IN THIS ISSUE
The ninth issue of KenCrest’s Magazine Possibilities celebrates the season of learning with inspiring stories from across KenCrest. From a new outdoor classroom at our Kensington Center to children receiving new glasses, partnering with the Kids-N-Hope Foundation, and a holiday tradition that brings smiles to our Children's Transitional Care Homes, this issue is packed with heart and hope.
A Tradition of Giving
Making a Difference When It Matters Most
How Cianci Chiropractic's annual gift drive brings joy and hope to KenCrest's Transitional Care Homes and thier families.
What H.R. 1 Means for the Future of Medicaid and the People We Support
KenCrest explains how H.R. 1—the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Act—will cut $1T from Medicaid, impacting people with disabilities, families, and care providers.
Op-Ed: Building Brighter Futures, Together
Through partnership, KenCrest and American Heritage Credit Union are making a lasting impact—changing lives and building stronger futures.
Suporting Employment, Empowering Dreams
Learn how a new grant is helping KenCrest expand job coaching services, empowering people with disabilities to build skills, independence, and careers.
A Clearer Future
In 2024, KenCrest and Salus provided free student vision care. A new grant expands KenCrest’s job coaching for people with disabilities.
Letter To The Editor
As I write this letter — my final letter for Possibilities — I find myself reflecting deeply on the legacy we leave behind when we do meaningful work together. After nearly a decade leading KenCrest and a lifetime dedicated to supporting people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, I will be retiring later this year. It is a bittersweet moment, filled with immense pride for all that we’ve built and deep gratitude for the people who made it possible.
Throughout my time here, I’ve tried to lead with a few key principles: delivering the highest level of quality, exceeding what’s expected, and staying rooted in innovation, economic accountability, and social responsibility. These values weren’t just aspirations; they were touchstones that shaped every decision, every partnership, and every bold new idea. Yet my proudest accomplishment? Creating space for others to lead. I’ve always believed that the best way to spark real, lasting change is by aligning people around a shared purpose — and then empowering them to do their best work.
This issue of Possibilities reflects that spirit of possibility and shared leadership. In these pages, you’ll meet the people and partnerships that embody our mission in action:
A vibrant new outdoor classroom funded by PNC that turns nature into a space for curiosity and discovery at one of KenCrest’s Early Learning Centers.
A collaborative effort with Salus at Drexel University that uncovered a serious vision issue in a young student, changing the course of his life.
And a heartwarming tradition of generosity from Cianci Chiropractic, which for more than two decades has brought holiday joy to the children at our Transitional Care Homes.
Each of these stories speaks to the heart of KenCrest’s work: supporting the whole child, building strong communities, and ensuring that every person has the opportunity to thrive. Yet, while we celebrate these milestones, we must also acknowledge the challenges looming on the horizon — especially those tied to the future of Medicaid and Medicare.
These programs aren’t just safety nets, they’re lifelines. For the families we serve, Medicaid provides healthcare, stability, and the supports that make community participation possible. And when paired with early childhood programs like Head Start, these services become transformative. Through Head Start, we’re not only preparing children for school, but we’re also supporting their physical, emotional, and developmental health, identifying concerns early, and walking alongside families as advocates for their care and future. Early Learning Centers (ELCs) are intentionally placed in the most underserved neighborhoods, ensuring that the families who need these services most have direct access to them.
As I prepare to pass the baton, I do so with full faith in our next chapter. Aurora Kripa, who will be stepping into the role of CEO, brings both a deep knowledge of KenCrest and a fresh, forward-looking vision. She understands that excellence means thinking systemically, innovating boldly, and holding ourselves to standards far above the minimum. Aurora is the right leader for this next chapter, and I am excited to see how she builds upon the foundation we’ve laid together.
To every family, staff member, donor, and partner who has joined us on this journey, thank you. You have helped us grow not just an organization, but a movement rooted in compassion, courage, and collaboration. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside you.
