JCHAI was founded in 1987 by family members of people with disabilities.

These families were concerned about the gap in services available to their loved ones after they aged out of school. At the time, the Philadelphia region offered few options. But these parents wanted more than just a place to live or sporadic help for their children. They wanted to develop a stable, supportive, loving community.

This strong and determined group of family members collaborated with
professionals, consultants, and the community to create independent living
geared towards helping adults with developmental disabilities to live and flourish
in a supportive, home environment. The program has now grown to be a cutting
edge educational system that provides social networks and multiple programs to
individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism. Through JCHAI,members
will be continually learning how to reach their full potential in an inclusive
community.

Since our inception, JCHAI is proud to have expanded to offer choices of
supportive independent living options, including supported apartment programs
in Bryn Mawr and Willow Grove and JCHAI At Home, a community-based service that provides highly trained social workers on a 1:1.basis. JCHAI also offers JCHAI Transitions, a young adult educational program with after-school classes and weekend outings geared toward teaching independent living and vocational skills.

JCHAI provides a proven individualized structure within the least restrictive environment possible. Opportunities for cultural, religious, and social enrichment abound within and beyond the walls of the JCHAI community!

Please visit our Services page for more details about our programs and locations. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact JCHAI at 610-922-2480. We’d love to hear from you!