Residences
JCHAI currently provides three types of residential services: supervised living in group homes, more independent living in apartments, and outreach services in a client’s own home. Having three different types of residential services ensures that adults with special needs can have a housing arrangement tailored to their needs. The following is a description of each type of residential experience:
HOMES
JCHAI runs three homes--one each in Wynnewood, Elkins Park, and Northeast Philadelphia. Each one houses six residents who have their own bedrooms and are under staff supervision at all times, except from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. The residents cooperate with each other in preparing meals and keeping the house clean. All houses are accessible to public transportation, which many residents use to go to work and social events.
Strauss/Actman House: This open, light-filled house is located just off City Avenue in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. It is a contemporary dwelling, with bedrooms on the second floor and the lower level. It was the first of JCHAI’s homes and has recently added a beautiful garden that the residents tend and enjoy during many seasons.
Samuel Bernstein House: This large, stone house is located on Beech Avenue near Gratz College in Elkins Park. It is the original home of a well-known Philadelphia builder and boasts many striking architectural features, including artisan tile on the entry floor, beautiful moldings, and the original wood built-in bookcases in the library. The kitchen was recently remodeled.
Elaine Ominsky, Ph.D. House: Set well back from Welsh Road in Northeast Philadelphia, this spacious colonial home is the most recent JCHAI residence. It was built in the 1920s and features original wood moldings and paneling throughout. The kitchen is large and the home includes many other areas for communal events, It is the largest of the JCHAI homes, and the setting for many of JCHAI’s gatherings.
APARTMENTS
These beautiful, roomy apartments are all located in the Presidential City complex at the junction of City Avenue and the Schuylkill Expressway. Welcome home!
The residents’ apartments are clustered on three floors in one wing of the same building. JCHAI staff supervises the residents from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and as needed on weekends.
Staff members help prepare evening meals and set up for the next day’s activities, whether that involves going to work, attending a social event or visiting with families. Staff also assists with activities related to daily maintenance such as paying bills, managing money and personal grooming. Some residents have roommates and some have their own apartments. All enjoy spending social time together and eat most evening meals together.
JCHAI provides services in a nondiscriminatory manner, without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, disability and age.