, like tuna, fruit cups, SpaghettiOs, granola bars, cereal, etc., enough to feed students from Friday night into Sunday evening to students in Norristown, Pottstown, Pottsgrove, Boyertown, Upper Perkiomen, and Spring-Ford school districts. The organization serves 31 schools and more than 214 students.

“At first, we were called Operation Backpack, but then we changed it to Operation 143 because 143 is the universal number for I Love You, and we thought that fit our message better,” says the Founder and Executive Director, Lisa Heverly. “The students would take the backpack home from school on the

| ISSUE 05 A14 fewPOSSIBILITIES of the people KenCrest supports volunteering to drop off bags for Operation 143. // Photo courtesy of KenCrest.

FIGHTING CHILDHOOD HUNGER weekend and bring it back on Monday. KenCrest played a big part in helping us drop off the backpacks at schools, but we had to figure out another way when COVID-19 happened. So that’s when we started delivering to students’ homes, and we’ve been doing that ever since.”

Initially, the backpacks would each have a different tag with a number so that students wouldn’t be singled out and hanging outside the guidance counselor’s office or in a hallway somewhere off the beaten path.

Now, a group of local volunteers, like KenCrest’s Community Connection Coach, Chris Owens, drive around with adults we support, and make deliveries.

Operation 143 partners with numerous local churches and organizations to build community relationships and gather the food needed for each bag. A few of their other partners are the First Presbyterian Church, Morning Star Fellowship, Connection Church, and National AMBUCS. “Each bag is filled with non-perishable items, and the idea is that the kid would be coming home from school and could put a mac and cheese in the microwave or eat yogurt or pudding,” explains Owens. “Something they could eat on their own without assistance from their parents.”

Owens has worked with Operation 143 for over ten years, delivering backpacks to students’ doorsteps in the area. It was his idea to involve a few of the people he supports at KenCrest in his deliveries, including Marisa Good, Chris Rose, Zach Mineo, and Evan McGlone. According to Owens, he brings around two to three people daily. He will first go to Operation 143’s headquarters, fill the van, and pick up the people he supports before beginning the deliveries.

“I feel like it’s exactly what KenCrest is about, one person helping another and being involved within their community,” says Owens. “We’re all helping each other out, and the people I support feel like they can tangibly see that they are helping out.” All

“

has been working alongside Owens and Heverly to get more of the people KenCrest supports involved.

“I’m the Meaningful Day Coordinator at KenCrest, so I help out with activities for people in our residential homes,” says Prinzivalli. “So, I hope to expand our reach and get more people from the residential homes involved in packing or delivering these bags because it’s such an incredible mission.”

Are you interested in learning more about Operation 143 and how you can get involved?

Visit Operation143.org, or if KenCrest supports you, email Joan Prinzivalli at JPrinzivalli@ kencrest.org.

TOP and BOTTOM: Nonperishable food items stored at Operation 143 ready to be pakced in bags. // Photo courtesy of KenCrest.

At first, we were called Operation Backpack, but then we changed it to Operation 143 because 143 is the universal number for I Love You, and we thought that fit our message better.

the perishable items Operation 143 distributes come from local food drives at grocery stores like Redner’s and donations from the community. Volunteers will come in on Wednesday evenings to help pack the bags, and then on Thursday and Friday, they will distribute them to the surrounding areas.

Joan Prinzivalli, KenCrest’s Meaningful Day Coordinator,

KENCREST.ORG 15

ADVOCACY

ADVOCATING FOR DISABILITY RIGHTS

By Sydney Kerelo

Maryann Amici has been advocating with her son Lou, who was born with Spastic Quadriplegia, since he was born in 1971.

I

n 1971, Maryann and her husband, Louis Amici, welcomed twins, a boy and a girl, into the world. Little did they know the journey that awaited their son Lou, who was born with Spastic Quadriplegia—a form of Cerebral Palsy that affects all four limbs, as well as the torso and facial muscles. As a result, Lou is nonverbal and uses a wheelchair. However, this does not mean he should be denied the same rights and experiences as anyone else.

As a child, Lou faced challenges accessing education, unlike his twin sister. He was not permitted to attend school until the age of beginners which was age six, and only due to the 1975 Education for All Handicapped Children Act—now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The IDEA website states that in 1970, only one in five children with disabilities were educated in U.S. schools, with many states having laws that excluded certain students, such as those who were deaf, blind, emotionally disturbed, or had an intellectual disability. Today, over 66 percent of children with disabilities are in general education classrooms, and early intervention services are provided to more than 144,000 infants and toddlers with disabilities.