Marian Baldini
CEO and President
The holiday season is a time when the simple act of giving back can create ripple effects of hope, comfort, and joy. For many families, especially those facing overwhelming medical and financial challenges, the holidays can be more stressful than special. This is where KenCrest’s Rev. Harvey Davis Family Fund makes a difference — transforming generosity into meaningful support during the most critical time of the year.
The Family Fund takes many different forms. Some supporters “adopt” families from our Early Learning Centers to provide gifts from wish lists. Others donate money and gift cards which have provided emergency support during crises such as house fires. At a small chiropractic office in Montgomery County, spreading love to some of our most vulnerable community members has become an annual tradition. Since 2006, the team at Cianci Chiropractic has made it their mission to fill their hallways with bags of donated toys, blankets, books, and toothbrushes — all to make the holidays a little brighter for the children in KenCrest’s Transitional Care Homes for Medically Fragile Children.
“It all started with Janice,” recalls Dr. Chris Cianci. “She was a nurse at the time and told me about the children living at the home. I was working on her when she shared it, and I could barely hold back tears. That’s when I knew — we had to do something.”
And they did, again and again, year after year, for almost 20 years.
Each November, the Cianci team receives a holiday wish list compiled by KenCrest staff. Some children ask for toys or books. Others request essentials like blankets, clothing, or hygiene supplies. One year, a boy received nothing but Spider-Man items from donors who somehow knew his favorite character.
“People call ahead to ask when the list will be ready,” says Ginny Craig, Cianci’s longtime office manager. “Some even bring their own kids or classrooms into it, like Ashley, a former basketball player we sponsored who now teaches special education and gets her students involved.”
The drive has grown so large that in some years, it’s taken three full-sized SUVs just to deliver the donations. The office Christmas tree overflows. So does the hallway. But beyond the sheer volume of gifts lies something even more powerful: connection.
For Dr. Cianci, giving isn’t seasonal — it’s personal. He’s hosted bike rides for diabetes awareness, launched a nonprofit after his wife’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, and once biked 500 miles from Cleveland to Pennsylvania to raise funds. Whether it’s wearing an Easter Bunny suit at a local 5K or organizing a golf outing, his mission is simple: help others.
“It’s just something I’ve always done,” he says. “My mom raised me to help people. And it stuck.”
For families supported by KenCrest, that generosity is life-changing. The children in Transitional Care Homes have complex medical needs, and their families often face immense emotional and financial pressure. In many cases, the children have never spent a holiday at home with their family. That’s where KenCrest’s Family Fund comes in.
The Family Fund provides gifts to families when they need them most. Families receive anything from educational items like books and pencils to toys and winter clothing. Community members can participate by “adopting” a family, sending gifts to KenCrest, or donating cash. Participants can choose to support a small (2-3 people), medium (4-6 people), or large family (7+ people) based on their needs.
That message of support is felt deeply each year when the Cianci Chiropractic team delivers its mountain of holiday cheer. It’s in the smiles. The laughter. The relief. The reminder that people care, even complete strangers.
“There’s something about knowing you’ve made a child’s day a little brighter,” Ginny says. “That’s all the motivation we need.”
KenCrest is proud to partner with individuals and businesses like Cianci Chiropractic, whose dedication reminds us that community isn’t just where we live, it’s how we love.
As another season of giving approaches, we’re reminded that big change often begins with small acts. And that every donation — no matter what size — has the power to make someone feel seen, supported, and deeply loved. ...
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME OUT TO THIS YEAR'S COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS!
Community Champions is our way of giving thanks to the individuals, organizations, and community partners who go above and beyond to support KenCrest's vital work. This year, we were honored to celebrate our winners at Valley Forge Casino. It truly takes an entire community to bring KenCrest's mission to life, and these Champions are leading the way. Thank you to everyone who came out to join us and made the event such a success!
