Life Sharing through Family Living is an alternative living arrangement for persons of all ages, races and religions who have developmental disabilities. An individual with mental retardation develops a relationship and moves in with a family in a private home and becomes a participating member of the family and the community. An important sphere of responsibility for Family Living providers is one of creating a sense of home for the individual. As we all know, the home is a place where one lives and feels a sense of security. Life Sharing through Family Living provides opportunities for a person with developmental disabilities to make choices and have new experiences, where people are together by bonds of affection and warmth and where relationships are born, where they grow and where they are treasured.

Individuals are referred to Life Sharing through Family Living by Philadelphia County Mental Retardation Services. Each individual is provided with a day program such as school, vocational training, workshop, employment or a seniors' program.

A family provider may be a married couple, a single person or several single persons. The family must have a sensitivity to people with special needs, access to transportation and a private residence with adequate living space for another family member. A home study, home inspection, pre-service training and screening checks are completed prior to welcoming a new family member into the home. Participating families are reimbursed for expenses incurred.

Catholic Social Services’ Life Sharing through Family Living began in July 1987 as a cost-effective alternative to traditional Community Living Arrangement (CLA's) in a least restrictive environment.

Life Sharing through the Family Living is supporting forty-nine (49) individuals in the five (5) county area and also in Lancaster County.

Catholic Social Services’ Life Sharing through Family Living provides placements in private family homes for individuals with developmental disabilities. Homes, providers and locations are diverse and every effort is made to meet the individuals specific needs and requests whenever possible.

Individuals are given the opportunity to become involved in all aspects of family and community life.

All necessary supports such as speech therapy, behavior therapy and therapeutic recreational activity are opportunities provided both in-house and at the day programs.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has licensed Life Sharing through Family Living. Referrals for admission come through various county offices of Mental Retardation.

Life Sharing through Family Living is an arm of the Catholic Church. Its mission and purpose is based on the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church.

As Life Sharing through Family Living reaches out into the community sharing and instilling the principles of family living, we keep in mind that we are all God's children and deserving of a family and loving home in the community. Family life is critically important in fostering and developing the dignity of every person.

Spiritual welfare is the corner stone of The Life Sharing through Family Living. When we open up our doors and homes to those in need, we believe that we are letting God into our homes and lives. Life Sharing through Family Living personnel see God in everyone.

Our program is lead by the spirit and governed by the Catholic Church. We understand the need for shared living in the community. Our families offer hope, faith, and love to the individuals they support.

All of our individuals live in private homes with families throughout the five counties. They experience living in the community while either attending school, day programs or employed in a supported job. They have the same opportunities as others: to be involved in different activities such as, bowling teams, Knights of Columbus, Scouting, various Church activities, attending movies, concerts and plays, going on vacation to the shore, mountains or cruises, traveling throughout the country, camping and fishing and eating out at area restaurants or just shopping at the Malls or Supermarkets. They have every opportunity to live a normal life with the support of understanding families willing to help them fulfill their dreams.

Life Sharing through Family Living does not offer vocational programs. However, all of our individuals participate in some type of Day program, such as, a vocational workshop, Horticultural club, supportive or competitive employment.

All vocational and day programs are funded by the Mental Retardation Services of Philadelphia County.

Anyone interested in sharing their lives with other people can volunteer.

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

We ask volunteers to participate in activities they feel comfortable doing.

Taking a walk, going to the movies, and dining out are some ways volunteers can contribute to the lives of those we serve.

Anyone interested in volunteering, please see the personnel list for contact information.