This progress was made possible by parents like Maryann and Louis Amici, who tirelessly advocated for their son's rights.

"Advocacy is crucial, and it must begin with families," says Maryann. "Without their support, who would fight for their rights? Who would ensure they receive the same accommodations and access to resources as everyone else? Having that family connection and someone looking out for you is essential."

16 POSSIBILITIES | ISSUE 05

“

Advocacy is crucial, and it must begin with families," says Maryann.

"Without their support, who would fight for their rights? Who would ensure they receive the same accommodations and access to resources as everyone else?

Having that family connection and someone looking out for you is essential."

Maryann Amici and Lou outside his community-living home. // Photo by Aubrey Hoffert BOTTOM: Maryann, her husband Louis, and Lou during a state representative meeting. // Photo courtesy of Maryann.

ADVOCACY

Are you considering making a career change? Consider working for KenCrest! Visit KenCrest.org/Careers to apply today!

KENCREST.ORG

17

ADVOCATING FOR DISABILITY RIGHTS

"There are self-advocates with disabilities who can speak for themselves," she adds. "But many cannot or do not have the voice to be heard."

Despite being nonverbal, individuals like Lou are still aware of their surroundings. Lou has had the opportunity to attend state representative meetings with his mother, Maryann, and participates in every election. While he votes by absentee ballot with his mother's assistance, the decision is ultimately his.

Maryann and Lou have met with PA state representatives representing Phoenixville and Spring City, to highlight the need for support for people with disabilities. They emphasized that just because individuals with disabilities are not as visible does not mean they do not require support and funding.

"Our representatives at the state and federal levels need to see people with disabilities," says Maryann.

"The Arc of Chester County has an advocacy group that attends various events and meets with representatives to introduce themselves. They used to have breakfast meetings to discuss what was important and what our people needed."

Maryann has been advocating for Lou throughout his life, f rom childhood to adulthood.

She worked for 30 years designing training programs for parents on advocating for their children first at the Eastern Instructional Support Center and then at the Chester County Intermediate Unit.

She also mentored parents and encouraged their involvement in advocacy.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Lou contracted the virus and was hospitalized for ten days without any family or staff present. Maryann called the hospital daily to inquire about Lou's condition. A nurse facilitated a video call between Maryann and Lou, enabling them to communicate despite Lou's nonverbal status.

Following this experience, Lou purchased an iPad and his speech therapist facilitated Lou and his staff on its use, allowing him to connect with his family through video calls.

A few years ago, Lou's father, Louis Amici, passed away suddenly. On the day of his funeral, Lou's KenCrest staff members brought him and his housemates to attend. They sat at a table together, mirroring the typical social interactions of his twin sister.

"When you talk about living a typical life, that's it," says Maryann. "It should not be any different for anyone. Advocacy is essential to ensure necessary accommodations are made. I'm 75 years old now, and I'm still advocating."

Marian Baldini speaking at the Hershey RSPCA Conference. // Photo courtesy of KenCrest

Do you want to get involved in advocacy initiatives or want to learn more about how KenCrest is advocating for those with disabilities? Visit KenCrest.org/advocacy for more information!

18 POSSIBILITIES | ISSUE 05

Stephanie Brown, Kristen Fritzinger, and two KenCrest individuals on the steps of the Capitol for the RCPA Rally. // Photo courtesy of Stephanie Brown

KENCREST.ORG 07

KENCREST.ORG

19

Sheila Bruce and her daughters Katelyn, Erin, and Virginia. // Photo by Aubrey Hoffert.

ONE FAMILY'S JOURNEY WITH EARLY INTERVENTION

20 POSSIBILITIES | ISSUE 05

At just seven months old, Virginia underwent an evaluation for early intervention for not meeting milestones, and now she is thriving.

By Sydney Kerelo

KENCREST.ORG

21

ONE FAMILY'S JOURNEY WITH EARLY INTERVENTION

W

ith bright, long blonde hair and a beaming smile, Virginia Bruce ran around her Pennsylvania home with her two sisters, laughing at each other over baby dolls and bounce houses. As she giggled with her sisters, one would never have imagined that she had a developmental delay and spent the first few years of her life in early intervention.

At just seven months old, Sheila Bruce’s daughter Virginia underwent several evaluations because she was not meeting certain milestones, like rolling over or sitting up unsupported.