OUR SPONSORS
At American Heritage Credit Union, giving back is at the heart of everything we do. For more than a decade, our long-standing partnership with KenCrest has reflected our shared belief in creating inclusive, supportive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Our relationship began in 2010, when American Heritage proudly opened its field of membership to offer financial services to KenCrest employees. Since then, we’ve remained committed to supporting both the KenCrest team and the individuals and families they serve through meaningful philanthropy, resources, and outreach.
KenCrest’s mission — to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities — resonates deeply with our values. Over the years, we’ve contributed not only funding but also time, energy, and care, helping expand access to critical programs and meaningful experiences.
One of the most impactful ways we’ve supported KenCrest is through our Kids-N-Hope Foundation. Founded by American Heritage in 1996, the Kids-N-Hope Foundation provides funding for pediatric health and life services such as music therapy programs, children’s centers, and after-school music programs. Through this foundation, we’ve been able to support KenCrest’s early learning and early intervention efforts, bringing joy, comfort, and developmental support to the children and families they serve.
We’ve also partnered with KenCrest through our Books for Kids program, providing hundreds of books to children across KenCrest’s programs. These books spark imagination, build literacy skills, and offer families meaningful opportunities to connect through reading. It’s a small but powerful way to help children explore the world around them.
During the holiday season, our team takes extra steps to ensure KenCrest families feel supported and valued. Through donations of non-perishable food items and gift cards to KenCrest families, we help ease financial burdens and bring warmth and joy during a time that can be especially challenging for many.
“At American Heritage, we believe in building partnerships that create meaningful change,” shared Donna Handel, Vice President of Business Development. “Our relationship with KenCrest reflects our shared commitment to compassion, dignity, and inclusion. It’s a privilege to support their mission and stand beside them in creating opportunities for every individual to thrive.”
Our team is continually inspired by the work KenCrest does and the difference it makes for individuals, caregivers, and communities. It’s more than a partnership — it’s a shared mission rooted in kindness and connection.
We’re proud to support KenCrest and look forward to continuing this journey together — because when we invest in each other, we all grow stronger.
Help Us Explore Possibilities, Mobilize Resources, and Empower Dreams
On a breezy morning at KenCrest’s Kensington Center, the sound of giggles carries through the air. A group of preschoolers crouches near a patch of synthetic sand, digging, stacking blocks, and drawing with sidewalk chalk. There are no walls around them, just an open sky above and a new kind of classroom taking shape.
This vision of a vibrant outdoor learning center will soon be coming to KenCrest’s Kensington Center, thanks to a growing partnership between KenCrest and PNC Financial Services. What began as a conversation about the importance of outdoor play blossomed into a $60,000 grant and the construction of a dedicated outdoor classroom — a spacious, open-air portico equipped with tables, chairs, shelves, and tools for hands-on learning.
Construction is expected to be completed in 2026, and once finished, the space will provide students at the Kensington Center with an additional two and a half hours of outdoor time each week. For many families, that time is critical.
“Our kids often don’t have safe access to outdoor play after school,” explains Christina Stiles, the Assistant Executive Director. “This space makes it possible for them to explore, learn, and grow in nature, right at school.”
The classroom isn’t just about fresh air and sunshine. It’s about helping children build confidence, develop motor skills, and learn to regulate their senses in a space that feels safe and free. For children with sensory needs, natural light and open air can offer calming alternatives to indoor environments.
This project is a natural extension of KenCrest’s Early Learning Centers, where the mission goes far beyond academic readiness. Each center is built around the whole-child approach, supporting not just cognitive development, but also emotional wellbeing, social growth, physical health, and family connection. Our teachers and staff work closely with families to provide an inclusive classroom environment tailored to every learner. With the outdoor classroom, we’re creating even more opportunities to help children thrive — in every sense of the word.
