Lifesharing Program

KenCrest’s Lifesharing program offers individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities the opportunity to thrive in a nurturing, family-oriented environment. Lifesharing fosters lasting relationships that build self-esteem and promote interdependence. Families open their homes and hearts to individuals, whether biologically related or not, providing a shared, supportive environment.

Since 1985, we have matched over 140 people with compassionate Lifesharing families, some partnerships lasting over 30 years. Our families support participants’ physical, medical, emotional, and social needs while promoting community involvement, volunteerism, employment, and family-focused activities.

We currently serve more than 50 Lifesharing families across seven Pennsylvania counties: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, and Philadelphia. Lifesharing also includes specialized services like birth family Lifesharing and medically complex Lifesharing for children. By joining KenCrest Lifesharing, you help create a richer, more independent life for everyone involved.

These Lifesharing Partners Celebrate Five Years Together

Lifesharing Participants

The Matching Process

Lifesharing Participants

The people we support are always at the center of our Lifesharing program. KenCrest aims to provide high-quality services and support in Lifesharing in the following ways:

A person-centered individualized plan to help with realizing potential and reaching goals
Individualized training for your team members and provider family
Support with medical appointments, medications, and doctors
Clinical supports, such as behavior therapists and counseling
Arranging transportation services for easy access to community activities or employment
Development of relationships in the community
Support with budgeting
Coordination of special events, trips, and vacations

The Matching Process

The matching process is key to a successful Lifesharing experience for everyone involved. The matching process begins with an initial meeting to discuss participants' wants, needs, and desires in a Lifesharing family arrangement. If we identify a provider family as a match based on their shared mutual interests, we will arrange a meet and greet so both can get to know one another. The next step will be possible extended visits (day, overnight, weekend, and two weeks).

After a few visits, our Lifesharing team will meet with the participant, the new Lifesharing Family, and the supports coordinator to discuss proceeding and set a move-in date.

Testimonials

Lara Schwarz

“We were basically living in a Lifesharing situation already, without the help of an agency. But as a biological Lifesharing provider, there were a lot of things about disability services that I didn’t know, so I needed the additional support so I could better help Sandy. I think it’s important to have an agency like KenCrest supporting her and ensuring her life is good.”

Bea Davis

“I tell every coordinator or caseworker that comes to our home that Hakeem is my son. Don’t come here and treat him like a case because that’s my son.”

Adrienne Hayman

“Living with them and watching them learn and develop made me want to work in this industry. It is challenging, but if you have compassion, patience, and love in your heart, you’ll do just fine.”

Claudette Boyer

“When I relocated back [to Pennsylvania] from Colorado and met my now husband, I told him that Lifesharing was something I wanted to do. I’m a nurse and have worked with people with disabilities; it’s always been in my heart and something I wanted to do.”

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Contact Us

If you or someone you know is interested in taking part in Lifesharing, please contact lifesharing@kencrest.org or 610-487-3284. Or visit our Lifesharing Provider page to learn how to become a provider. For more information Please take a moment to review our intake/referral process.

Lifesharing Program