She was diagnosed with a delay and was referred to KenCrest’s Early Intervention program, where she received physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, and had a specialized instructor.

“Virginia was adopted at birth and had some initial health things going on, so we did have an understanding that we should keep an eye on her development,” says Bruce of her now five-year-old daughter.

“She wasn’t engaged with us; you could walk out of the room, and she wouldn’t know. One year, during a family vacation, everyone kept commenting about how she was such a good baby, sitting there playing and was content, and it hit me. I was like, wait, she shouldn’t be sitting there so content.” That thought sparked something in Bruce; she knew it was time to get her evaluated.

Soon, the family was matched with an interventionist from KenCrest who came to the house and started first with physical therapy and then gradually introduced other forms of treatment like occupational and speech therapies.

According to Bruce, it was incredibly daunting, at first, to think of what her daughter had to undergo, but with KenCrest’s support, it grew easier.

KenCrest’s Early Intervention services collaborate with parents and caregivers to identify development concerns and implement strategies to help each child thrive. The approach to intervention is a coaching model that simultaneously works with both the child and the parents to develop strategies and techniques to help both the parent and child thrive.

“I feel like working with our interventionist gave us the skills and

the tools that we needed to be able to help her confidently when they weren’t there with us,” says Bruce.

“Speech early on was very helpful, and we learned that communication is more than just verbal. I remember pushing her on the swings, saying, ‘Three, two, one,’ and then waiting for her to look at me. If she made eye contact, I took that as the initiative to let go of her swing. It got to the point where I wouldn’t even get to the sound for ‘Go’ before she would make eye contact with me. Now, she doesn’t need any prompting and will scream go at me.”

“Intervention was beneficial for us in all the different areas,” adds Bruce.

“They showed us different ways to engage with her through play and to get on Virginia’s level. To let her take the lead in playing and not worry so much about functional play skills but just ways to help her elaborate on her play to let us join in.”

“

‘Welcome to Holland.’ At first, you are taken aback, and it is not that Holland is this terrible, ugly place but that it is different than what you expected. All your friends are in Italy going to flashy parties, and it's bright and fast, but you're in Holland, where it's just a little bit slower. If you spend your whole life upset that you're not in Italy, you can't enjoy what Holland offers. It’s a good reminder to take things one step at a time and that it's ok to grieve the life you thought you would have but that you must enjoy it because although it's different, it’s still wonderful.”

While Bruce struggled at first with Virginia’s diagnosis, she has come to accept it and love every aspect of her daughter’s life. Virginia has come a long way from where she started; she is incredibly social and loves to be active now by doing gymnastics or playing at the park. Her favorite things are running around the playground, sliding down the slides, or swinging on the swings. The family even has a blow-up bounce house in their basement.

Virginia has two sisters, an older one, Katelyn, and a younger one, Erin, who adore one another.

At first, Bruce worried that Virginia and her other daughters wouldn’t ever play together.

But now they’re thick as thieves, constantly playing pretend together or having sleepovers in each other’s room. She loves them, and they love her just as strongly.

Her older sister, Katelyn, is her biggest protector; she’s quick to defend Virginia if she thinks someone isn’t being kind. She understands that her brain works differently and makes sure that she is treated fairly.

Two years ago, Bruce joined KenCrest’s Board of Directors because of the support she received when Virginia was first diagnosed. She wanted to pay it forward, help other families going through early intervention, and offer them the same support she received because it helped them grasp the tools and knowledge necessary to make their child progress.

“They came to our house and made it a whole family thing,” says Bruce. “It felt like we were all in this together as a team, and we felt like there were other people out there who truly cared about our child’s progress. Early Intervention is responsible for much of Virginia's progress, and we would not be here today without it.”

I feel like working with our interventionist gave us the skills and the tools that we needed to be able to help her confidently when they weren’t there with us."

22 POSSIBILITIES | ISSUE 05

In 2020, Virginia was officially diagnosed with autism shortly after she turned two years old and discovered she had a genetic mutation in one of her genes that is unique to just her. It was initially terrifying for the family, but with KenCrest’s support, it didn’t seem so unsettling.

Now, at f ive years old, Virginia is preparing to start kindergarten, and while she will still need ABA support, she has come a long way f rom where she began.

As a mother to a daughter who is neurodiverse it was incredibly daunting to think about what the future holds. At the same time, there is so much beauty in it.

“There’s a poem that I hung up on my f ridge for a very long time called, ‘Welcome to Holland,’” says Bruce. “It talks about how you are getting ready to take a trip to Italy; you prepare, and you're so excited, but you get on the plane, and the flight attendant says,

Sheila Bruce and family. // Photo by Aubrey Hoffert.