Earlier this year, a group of KenCrest staff members traveled to Pittsburgh to meet with Trying Together, a nonprofit organization that promotes intentional play. The experience reinforced the importance of outdoor play and introduced new possibilities. During the trip, Christaline Camacho, the Program Coordinator at the Kensington Center and Stiles learned about a few schools using plastic trash cans as creative play materials, and outdoor spaces transformed into laboratories for exploration. They also visited PlayLab, a collaboration with the Life is Good brand, which showed how to blend fun and learning into every part of the day.
“During our visit, we learned that there was one school that purchased over 100 plastic trash cans from IKEA and put them on their playground. The children used them to climb, make pathways, use multiple colors to make patterns, stand on them, jump off of them, etc.” Stiles says. “It was a simple idea, but it creates risk, and most teachers are hesitant to encourage risky play. But children, to a degree, can feel when a situation is safe or unsafe. If they are climbing high and become unstable, they can identify that. If they step on something and it moves, they proceed with caution. We have to allow children the opportunity to play and explore those feelings they have inside their bodies.”
The possibility to explore different avenues of play became a reality thanks to the help of PNC. Through two decades of support, PNC has become a vital partner in KenCrest’s early learning and community building efforts. They’ve funded a new playground, built a lending library, and helped launch initiatives like Trauma Smart and Raising a Reader. This spring, volunteers from PNC visited KenCrest’s South Early Learning Center to read to children, deliver books, and present Lakeshore gift cards to teachers to keep classrooms stocked with new materials.
“This is just the beginning,” says Stiles. “We hope this classroom is the first of many. We would love for every KenCrest center to have a place like this — where children can grow, explore, and thrive right in the heart of their neighborhood.”
Christina Stiles, the Assistant Executive DIrector
During the pandemic, they even sent home activity kits so children that weren’t attending in person had access to learning materials.
“Everything done by PNC is with intention, and the children’s best interest at heart,” says Stiles. “It gives me hope that others will also follow in PNC’s footsteps and identify the importance of the early years and how development and learning is truly fostered during these years.”
Even before the classroom was fully designed, support began pouring in. The School District of Philadelphia unexpectedly sent outdoor learning kits to several centers, including Kensington, complete with easels, large double-sided magnetic walls with tunnels for exploring, water play tools, and more.
The new space is designed to resemble a traditional classroom, but with an outdoor setting. There will be areas for circle time, small-group activities, manipulatives, and even outdoor music, thanks to built-in speakers.
Teachers are encouraged to bring their lesson plans outdoors, integrating nature into everyday learning. And it’s not just the children who benefit. Educators are excited about new teaching possibilities. Families are grateful to have a secure place for their kids to play.
Everyone, from staff to supporters, is aligned around a single goal: providing children with more opportunities to learn and thrive.
“This is just the beginning,” says Stiles. “We hope this classroom is the first of many. We would love for every KenCrest center to have a place like this — where children can grow, explore, and thrive right in the heart of their neighborhood.”
KenCrest is already looking ahead, excited to capture the laughter, learning, and life that will unfold in this space without walls.
Because when learning begins under the open sky, the possibilities are endless.
What H.R. 1 Means for the Future of Medicaid and the People We Support
By Chip Riddlerberger
Director of Government Relations and Advocacy
On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed H.R. 1 — the Budget Reconciliation Act — into law. Framed as a cost-saving measure, the legislation is projected to cut nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid over the next decade, leaving 17 million fewer people insured by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
For people with disabilities, and the families and providers who support them, this bill raises serious concerns. At KenCrest, we believe in person-centered care that empowers individuals to thrive. Medicaid is the foundation of that care. These cuts and policy changes threaten the stability of services that millions rely on — including those we serve every day.
What’s Changing?
1. Limits on State Financing
States fund the non-federal share of Medicaid through general funds, provider taxes, and local contributions. H.R. 1 gradually reduces the allowable provider tax rate from 6% in 2028 to 3.5% by 2032. This change will force states to find alternative funding or risk cutting services.
