“Being a JEVS Lifesharer takes dedication, compassion, and a willingness to embrace someone as part of your family. It’s not just about providing a home. It’s about creating a space where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to live fulfilling lives. Lifesharers are the heart of this program, and their kindness and commitment make all the difference.” – Paul DeVito, Vice President, Residential Services
What is the JEVS Lifesharing Program?
Lifesharing offers more than housing. It provides a home where individuals can thrive and grow. JEVS Lifesharing helps people with intellectual disabilities live with caring families in the community. The JEVS team helps lifesharing participants in the Philadelphia area find loving homes. It gives them the chance to be more independent, make friends, and feel included in family life. Participants pay a Room & Board fee that is based on income. Pennsylvania’s Medicaid Waiver program covers extra costs for those who qualify.
Who Can Join?
Lifesharing is for adults (18 and older) with intellectual disabilities who want to live in a family setting. To qualify, participants must:
- Be an adult with an intellectual disability
- Have Medicaid waiver approval
- Be referred by a supports coordinator or county office in the five county southeast region of Pennsylvania or the Pennsylvania State Office of Developmental Programs
How Lifesharing Helps Individuals
Each person in Lifesharing gets support based on their needs. The program helps with:
- Personalized Care Plans: Support that matches each person’s goals and dreams.
- Community Activities: Fun outings, jobs, and hobbies to help participants make friends and grow.
- Health & Wellness: Medical and therapy support to keep everyone safe and happy.
Become a Lifesharer
Lifesharers welcome people with intellectual disabilities into their homes, giving them a safe and caring place to live. They help build confidence, friendship, and independence by offering support and guidance.
Lifesharing is rewarding for both caregivers and those they support. Caregivers build deep relationships, make a real difference, and find joy and purpose. They also receive training, support, and financial assistance to provide the best care.
If you have a passion for helping others and a commitment to creating a welcoming home, you could be a great fit for Lifesharing. Want to learn more? Contact JEVS Lifesharing today!
Sarah received rave reviews from a second client who was especially particular about her caregivers. Soon after Sarah started working with her, the client, C.G., called the office to let us know how pleased she was. “Sarah is a keeper,” she said. “She comes in my door and takes care of everything. You don’t have to ask or tell her anything. She just knows what to do.” The client continued: “Sarah knows everything on my Plan of Care. She pays attention to detail with the cleaning and is there for anything I may need.” On home visits with this client, it was clear that Sarah was making a real difference. She had helped the client with some projects, like going through boxes and putting knick-knacks back on display. The client was eager to praise Sarah and tell us how happy she was that Sarah was her caregiver.
JEVS Care at Home recognized Fran for her hard work and dedication to her client, Richard W. After Richard was hospitalized and admitted to a nursing facility for rehabilitation, Fran visited him a few times each week, unpaid. Fran advocated for Richard’s proper care while he was in rehab and ensured that he had a smooth transition home. Fran then helped our nursing team set up PT/OT and arrange for a visiting nurse. Fran knew how important these services would be in preventing a readmission. Fran is an outstanding caregiver and a true representation of what client advocacy looks like. We are lucky to have her on our JCAH team. –Kim St. Peter, Director of Health and Education
The festivities kicked off with welcoming remarks from JEVS President and CEO, Cynthia F. Figueroa. Her message set the stage for a fun and welcoming evening.
I wanted to graduate with my high school diploma before my oldest daughter received hers. I heard about the Penn Foster program through my Case Coordinator at JEVS Human Services’ Work Ready program. Before I was enrolled, I took an assessment test. I was very nervous because I have not sat for testing in years. Once I received the news that I passed the assessment test, I had so many questions. I also was focused on the goals that I had after graduating with my diploma.
Obtaining my high school diploma puts me on a new path. I will have a successful future because I am now a high school graduate. I left high school when I was pregnant with my first child. As much as I wanted to finish, I did not. My education was put on the “back burner” for me because working and providing for my child was my number one priority. As I grew older, I was more determined than ever to get my high school diploma. It brings me joy to know my son will see me walk down the aisle. This milestone will allow my son to witness me do something fantastic and to show him that he can do it as well.
Leaving school was hard for me, but my grandparents were too sick to take care of me, so I had to grow up fast. After becoming a parent, my perspective on life changed, and I wanted something better. I heard about the high school completion option through JEVS Work Ready. When I first heard about the program, I was scared, and did not know if I was going to be able to do it. However, once I took the assessment exam and passed, my confidence grew.