Dear Clients, Families and Donors,

The last several years have been a time of transition for Blossom Philadelphia. We have changed our name, changed leadership and made adjustments to existing programs. These changes were very thoughtfully planned in order to continue to maintain our mission and our dedication to providing quality care to the individuals and families in our community.

Since the transition of our residential program, everyone on the Blossom Philadelphia team has worked in a challenging environment to find a pathway forward. As part of that process, we evaluated a wide range of strategic options including: reductions in staff, changing our business model and location, aggressively reducing expenses, and even considered opportunities with other agencies.

After carefully reviewing all these options, we have made the difficult decision that the only feasible course is to close Blossom Philadelphia by December 31, 2018. Over these next few months, we will work diligently towards an orderly transition of our clients to other providers in order to minimize disruptions in services.

During this difficult time, we remain committed to providing the highest level of services to the individuals we serve and to supporting our employees throughout the transition. The quality of care and dedication to the community that Blossom Philadelphia has become known for would not have been possible without the hard work, dedication, and tenacity of our employees.

Thank you for your unwavering support of Blossom Philadelphia and for being an integral part of its history.

Sincerely,

Wanda M. Sabb
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Blossom Philadelphia
Andrea D’Andrea
President, Board of Directors
Blossom Philadelphia

Who We Are

Blossom Philadelphia was founded in 1946 when six parents joined together to make a better life and future for their children who had been born with cerebral palsy. The organization has been working for over 70 years to positively affect the quality of life for children and adults with cerebral palsy and other disabilities in the five-county Philadelphia area. Blossom Philadelphia has been a pioneer in service delivery for people with all types of disabilities.

It established one of the nation’s first early intervention programs for children with disabilities, established one of the nation’s first out-of-home respite care programs, and was at the forefront of deinstitutionalization in Pennsylvania. Blossom Philadelphia maintains a 24-hour, 7-days a week services continuum designed to support every developmental juncture experienced by individuals with disabilities.

Today, the mission of Blossom Philadelphia is to help people with disabilities create the life they want to live. While initially founded to serve individuals born with cerebral palsy, Blossom Philadelphia has expanded its capabilities by providing programs and services to people with a wide variety of physical, developmental and cognitive challenges, including cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, Down Syndrome, spinal cord injuries, autism, or any condition that severely limits an individual’s independent functioning. Each year, Blossom Philadelphia provides direct services to hundreds of children and adults with disabilities and their families. We also respond to a wide variety of requests for financial assistance as well as information about services and supports for people with disabilities.

Independence Grows Here.

A Peek into our story

01

1940s

In 1946, six parents from Philadelphia came together to make a better life for their children who had been born with cerebral palsy.
02

1950s

In 1950, became affiliated with the national United Cerebral Palsy Association and changed its name.
03

1960s

A decade of growth providing support for adults in the areas of independent living, vocational training, employment, and recreation. Established child development and day care programs for children with cerebral palsy and similar disabilities.
04

1970s

Kryptonites athletic team was established providing competitive sports opportunities for people with disabilities. In 1978, Respite Care Program began offering temporary placement for an individual with a disability when daily support could not be provided.
05

1980s

Established community living programs for people with disabilities. In 1987, moved into its current headquarters in the Chestnut Hill. In 1988, the beginning of Best Friends program providing day care services for the children.
06

1990s

Began building new homes for residents. In 1992, the Widener Memorial Playground was built with accessibility. In 1993, the first Family Support Legacy Fund was established.
07

2000s

In 2005, Best Friends earned their three Keystone Stars, a Pennsylvania initiative to improve the quality of child care programs. In 2017, Blossom Philadelphia was established.

Programs and Services

Blossom Philadelphia Adult Services - Dietrick Gay

Adult Services

Adult Services works to maximize an individual’s independence and inclusion in the community.
Blossom Philadelphia Children's Services

Children Services

In Children’s Services, all children are encouraged to grow at their own pace and to their full potential.
Adult Community Services

Community Services

The Community Services program assists individuals with disabilities and their families in the community.

Insider Blog

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