2. New Work Requirements
The law imposes work-related conditions on Medicaid applicants and enrollees aged 19–64 in the ACA expansion group or under a waiver. Individuals must complete 80 hours per month of work, community service, or a work program; earn income equal to minimum wage for 80 hours; or be enrolled part-time in an educational program. These activities can be combined, and seasonal workers may qualify based on six-month average income. Exemptions apply to medically fragile individuals (including those with I/DD), caregivers for disabled individuals or dependents, and parents of children under 13. The policy takes effect by December 31, 2026, with possible extensions to 2028 for states making good faith efforts to comply.
3. Regulation Moratorium
H.R. 1 delays implementation of two key HHS rules designed to streamline Medicaid, The Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and related program eligibility and enrollment processes until September 30, 2034. These rules were written to reduce coverage loss by prohibiting in-person interviews for individuals with disabilities and increasing eligibility checks for beneficiaries with disabilities.
4. Delays in Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)
The bill also threatens access to expanded HCBS, which are essential for seniors and people with disabilities to live independently. These services are often labeled “optional” and are typically the first to be cut during state budget shortfalls. Without them, many individuals may be forced into more expensive institutional care, potentially violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by denying their right to live in the least restrictive setting.
Why It Matters
At KenCrest, we support over 5,000 people across Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut. For many, Medicaid is more than insurance — it’s a lifeline. It funds the direct support professionals who assist with daily living, the therapies that help children grow, and the employment programs that open doors to independence. H.R. 1 isn’t just policy — it’s personal.
What You Can Do
Now more than ever, we must raise our voices. Stay informed. Contact your legislators. Share your story — or the story of someone you love — about how Medicaid makes a difference. Advocate for policies that protect and strengthen services, not weaken them.
At KenCrest, we remain committed to building a system that values every person, regardless of ability. Together, we can ensure that progress isn’t reversed and that everyone has the opportunity to live a full and meaningful life.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ANNUAL SPONSORS
For more than four decades, KenCrest has championed the power of employment as a pathway to independence, purpose, and community inclusion. Today, that commitment is stronger than ever, with nearly 200 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and autism receiving support to find and thrive in meaningful work across southeastern Pennsylvania.
KenCrest’s Employment Program focuses on helping each person find a paid position that matches their strengths and aspirations. KenCrest works to identify existing job openings or partners with employers to develop customized roles that provide value to businesses and meaning to the employee. Participants in the program range from young adults preparing for their first jobs to older adults seeking new opportunities. Many live independently, with family, or in residential options, across Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.
The process begins with listening. KenCrest’s trained and certified employment specialists use person-centered planning and interest inventories to understand each individual’s strengths and preferences.
From there, they provide coaching, job training, and on-site support that helps individuals thrive at work. Over time, many participants transition from active coaching to independence.
“One of the hallmarks of our program is meeting people where they are — literally and figuratively,” says Jessica Birkmire, Director of Employment Services. “Our coaches are often supporting individuals out in the field — grocery stores, restaurants, farms — you name it. Being present and responsive in those moments makes all the difference.”
Thanks to a recent grant from the MBF Center Fund — administered by The Montgomery County Foundation, Inc. — KenCrest will be able to enhance this support further. The grant will fund the purchase of two convertible laptops for the Employment team, with the possibility of more. These lightweight and flexible devices allow for seamless documentation, with features like digital pens and tablet-to-keyboard functionality that support quick, accurate note taking in real time.
“This grant helps us equip staff with tools that support real-time documentation in the flow of their work,” says Birkmire. “Reliable access to Wi-Fi and flexible devices means our coaches can stay connected and responsive, wherever they are — delivering high-quality, person-centered support — while still meeting documentation needs.”
The funding also helps KenCrest expand its reach — supporting more individuals with I/DD or autism in achieving competitive employment, funding staff-client activities, and increasing staff expertise through nationally recognized job coaching certification.