Sheila Bruce with her husband and daughters ar their home. // Photos by Aubrey Hoffert

Do you want to learn more about KenCrest’s Early Intervention program?

Visit KenCrest.org/EarlyIntervention for more information!

KENCREST.ORG

23

CULTIVATING A COMMUNITY FOR FAMILIES WITH DISABILITIES

24 POSSIBILITIES | ISSUE 05

Apollo Garner in his whellchair outside his home. // Photo courtesy of Sana Garner.

By Sana Garner

PARENTING COLUMN

Apollo Garner and his new friend at the playground. // Photo courtesy of Sana Garner.

T

hree years ago, my husband and I relocated to Philly to be closer to family and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Our son, Apollo, is twice exceptional: he’s cognitively gifted and has cerebral palsy.

During his initial doctor and therapy appointments, we asked if anyone knew of in-person events or community groups for children and families like ours.

And the replies were always, “No.” Being a non-disabled parent, raising a child with disabilities is a unique type of parenthood. I have more roles than I ever thought possible: administrator, advocate, paralegal, multi-disciplinary therapist, tutor, chef, friend, personal care assistant, driver, Google university med school student, community organizer, and most importantly, mom. In between all this, I am a wife, and I eke out a tiny bit of time for my own personal identity. However, while I embrace all of my roles, I am also aware that I will never fully relate to many aspects of Apollo's life, no matter how much I empathize with him.

We needed a community beyond our local special needs Facebook group and doctors. We wanted Apollo to have friends who understood the aspects of his life that we couldn’t.

After another woodchip-covered playground visit, where I was yet again the only parent facilitating my child’s play, an idea came to me. I could start a playgroup for kids with motor differences and medical complexities.

I talked with Apollo’s KenCrest Early Intervention occupational therapist about my idea. She loved it and even suggested hosting it at a nearby inclusive playground I didn’t know about. I picked a date, made

flyers, started social media accounts, and shared the info with everyone on Apollo’s team and our local special needs Facebook page.

We had our first Creative Movers Playgroup with about eight families a few weeks later. Our playgroup has

“

Being a non-disabled parent, raising a child with disabilities is a unique type of parenthood. I have more roles than I ever thought possible: administrator, advocate, paralegal, multi-disciplinary therapist, tutor, chef, friend, personal care assistant, driver, Google university med school student, community organizer, and most importantly, mom. been meeting monthly for almost two years now. And our email list has grown to over 50 families. Usually, 4-8 families come to play each month.

Like Apollo, children with disabilities have many structured forms of play, most of which are indoors.

Rather than being a spontaneous outing, playing at the playground has to fit into his packed schedule.

Apollo uses a gait trainer and has a motorized wheelchair, so the playground must be wheelchair accessible. He also needs access to a bathroom with a changing station. Inclusive playgrounds offer Apollo a rare outdoor environment to play independently, where both

KENCREST.ORG 25

ABOVE: Apollo Garner and his parents. LEFT: Apollo and Sana at the Please Touch Museum. // Photo courtesy of Sana Garner.

disabled and nondisabled children benefit from playing with and being adjacent to each other.

Apollo attends a mainstream school, so our playgroup is his only opportunity to socialize with other kids with disabilities. He now has disabled friends and their siblings, with whom he is excited to play monthly.

Our playgroup is normalizing disability for him. A couple of days ago, Apollo met a girl with a rare genetic trait who is non-verbal He drew parallels between this girl and some friends he has at Creative Movers. Apollo was comfortable with her touching his hand and arm, which he felt apprehensive about just a few months earlier. As a parent, I’m proud of Apollo for learning to embrace diversity and normalize disabilities.

Creative Movers Playgroup has given my husband and me the community we sought out for years. Even though our children all have different disabilities, there are common threads and overlap in our lives. Every choice we make for our kids has to be considerate and intentional so they will thrive. When we meet up with the parents at Creative Movers, our layered lives don’t have to be explained—we

26 POSSIBILITIES | ISSUE 05

all get it. My husband and I have become friends with the other parents in a short time. I now have a network I can bounce ideas off of, seek advice on navigating the medical, social services, and school systems, and share tips like the best shoes for AFOs that won’t wear down in the toe when Apollo drags his foot. The playgroup has been a gift in ways that I never expected. It has reconnected parents who lost touch over online group chats and connected us with families who were already playing at the inclusive playground when we were coincidentally playing there. Now, they are part of our community.

