KenCrest Letter to the Editor

During the recent super storm, Hurricane Sandy, we heard well-deserved tales of heroism. Many were truly spectacular. But I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of staff working for KenCrest Services and our recently acquired partner, Lynch Services. These two nonprofit organizations support hundreds of people with intellectual disabilities, medical complications, and autism.

Some of the most genuine stories of heroism are unsung, only told amongst each other and not to the general public. Working in human services, the supports the staff of our organizations provide are around-the-clock, through good weather and bad. The lives of the people with disabilities in their care literally depend on these staff.

Fifty KenCrest and Lynch community homes and other program facilities lost power. Our staff worked together to make sure people were moved into safe places – another community home nearby, another facility generally used for other purposes, a hotel. Staff traveled in the horrendous conditions to ensure the safety of the people we support. Staff left their own families and homes to make sure our KenCrest and Lynch families were safe. Working in a human service organization, you treat your job like your second family.

Staff supporting individuals whose homes lost power sat with them in emergency lighting, played board games, and made their homes feel safe and comfortable until the storm passed. Some staff traveled to their offices even after they were closed to do the necessary paperwork so that their employees would get paid on time, to keep authorities informed, and to update our individuals’ family members on their safety.

Thank you to our KenCrest and Lynch family for continuing to make our individuals feel safe, comfortable, and at home during the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Your efforts and dedication to the people we support are inspirational.

Jim McFalls, Executive Director

KenCrest Services and Lynch Services