Philadelphia Community Group JEVS Sets Its Sights Higher
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A local organization that helps people achieve independence has launched a multimillion-dollar fundraising campaign designed to help more people.
As part of its many programs designed to help people with difficulties become independent, JEVS Human Services operates 32 group homes that give people with emotional and intellectual disabilities a chance at independence.
"In these arrangements -- which are, by the way, less costly than arrangements in state facilities -- people are allowed to enjoy the kinds of lives in the community that you and I do: shop at neighborhood stores, perhaps work," says Kristen Rantanen, VP of communications and public affairs for JEVS.
Twenty-one year old Clarice shares a group home in West Oak Lane with Pasquale. Both are supervised, and both hope they will live independently one day.
"I want to work at an office doing clerical work," says Clarice.
Reported by Karin Phillips, KYW Newsradio 1060