My goal for Apollo is that he will always have a strong sense of self and be confident and happy. I’m sure these are universal goals of all parents. The community our playgroup is cultivating is integral to Apollo’s successful development.

I hope other families with disabilities see my story as a roadmap for how to create a community that supports their entire family, too.

Sana Garner is a Pennsylvania mother whose son is a part of KenCrest's Early Intervention program.

She is a avid advocator for her son and will work as an aid in his classroom.

WHY YOUR GIFT MATTERS

By Russell Stewart

S

pring is a time for change; many know the saying, “April Showers Bring May Flowers.”

This old English proverb refers to rainy April days leading to vibrant May blossoms. It’s when you are encouraged to look past a time of hardship to the happiness and joy that follows.

Many of those with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) in the KenCrest community have experienced their own form of growth in the face of challenge. Your donation helps to encourage change and create new possibilities for those we support.

KenCrest’s Enabling Technology department is a beacon of hope, creating new levels of independence and dignity in the human services world. Consider the story of Ryan, a member of our community living program, who used to struggle with showering alone and needed help with basic steps like washing his hair. The ET department intervened, installing an Amazon Echo Dot and Flic Wireless Button in his bathroom. Now, he can press the button and hear a guided step-by-step prompt.

That small device changed Ryan’s perspective and gave him back a sense of his dignity. He struggled through a period where he didn’t have autonomy over his own body. He then blossomed into a person whose self-respect has grown faster than any flower.

Enabling Technology, or Assistive Technology, assists people with disabilities in gaining independence in their day-to-day lives through devices like sensors, adapted tools, or even communication supports.

Every day, KenCrest heroes are changing the lives of those we support. Teachers lead their students' mental, social, and emotional growth in our Early Learning Centers. Direct Support Professionals open the door for individuals living with disabilities to join their communities. Early Intervention instructors provide critical answers for young children and their families when their world has none, and nurses ensure that complex medical issues are treated with the highest level of care. Your gift to KenCrest, regardless of size, provides immediate support to these team members and those they support, making a tangible difference in their lives.

With your help and the support of many others who have already made their donations, progress doesn’t have to slow down. Your donation today can be the catalyst for more life-changing technologies. Together, we can charge forward and turn the challenges our community faces into new beginnings.

Without your help, we can't continue to help those we support blossom. To learn more about how your gift helps KenCrest make a difference in the lives of those with IDD, visit kencrest.org/donate KENCREST.ORG 27

DONOR LIST

THANK YOU TO OUR 2023-2024 DONORS!

320 Market Cafe AbbVie Tarig Abdulla Edward and Mindy Abraham Abriola Company Julie Ackerman Act II Playhouse Roseann and Greg Adamo Claire and Donald Alderfer AmazonSmile Foundation American Heritage Federal Credit Union AmerisourceBergen Sourcing LLC Dawood Amir Amsted Industries, Inc. Anne Andersen William Anderson Ann Marie and Bruno Andracchio John Archambault Arctic Wolf Arden Theatre Company Arlington Heritage Group Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Artisan Boulanger Patissier Avanti Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Avenue United Methodist Women Maame Afia Baah Mariama Bah Megan Bailey Melissa Bailey-Raison Pauline Baker Sabina Baker-Tegeder Rachael and Josh Balascak Balashine Properties Marian Baldini and Larry Filtz Shaquawn Baldwin Ballard's Landscaping Margaret Bamford Hawa Bangura Pauline Barlow Ralph and Janet Barndt Josephine Bayinka James and Barbara Beach Paul and Linda Beck Monica Behum Steve and Leigh Anne Bell Joyce Benfield Patricia Benner Virginia Benner Victoria Black Blossom Philadelphia Kathleen and Robert Bohrer Bonitatibus Architects Michelle Bonocore Sheryl Bouie Boulder Falls Mini Golf Henry and Rita Brady Melanie Brennan James and Mary Jane Brenneman Steve and Elaine Brenneman David Breuning Karen and Anthony Brida

