not profit for us (project)

by Non–Profit for Us

Non Profit for Us

The purpose of our project is to research the non-profit employment sector as a viable option for job seekers.

We will focus our presentation on “The Kennedy Center”

The Kennedy Center History

IN THE BEGINNING….1951-1969 - The celebrated history of The Kennedy Center is an inspirational story of how a small group of individuals, with a new idea, were able to enact significant change in our society.

The organization was founded in 1951, when Evelyn Kennedy and twelve parents decided to take matters into their own hands and established an educational and support system for their children with disabilities.

In Evelyn Kennedy’s own words, “We were going to get what was a God given right for our children.”

Kennedy Center: A Non Profit Organization

Also known as a non-business entity is an organization whose purposes are other than making a profit. A nonprofit organization is often dedicated to furthering a particular social cause or advocating for a particular point of view.

Guiding Principals - Purpose

The Kennedy Center is a private, community-based rehabilitation organization, actively responds to needs of persons with disabilities by offering innovative, comprehensive community services to persons with disabilities and special needs, from birth to senior years.

Guiding Principals - Mission

The Kennedy Center promotes the empowerment of consumers with diverse abilities, disabilities, and experiences toward optimal participation and inclusion in the community.

Guiding Principals - Values

The Kennedy Center believes in treating all people with respect and dignity.

We believe in the empowerment of persons with disabilities and their families through collaborative efforts.

We believe in assisting persons with disabilities toward optimal inclusion within the community.

We believe all agency services will be cost effective.

We value diversity, support the elimination of discrimination, advocate for social equality, independence and the advancement of the field of rehabilitation.

Kennedy Center Overview

The Kennedy Center strives to offer programs and services across the age spectrum to individuals with unique talents, interests and goals.

Our programs and service models are based on current research, trends and literature in the field, as well as feedback and input from our stakeholders. Families and participants are encouraged to express their ideas, offer suggestions and partner with us to create new service models and unique solutions.

Kennedy Center Populations Served

Although we were founded on the premise of serving individuals with intellectual disabilities, we soon expanded our services to individuals with various and sometimes multiple needs

Populations Served

Acquired Brain Injury/Neurological Impairments

Alzheimer's/Dementia with Intellectual Disabilities

At Risk

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Developmental Delays

Intellectual Disabilities

Learning Disabilities

Medically Fragile

Mental Health

Physical Disabilities

Visually Impaired/Blind

ABI Community Inclusion Counselor

ABI Community Coach


The Kennedy Center serves individuals from birth to seniors with diagnoses on the Autism Spectrum including Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and Aspergers Syndrome


The Kennedy Center Birth to Three Program offers diverse and comprehensive early intervention services. It is not an autism specific program, however some families with children on the spectrum choose our program. Referrals and funding can be obtained through the Connecticut Birth to Three System.

For children ages 3 to 21,, services can be accessed through The Kennedy Center Autism Project. The Autism Project accepts referrals from the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Developmental Services, Boards of Education, privately funded contracts and private pay.


For individuals over 21, The Kennedy Center offers a Social Skills Group specifically for individuals with Aspergers Syndrome.

In addition, for persons on the Autism Spectrum who also have an Intellectual Disabilty, The Kennedy Center offers the following Programs and Services:

Autism Spectrum Disorders Services

Competitive Employment

Supported Employment

Individualized Community Supports

Community Experience Programs

Autism-Specific

Project PACE

Project INSPIRE

Mobility Services

Intensive Supports

In-home Supports

Clinical/Behavioral Supports

How to Receive Services

Any person with disabilities interested in services with The Kennedy Center will need to go through our intake process. with the Intake and Transition Services Manager who will gather pertinent information about you and your services.

discuss program options; provide a tour of programs where applicable; evaluate present needs; and make recommendations for specific services.

help you access needed services that The Kennedy Center may not provide.

CARF Accreditation

The Kennedy Center, Inc. has received a three-year accreditation from CARF, the Rehabilitation Accreditation Commission.

Earning the highest level of national accreditation possible, the organization also distinguished itself for meeting every one of the nearly 600 standards.

This is the third time The Kennedy Center has achieved a perfect survey. Less than 1% of organizations internationally have attained this top level of accreditation.

Kennedy Center Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer involvement is an important component of The Kennedy Center.

Currently, over three hundred people volunteer for The Kennedy Center.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years or older. Persons 14 years of age and older are welcome to participate in special services such as the Children's and Senior's Program.

A Volunteer Application and three Personal References are required for all potential volunteers. Interviews and orientation are also required for all new volunteers.

You may download the Volunteer Application Cover Sheet, Volunteer Application and Reference Form.

For more information, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (203) 332-4535 x270 or email.

Kennedy Center Advocacy

The Kennedy Center serves more than 2,000 people in Fairfield and New Haven counties. More than 75 percent of our funding comes from government, so it is absolutely essential that the people who care about the people we serve make their voices heard with their elected officials.

Kennedy Center Advocacy

FIND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE

Connecticut General Assembly House of Representatives State Senate Town by Town Listing

Send an email to your legislator or to the Governor on the 2017 Proposed DDS Budget Cuts, CLICK HERE.

Send an email on Supporting House Bill 5128,

Current Employment Opportunities

DON'T JUST BE SUCCESSFUL. BE SIGNIFICANT

The Kennedy Center has wide range of exciting work opportunities. We have full time, part time, and temporary positions. Some positions offer flexible hours. Others include a competitive benefits package outlined below.

We are smoke-free and an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Thank you for considering The Kennedy Center, Inc.

Human Resources

Fax (203) 371-1479

[email protected]


Residential Services

Supervisor of Family Support & Homecare Programs

Residential Facility Manager

Assistant Residential Manager

Residential Support Worker

Residential Counselor / Overnight Awake

Residential Counselor

Community Experience Programs

Community Experience Program Manager

Expessive Arts Facilitator/Therapist

Community Inclusion Counselor

Community Activities Coach


Therapeutic Services

Alzheimer's Program Manager

Day Health Services Nurse - 22.5 hrs. & Per Diem

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist - part time

Therapeutic Recreation Specialist / On-Call

Rehabilitation Services

Community Placement Specialist - Bi-lingual/Spanish

Community Placement Specialist

Vocational Training & Support Specialist


Children's Services

Birth to Three Manager

Youth Autism Services Coordinator

Early Intervention Associate / Birth to Three - Bilingual

Translator / Birth to Three - Spanish - On-call

Kennedy Industries

Job Coach - Kennedy Industries Floater

Transportation Driver / Support Coach

Behavioral Services

Behaviorist

THE TEAM:

BENNY “BIG TOE” SCOTT

KATHY “SECRET SHOPPER” CORRELL

DEIRDRE “GIGGLES” MCKOY

MARCO “ THUNDER ROAD” PAOLETTI

Presented By: Non Profit for Us