An Important Milestone in Our Shared Journey
We are excited to share an important update about the future of our community. After more than two years of working side by side in a formal affiliation under a single Board of Directors, AADD and JCHAI will officially merge into one organization effective July 1, 2026.
A Focus on Growth, Not Consolidation
Since January 1, 2024, we have worked closely together, learning from one another, aligning our approaches, and deepening our shared commitment to the individuals and families we serve. Through this partnership, it has become increasingly clear that our future growth and impact will be stronger together.
What We Mean by Growth, Not Consolidation
With no overlap in our existing programs, together we are strengthening our impact and infrastructure to ensure ongoing innovation and growth to meet the needs of our community.
Your support ensures we meet this need through the continuation of all of our combined existing programs along with future offerings.
Why This Matters
Both organizations were founded by families with a deeply personal vision: that their children with disabilities would have the opportunity to live full and meaningful lives just like their other children.
Over the years, we have seen increasing demand for our collective services and this merger positions us to thoughtfully extend our reach and better respond to that growing need.
The merger positions us to:
- Fully integrate complementary programs and services that support individuals across all stages of life
- Expand future service offerings to respond to ongoing unmet needs in our community
- Create a unified person-centered approach that is purposeful, flexible, and tailored to each member
- Strengthen the long-term sustainability and infrastructure needed to support our shared mission
- Continue our shared commitment to a warm, inclusive, and empowering community
Most importantly, it allows us to deepen our impact, supporting individuals with varying abilities to live purposeful, enriched lives, at every stage.
What This Means for Members and Families
Beginning July 1, 2026:
- The combined organization will operate under the name JCHAI
- AADD’s signature activity programming will continue, including offerings through AADD Experiences
- Over time, AADD’s Rap programming will be expanded across our combined geographic hubs in an updated and enhanced format
We are not making any changes to our current programs, staff, or day-to-day experiences. Members will continue in their current programs with the same teams and supports. As we move forward, our goal is to create a more coordinated, flexible, and personalized experience, with expanded opportunities over time.
What Will Stay the Same
While this is an important evolution, the heart of our work remains unchanged:
- Our commitment to a caring, compassionate, and growth-minded community
- Our belief in empowerment, independence, and choice
- Our focus on supporting individuals to live, work, and engage meaningfully in their communities
We are, truly, better together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are AADD and JCHAI merging?
After more than two years of working together under a shared Board, we’ve seen how aligned our missions, values, and approaches are. This merger allows us to better coordinate services, expand our reach, and support more individuals with varying abilities across all stages of life.
2. When does the merger take effect?
The merger officially takes effect on July 1, 2026.
3. What will the new organization be called?
As of July 1, 2026, the combined organization will operate as JCHAI.
4. What happens to AADD’s programs?
AADD’s programming will continue and evolve:
- Travel and trip experiences will be offered through AADD Experiences
- Rap programming will be expanded across our combined geographic hubs over time in an updated format
For the upcoming year:
- Current AADD members will continue their membership through a renewal structure that will be communicated separately
Members will continue to have access to Rap programming, as they do today.
5. Does this mean one organization is taking over the other?
No. This is a true merger of two organizations with shared values and complementary programs, coming together as one unified organization.
6. How will this impact the broader community?
This merger positions us to serve more individuals and families, respond to growing unmet need, and strengthen long-term sustainability.
7. How do I donate to AADD and JCHAI?
All AADD and JCHAI programs still rely on your support! With no overlap in our existing programs, and a continual commitment to grow our impact, the combined organization cannot afford to lose any funding.
Beginning July 1, 2026, a gift to JCHAI supports these expanded offerings including AADD Experiences group programming.
For more information on how to direct your support to the programs that matter most to you, please click here to fill out the Donation Inquiry Form.
All donations can be made online at www.jchai.org/donate or mailed to:
JCHAI – Donations
P.O. Box 829942
Philadelphia, PA 19182
8. Additional Questions for Members and Families
a) What does this mean for my family member right now?
We are not making any changes to current day-to-day programs, staff, or supports. Members will continue in their current programs with the same teams.
b) Can my family member access programs from the other organization?
As we come together, members will have increased opportunities to explore programs across the combined organization.
If your family member is interested, please click here to complete the Current Member Inquiry Form.
c) Will my family member need to switch programs or locations?
No. Members will not be required to make any changes. Any new opportunities will be optional and guided by individual goals and preferences.
d) How will program billing and payments change?
Beginning July 1, 2026 the combined organization will be using JCHAI’s streamlined process that ensures timely desposits through its banking partner.
- All billing will transition to JCHAI
- All program fees should be made payable to JCHAI
- Beginning with the August program calendar, all AADD sign-ups and program fees should be sent to the following address:
JCHAI – AADD Experiences
1003 Easton Rd – Suite C102
Willow Grove, PA 19090
e) Will program staff change?
Maintaining strong, trusted relationships is a top priority. All AADD Facilitators have been offered the same position with JCHAI. The only staff adjustments are that Rachel Kaufman will transition her role to serve full-time as the Director of Group Programs overseeing the legacy programs of both organizations and Coleen Covington will transition to Manager of Group Programs working alongside Daisy Saldivar, Manager of Group Programs.
f) Who can I contact with questions?
Your current points of contact remain the same at both office locations:
274 South Bryn Mawr Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Office Phone Number: 610-922-2480
1003 Easton Rd. Suite C102, Willow Grove, PA 19090
Office Phone Number: 215-886-9990
If you have specific questions please click here to fill out the General Inquiry Form.
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