28 POSSIBILITIES | ISSUE 05

Sandra and William Brinker Denise Brooks Tim and Martha Brooks Loyce and Larry Brown Merri and Drew Brown Randall and Shannon Brown Sandra Brown Patricia Brubaker Sheila and Philip Bruce Sendy Bryant Linda and Robert Bugden Burholme Golf & Family Entertainment Pat and William Bush Matthew and Patricia Busillo Gary and Kathie Calandra Christopher Campbell Milton Cannan Elizabeth Capella Capital One Carson Painting Co. Johnny Cartagena Dean and Marilee Cassidy CBIZ Inc. Nashyma Chandler Carole Chapin Chesapeake Regional Rx Kenneth and Deborah Chiarello Donna Chiavaroli Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church (Harleysville, PA) Christ's Church of the Valley (Royersford, PA) Chubb Denise Cianfero-Marafioti Michael Clarke Patrick Cleaver Marla and Richard Cohen Barbara and Jerald Cohen Michael Colter Jr Lloyd Combs Conagra Brands David and Theresa Condon Sean and Carol Connell Mary Beth Conrad Ellen and Thomas Conroy Anthony and Jeanine Consoli Constellation NewEnergy Aruna Conteh Cool Dog Gear Chantel Coote Vanessa Corbitt Jane Cording Core BTS Corebridge Financial Roberta and Dominic Costa Fatoumata Coulibaly Cowabunga Coffee Roasters Marilyn Cox Donna and Howard Creely Kim Crews Christy Crkvenac Katherine Crozier

Crumbl Warrington Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar Daniel and Lindsey Cuneo Yvonne Cunningham Valarie Curry Cypher Interpretation Services D'Agostino Carpets Wesley Daniels Davenport Family Foundation Harvey Davis Gail Davis Sheaquan Davis Paula Davis West and Wayne West DDN Consulting Services Catherine DeGroot and Miguel Velez Delta-T Group Ghislaine Denis Tiffany DeRohn Mamadou Diallo Katie Dickason DiFabio's Carmel and Charles Diliberto Joseph and Betty Dittmar Alex Dittmar and Kaitlyn Ide Doc Bresler's Cavity Busters Robert Doherty Craig Donaghy Joseph and Denise Dougher Kevin and Katie Dougher Colin and Angela Dougherty Lisa Douglass Dover Par 3 Eagles Autism Foundation Thomas Earle Kelli Edling Christine Edwin Alan and Linda Eickhoff Samuel and Helena Eisenberg Freddie Elliott Yontaya Everett Marilyn Everling Evil Genius Kimberly Ewart James Fagan Fava Ristorante Italiano Michael and Kellie Feehan Karen Feeney Fidelity Burglar & Fire Alarm Angela Filomeno James Filtz and Daniel Beck Mariel Filtz Jo Ann and E. Stephen Finkbiner Kevin Fitch Erin Fitzgerald Marjorie Fitzpatrick William Flynn David Focht Marianne Folk Elaine Francis Tyrique Freeman Kristen and Wayne Fritzinger

DONOR LIST Katie Fuhr Susan Fullerton Doris Gadson Brian and Susan Gallagher Charlene Gallagher Gap International Gap, Inc. Melinda Gardner James and Janine Garvey Alesha Gaus Alina Gayeuski and Daniel Smith William Gberi Janice Gee Mary Geschick Eileen and Richard Ghenn Tia Gibbs Stephen Gillen Michael and Gail Gilmartin Caesar and Sue Gorski Deborah and Thomas Grace Olivia Graham Granite Telecommunications Latoya Grant Ellen Gray and Alan Heavens Great American Pub Phoenixville Jaclyn Greenberg Ron and Emily Grizer Carl and Anita Guecia Elizabeth Guecia- Ono Judith Guise Jill Gustave Frank and Gail Guthridge Susan Hagerich Hagley Museum Carol Hammarberg Darlene Hammond Bonnie Hancock Bruce and Rosemary Hanes Joan Marie Hanley and Mary Ellen Mahan Andy Harrington William and Paula Harris Edythe Harrison Mike and Lynn Hart William and Lauri Harte Michael and Cheryl Hassett John and Jacqueline Haynes Kimberly Heffner Mark Heimberger Nancy Hendrickson Jennifer Hirschfeld Joseph Hoban Ed Hoffman Joseph Hohenstein Charles Horn House John and Melissa Howe Chenho Huang and Baohua Wu Lisa Hudson Kristine and Richard Hughey Natelle and Richard Hughey Victoria Hyczko IES Engineers Independence Blue Cross Marianne Ingram Interstate Fleet Services Anthony and Janet Iorio Rosaida Iraola Tahjmal Jackson Jamie Jakubowitz

