In 1905, in the heart of Philadelphia’s Kensington neighborhood, a determined member of the Lutheran Church, Sister Maria Roeck, saw a desperate need in her community. Tuberculosis was sweeping across the nation, leaving families broken and lives uncertain. But Sister Maria refused to stand idly by. She opened a small dispensary, providing medical care to those who had nowhere else to turn. What started as a mission of healing soon grew into something much greater — a movement centered on dignity, respect, and unwavering support. Over the years, KenCrest evolved, pioneering new approaches to disability services, independent living, and community-based care.
For over a century, KenCrest has asked a crucial question: What does it truly take to help someone? Time and again, the answer has been found in our ability to go beyond expectations — to not only provide services but to uplift, empower, and walk alongside those in need.
Sandy and her family’s story is a testament to this mission.
A Family’s Journey With KenCrest
For more than 25 years, KenCrest has been a guiding presence in one family’s journey, offering support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Sandy first connected with KenCrest as a young mother of three, seeking opportunities for her children to grow, learn, and engage with their community. But as life unfolded, KenCrest’s role in her life evolved in ways she never expected.
Angela Marshall, now the Director of Supported Independent Living, still remembers her first encounter with the family over 25 years ago. Kevin was just a baby then, and his older siblings, Jessica and Michael, only seven and five, were receiving after-school and extended care support through the agency’s Personal Support Network, which has since become Community-Based Services. As the years passed, KenCrest became a guiding presence in their lives, offering more than just assistance; it provided experiences, friendships, and opportunities to grow. The children eagerly joined activity clubs, attended dances, and built connections within their community, gaining confidence and essential life skills along the way.
However, as childhood turned into adolescence, their needs evolved. Jessica dreamed of leaving their family house, Michael was inspired to live on his own, and Kevin, who was still young at the time, needed additional behavioral support.
“Jessica was the first to move out of the family home,” recalls Stephanie Brown, Senior Referral Manager for Lifesharing at KenCrest. “That took a lot of courage because her father didn’t want her to leave. But she proved to her family that she could do it. And when Michael saw her succeed, he wanted more for himself, too.”
Jessica found a home through KenCrest’s Lifesharing program, moving in with a former KenCrest staff member who welcomed her as part of their family. Lifesharing is more than a placement — it’s about fostering deep, lasting relationships in a nurturing environment. Jessica has since transitioned to another agency for Lifesharing but continues receiving six hours of Community Participation Support from KenCrest each week to explore new interests, hobbies, and activities.
Michael, too, explored Lifesharing, forming a strong connection with his host family. He stayed for about a year before deciding to move back home, then tried Adult Residential before considering Supported Independent Living. At the time, there was a wait for an available apartment, and he was eager to continue his journey toward independence. So, he explored other options, always keeping KenCrest in mind — and recently, he expressed interest in returning.
Meanwhile, Kevin’s journey with KenCrest remained constant. Since the age of 12, he had received support from Melissa Bailey-Raison, a Direct Support Professional at the time, but now the Director of Community-Based Services. Their bond formed quickly, built on trust and shared experiences.
“Kevin and I would always take walks in the neighborhood,” Melissa says. “He was handy — he loved to build things, always curious about how they worked. I worked with him for a while, and our relationship changed. He listened to me, respected me, and still to this day will reach out to me when he has questions or needs support.”
Jessica and Michael were already living on their own and settled, it was only Kevin who needed help finding residential services. So, with Melissa’s help, along with many other KenCrest team members, Kevin moved into an Adult Community Living Home.
At first, he was anxious, afraid of being alone, of starting over. But those feelings didn’t last long. In his new home, he found a sense of security and a newfound confidence. He embraced learning new skills, found joy in his independence, and secured his first job with the support of KenCrest’s Employment team, something he had always dreamed of but never thought possible.
In 2023, tragedy struck this family. Sandy’s husband, the children’s father, passed away suddenly. As she tried to navigate the unthinkable, another devastating blow came — she was diagnosed with cancer. With no extended family nearby and a growing fear of what lay ahead, she faced an impossible question: How would she navigate this alone? What would happen to her children? Who would care for her beloved dog, Laila, if she couldn’t?