KenCrest is proud to continue championing inclusive employment and is deeply grateful to the MBF Center Fund and The Montgomery County Foundation for their partnership in helping people live the lives they choose, through work, independence, and inclusion.
Are you interested in helping to spread a little more cheer this holiday season? Support the Family Fund by “adopting” a family or donating gifts, gift cards, or more.
For 25 years, the KenCrest community has come together to help bring a smile to the face of those we support. Your gifts ensure we continue the tradition of helping children and families during the holiday season that was started by the late Rev. Harvey Davis. We are grateful for your commitment to the spirit of giving that has been woven into KenCrest’s history for 120 years.
Gift deliveries will be accepted between December 1 and December 12 at KenCrest's corporate office (960A Harvest Drive, Suite 100, Blue Bell, Pa 19422) between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
In April 2024, KenCrest’s Early Learning Centers (ELCs) received a special visit that turned into a life-changing experience, not just for one child, but for dozens of families.
Through a partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, students from the ELCs have access
to health and wellness resources required by Head Start and Pre-K programs. Each child is required to have weight, height, hearing, vision, and nutrition check-ups by a certified nurse, who then sends notes to the parents for those children who need an extra checkup by a specialist in the field of need. KenCrest’s ELCs are located in some of Philadelphia’s most underserved neighborhoods, making health screenings and other supports even more valuable.
In 2024, optometry professionals from Salus at Drexel University provided free follow-up vision care to students flagged during the routine screenings. Each child in need received two free pairs of glasses. But the visit wasn’t just about improving sight; it was about catching severe conditions early and supporting children in every aspect of their development.
Take Bryan. A bright-eyed preschooler in KenCrest’s Pre-K Counts program. During his initial screening, a nurse noticed something unusual in Bryan's eye, prompting a referral for further evaluation. When the Salus team arrived, they conducted a thorough exam and noticed that there was something in the back of his eye. They called his parents in and recommended they go to CHOP (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia) or Wills Eye emergency room.
The parents immediately took him to CHOP, and they identified a conjunctival cyst — a growth that can obstruct vision and, if left untreated, potentially lead to more serious complications or even permanent vision loss. The presence of a cyst in a child so young was particularly concerning, as children's developing eyes are especially vulnerable to long-term effects.
Bryan was treated with medicated eye drops and placed on a care plan to monitor the condition. His parents were initially anxious upon hearing the news about the cyst. The uncertainty weighed heavily on them, but their relief was palpable when they received a clear treatment plan from CHOP. The swift intervention not only preserved Bryan’s eyesight, but also restored a sense of security and hope for his family. Because of the required health screenings for children in the Pre-K Counts and Head Start programs, Bryan’s future remained intact, and his family gained peace of mind.
This is the heart of KenCrest’s early learning model: holistic support for every child, every step of the way. At these centers, learning extends beyond the classroom. Children receive vital health screenings for vision, hearing, height, weight, and nutrition, ensuring that issues are identified early, and families are empowered with the resources they need to act.
And the impact doesn’t stop at the classroom doors. By removing barriers to care, programs like Head Start and Pre-K Counts offer families access to services they might not otherwise afford, creating equity in health, education, and opportunity.
What made the Salus visit so powerful wasn’t just the glasses handed out. It was the ripple effect: children seeing clearly for the first time, families receiving timely medical guidance, and educators being reminded that their work matters beyond academics.
Addressing vision issues early in life does more than safeguard a child’s health — it lays the foundation for future academic and social success. Clear vision is essential for reading, participating in class activities, and building self-confidence. When children can see the board, follow along with their peers, and engage fully in learning, their chances of thriving in school and beyond are vastly improved. The benefits of early detection and intervention ripple outward, shaping brighter futures for students and their communities.
KenCrest’s mission has always been about nurturing the whole child, to ensure healthy mental, physical, emotional, and behavioral growth. Through trusted partnerships like this one, we continue to provide children with the strong foundation they need to grow, learn, and thrive.