Joe Mancini JDB Service Group Sheetal Manglani and Jeetendra Dassani Sherley Jean-Pierre Ellen and Ed Mansfield Tasheena Jennings Maquina Coffee Roasters Delphine Johnson Kenneth Margraff Lynne Johnson Angela Marshall Sharita Johnson Diane Massey Johnson & Johnson Leigh Ann Massinger Joselynne Jones Marcell Mateo Erica Jordan Christina McClendon Stephanie Joyner Mary and Robert McDermott JPMorgan Chase & Co. Jennifer and James McGarvey Ann Marie and Joseph Kachinski Arlene and Thomas McGee Carol Lynne Kalish Joseph McGuire Jeneba Kanu Kevin and Margaret McKelvey Steven and Kymme Kaufman Margaret and Kevin McKelvey Suzanne Keffer Lynda McNab Rick and Nancy Keidan Patricia McRay Catharine Keim Ruth Meas Colleen Kelly and Paul Hisem Tamar Meister and Jeffrey Marshall Barbara and John Kelly Stevan Mendez Eileen Kelly Andrew Merrell Earl Kelly Patrick Methven Barbara Kenny Geoffrey Meyers John Kerr Fred Miller William Kerr Judith Miller Kathy Kersul-Wiener Michael and Christina Miller KeyBank Scott and Susan Miller Barbara Keyser Miller, Turetsky, Rule & McLennan, PC Keystone Family Health Plan Gracynthia Mills Mark Kiczek Russell and Rose Milnor Kids N Hope Tyneka Mitchell Alyssa Kilpatrick Aimee Moffett Edith King Bill Moore Jay Kirsch Kim Moore Barbara and Nick Kochard Leticia Moore Dale and Beverly Kochard Brian and Kelliann Moran David and Joan Krauter Susan Morrison Bellamy Aurora Kripa and Jesse Fells Sarah Morrow Carolyn Kulp Mr. Bottle Beverage Denise Ladoski Mt. Cuba Center Lance A. Berger & Associates Bill and Rose Mueller Anne and D. Craig Landis Mutual of America Priscilla and Ray Landis My Dad's Flooring America Karen Lantz Alfreda Nagle Leanor T Rife Memorial Fund Judith Nagle Jeanne Lee and Robert Wilkinson Marie Neff Domonique Lee Networks for Training & Development Sandra Lee Larry and Susan Newitt Theresa Lepitre Janette Nieves Linda Leroux Barbara and Lincoln Noecker Levante Brewing Co. William Nolan Bruce and Barbara Lewbart Catherine Nold Glendra Lewis Natacha Nord Liberty Lawnscapes James and Elaine O'Connor Liberty Resources Susan O'Connor Lincoln Investment Catherine O'Shea-Barkley Phyllis Linn Office Basics Maryann Littlefield Yinyinola Oladipo Aisha Locke Pete and Debbie Olden Locust Lane Brewery Janyce Olson Longwood Gardens Barbara Orwig Maryann Ludwig Lutheran Church Women of St. Matthew Jan and Victor Ostroff Sean and Julrena Outen (Glen Mills, PA) Edward Owens Joseph Lyons Wilfredo Padilla Josephine Macaulay Painting With A Twist Tashima Machicote Karen Parker-Masarone and John Dayle Malloy Masarone Stephanie Malone Karen Paulus Mary Mammarella

KENCREST.ORG 29

DONOR LIST Peace Tohickon Lutheran Church (Perkasie, PA) Ann Marie and Cameron Pendleton Penns Woods Winery Dominique Perkins Mathilde Peter Kayla Peters Barbara Petroske Charlotte Pfeifer Philadelphia Federal Credit Union Philadelphia Foundation Philadelphia Insurance Companies Philadelphia Museum of Art Philadelphia's Magic Gardens Yolanda Phillips Grace Piccone Susan Pieczonka Fabiola Placide PNC Bryce Poirot William and Eileen Pollick Melvin Porchea Positive Aspired Learning Karen and John Prince PW Campbell PWP Video Kimberly and Scott Quinn Janice and Pat Quinn Colleen Quinn Quintessence Theatre Radius Rx Direct, Inc. Eric and Michelle Rahe Sondra Rakowski Joyce and William Rambo Ryan Raskay Ray's Appliances Karen Raymond Reformation Lutheran Church (Media, PA) Linda Regan Ovetta Reid Joyce and Robert Reiss Lisa and Carl Rich Olivia Riordan Mary Rivera RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve Forrest and Linda Roberts William and Eileen Roth Scott and Gail Ruehr Jack Rule and Jill Anderson Donna and Tyrone Ruley Barbara and Ralph Russo James and Susan Ryan Margaret Rybnik Rye BYOB Alimany Saccoh Sheriff Saccoh SafeinHome Salmon, Ricchezza, Singer & Turchi, LLP Annette Sample Yanellis Sanchez Kelly Sanders Lucy Sanvitale Martez Satchell Nicole Savior Pamela Schaefer Cathy Schappert and Barry Davis Scott and Wendy Scheirer RuthAnn Schell Matthew Schmitz and Lindsay Finan Doris Schoener