KenCrest once again stepped in — not just as a service provider, but as a lifeline.
Now it was time for Sandy to get support.
A Community of Support
Angela Marshall had long advocated for Sandy’s eligibility for additional services. “It had been a 10-year conversation trying to get Sandy approved for her waiver,” Angela explains. “When we learned about her diagnosis, we knew we had to act fast. We had to find a safe place where she could heal.”
That’s when KenCrest’s collaborative spirit truly shined. The Supported Independent Living team connected with Stephanie Brown and the Lifesharing team to explore respite services. However, a new challenge arose — Laila couldn’t accompany Sandy to her temporary home. She couldn’t bear the thought of being separated from her only companion and was willing to postpone surgery if Laila didn’t have somewhere to go. That’s when Russ Stewart, Director of Community Philanthropy, stepped forward. An avid dog lover, he took Laila in, ensuring she was well cared for while Sandy focused on her recovery. With Laila safe, Sandy underwent successful surgery and was welcomed into a Lifesharing home, where she found warmth, care, and an outpouring of support. The family celebrated her birthday, offered her comfort, and made sure she knew she wasn’t alone. When her stay ended, KenCrest stepped up again, securing her a place in another Lifesharing home for ten days before transitioning her to an Adult Residential Community Living Home for additional respite until the next step in her journey was ready.
The teamwork across departments was nothing short of extraordinary. Staff from Lifesharing, Supported Independent Living, Enabling Technology, and Residential Services all played a role in ensuring Sandy had what she needed — not just for her recovery but for the next chapter of her life.
“Our PRIDE values, [Positive approaches, Reaching higher, Inclusion, Discovery, and Excellence] our staff and our service areas are a great resource and we rely on each other to allow people to live their best lives and to realize their dreams,” says Stephanie Brown.
A Path to Independence
KenCrest didn’t stop at providing temporary care. They worked with Sandy to help her regain her independence through the Stepping Stones Transitional Housing program — a new program created by Angela through the New Business Ideas program in 2022, as a way to help people with IDD gain the life skills necessary to live independently and to help identify what supports they will need to do so. Through that program, she learned essential life skills with the help of KenCrest’s Enabling Technology team. Armed with an iPad and the MeMinder app, she gained confidence in handling daily tasks — preparing meals, managing medications, and caring for her home. QR codes placed throughout her living space guided her step by step, ensuring that she could complete each task on her own.
Then, the moment she had long dreamed of arrived — Sandy moved into her very own apartment. She quickly made it her home, creating a space filled with warmth, love, and the comfort of having Laila by her side. Her daughter visits frequently, and Sandy hosted Thanksgiving for her family for the first time in years — a moment she had long dreamed of.
“I really love it here,” Sandy said with a smile. “I love the rooms, it’s quiet, and there are no problems. I like the dog park, and there are a lot of places nearby where I can walk to.”
Stephanie Brown reflected on the incredible teamwork that made this possible. “Everyone played a role in supporting Sandy — not just physically, but emotionally,” she said. “There were so many moving parts, but together, we made it happen. Without this collaboration, she might have had to postpone her surgery. But instead, she’s now living her best life.”
“Sandy’s dream was to prove to herself and to her family that she could live alone successfully and we’ve been able to work together and use our resources here at KenCrest to make her dream a reality,” she adds. “And she is now living her best life right now because we were able to rally around her in her time of need.”
A Legacy That Endures
KenCrest’s history is filled with stories like Sandy’s — stories of resilience, transformation, and the power of community. From its founding days under Sister Maria Roeck to the present, KenCrest has remained steadfast in its mission: to empower individuals, challenge societal norms, and create pathways to independence for those in need.
Just as it once provided vital healthcare services to those suffering from tuberculosis, today KenCrest continues to meet people where they are — offering personalized, compassionate care. Sandy’s journey is a modern reflection of that legacy. Through every heartbreak, every transition, and every triumph, KenCrest was there, proving that true care is not just about services — it’s about relationships, trust, and a commitment to walking alongside those in need.
For over 120 years, KenCrest has been more than an organization; it has been a community. And as long as there are people like Sandy who need support, KenCrest will continue to answer the call, just as it always has.
