About Us
We enable adults with disabilities to live happy, supported, independent lives where they are full participants in their communities.
Mission & Vision
Families CCAN empowers individuals of all abilities and their families to create self-directed, fulfilling lives in the community. Our work is guided by people with disabilities and the understanding that independence is different for each person. We provide learning opportunities, personalized support, and inclusive programs that create community, build social connections, and open doors to housing, employment, and civic life. We advance the strengths, goals and rights of all individuals to participate fully and meaningfully in their community.
Our vision is that all individuals with disabilities are welcomed neighbors, friends and colleagues, living and working in the community and valued for their contributions.
Our Story
Our Start
Searching for innovative housing solutions for their son with autism, Allan & Sara Crimm began looking for other families in the Philadelphia area with similar hopes and dreams. Their original motivation was to avoid the housing options available through state funding. These options limit choice and control – for families and for individuals with disabilities.
The First Meeting
Their circle of networking grew and grew. In July 2012 they hosted a public meeting – and over 80 people showed up! Thus began a regular monthly gathering for networking, informational programs, exploring options for housing and supports, and creative thinking. In 2013 Families CCAN (Creating Communities for Adults with Special Needs) became a registered nonprofit. We have continued to host Monthly Resource Meetings for families and professionals to join.
Tackling The Housing Crisis
In 2015, Families CCAN organized and co-sponsored a one-day conference titled: “Solving the Housing Crisis for Adults with Disabilities: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovation.” Attended by over 300 family members, service providers, legislators and housing developers, the conference highlighted current housing policy and the desperate need for additional community-based housing options that provide choice and control for adults with disabilities.
Today
Inspired by that conference, Families CCAN developed its own grass-roots housing program, Creating Family Networks. Recognizing that families and individuals need time to grow towards independence, Families CCAN sponsors programs and trainings to provide necessary tools and practice opportunities. At the heart of our work is a desire to connect families for friendship, support and resource-sharing.
Our Values
The perspective of the individual with the disability comes first.
In everything we do we listen to the voices of people with disabilities. They come first.
Everyone has a voice.
We hear every person because everyone has a voice, however they communicate. Each individual determines what happens in their life.
Strengths first.
We begin by seeing each person’s strengths. By focusing on abilities and potential we promote growth, connection, and meaningful participation in community life.
Reciprocal relationships are the bedrock of community.
We recognize and support strong reciprocal relationships as the bedrock for living successfully in the community. This includes family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and support professionals.
Everyone relies on others.
We recognize that everyone relies on others in their daily lives. Independence looks different for every individual.
Aim high.
We set high expectations and meaningful outcomes for each person we support.
“With the help of Families CCAN, we were able to crystallize our vision for Emily’s home. Through their training program and the opportunity to visit various housing models, we gained a totally new perspective. I don’t believe that we would have accomplished what we did as quickly and as well as we did without our Families CCAN experience.”
Sally and Linus
Newtown Square, PA