30 POSSIBILITIES | ISSUE 05

Pam and Mike Schuessler Dorothy and Charles Schulz Robert Schumm Trisha Scott Sedona Taphouse Ethel Serianni Shady Brook Farm John and Nancy Shane Allan and Linda Shanholtz Elizabeth and Anthony Sharkoski Ann Sheafer SHIFT Theresa Shriver Erika and Anthony Shulkusky Rosemarie Simmons Steve Simonic SimplyHome Lisa Simpson Sharon Skirkie Allison Smale Duane and Deborah Smith Kellie and Kevin Smith Kimberly Smith Margaret Smith Robert Smith Smoke & Mirrors Theater Georgia Solan Southeastern PA Synod of the ELCA Sovana Bistro Fatou Sow Evelyn Spann Tom and Carolyn Spencer Leland Spicer St. John Lutheran Church (Blue Bell, PA) St. Paul's Lutheran Church (Ardmore, PA) St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church (North Wales, PA) St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran Church (Philadelphia, PA) St. Stephen's Lutheran Church (Feasterville, PA) Robin Staley Barbara and Paul Starner StationMD Kim Sterling Elmina and Kenneth Stewart Russ and Megan Stewart Shelly Stewart-Laws Stickman Brews Carol and Donald Storey James and Marta Storm Janet Stott Tammi Stutzman Junina Sullivan Shannon Super Thierno Sy Savane Laura Szewczyk Felecia Tanner Tannery Run Beth Tavenner David and Trina Terné The Arc of Philadelphia The Haverford Trust Company The Rhoads Garden The Valley House The Wilma Theater Alita Thomas Cherese Thomas Clara Thompson Petrelle Thompson Thrivent Choice

Thunderbird Lanes Tierpoint Lauren Tilghman Wanda Trent Trinity Lutheran Church (Lansdale, PA) Geraldine Trower Truist Kathy and Paul Trumbore Catherine Tucker Vera Tunstall Turning Point Twin Valley Coffee Vicky and Joe Tyler Tyler Arboretum UGI Utilities, Inc. Bruce and Caron Ulmer Universal Health Services, Inc. James and Linda Van Horn Heather Van Horn Steve and Barbara Van Osten Vanguard Donna Vaselaar Richard and Carol Vermeil Vision for Equality Judith Voyak Derrick Walker Johanna Walters Robin Ward Dawn Elyse Warden Dennis and Jean Wasilewski Vincent Waskiewicz Wanda Webb Joseph Webster II Robin Whetstone Kathryn White White Dog Cafe Carol and John Wildmann William Penn Foundation Cathy Williams Jere and Beverly Williams Melinda Williams Willits Pharmacy Services, Inc. Vincent Willoughby David Wilson and Elizabeth Lexa Wilson Marie and Gerald Winterstein Winterthur Museum Aisha Witherspoon Jonel Witherspoon Steven Wolfe Richard and Lynda Wolff Janet Wong Tony Wong Daniel Wood Christina Wright WSFS Bank Diane Wurster Maureen and Chris Yamamoto Yard's Brewing Co. Sara Young Thomas Young Matthew and Leslie Yunaska Zeen Robert and Ann Zemsky Daniel Zepp Paul and Bonnie Zieger Robert and Susan Zimmer Banasee Zoewah Erfan Zoghi Bendu Zoryeah

The Council on Quality and Leadership Accreditation Process Quality is everyone’s responsibility! We all benefit.

Sharing accountability and training on CQL’s Basic Assurances will help instill staff confidence and ensure our programs and departments are always ready for a visit from the CQL accreditation team.

This helps minimize confusion and nervousness that sometimes occurs before an accreditation visit.

Learn more information on how to become a part of the Accreditation Process by emailing Kim Quinn at kim.quinn@kencrest.org

CONNECT WITH KENCREST Facebook @KenCrest

YouTube @KenCrestServices

Instagram @KenCrestServices

LinkedIn @KenCrest KENCREST.ORG

31