LIFE is an acronym for Lifelong Inclusion for Everyone, and at Koinonia Enterprises it’s a model that clearly identifies adequate supports needed for people with IDD to move from exclusion to community inclusion while addressing each client’s choices, barriers, and needed supports. The LIFE model includes a canvass that measures an individual’s ‘LIFE Level’ which is a ranking based on the individual’s ability and desire to be active in [...]

June 26, 2020 - The Cleveland Leadership Center announced today that Koinonia's Inaugural Chief Quality Officer, Diana Rosa, was named a member of Leadership Cleveland's class of 2021. Rosa, along with 68 other people with diverse backgrounds in for-profit, non-profit, and public-sector institutions were chosen through a competitive application process. The Leadership Cleveland program runs 10 months and "challenges senior-level leaders to act on pressing community issues," the Cleveland [...]

From the beginning of this global crisis, our staff have all stepped out and rallied together to continue to provide the care and support our individuals need. We are proud of all of their efforts and appreciate their flexibility as we continue to navigate our way during these uncertain times. Join us in celebrating our first #KoinoniaAppreciationWeek, where we recognize all the hard work and dedication from our staff [...]

COVID-19 is creating an evolving situation with carried impacts around the world and across the states. In Ohio, we are seeing first-hand the effects of COVID-19 as it continues to spread across the state. Our Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Frontline staff have stepped up and rallied together so that the people who count on us are cared for, healthy, and safe. They are essential healthcare workers, who are [...]

While we are experiencing the physical and health effects of the COVID-19, we are also faced with the mental effects as well. This month, we are recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month. In support of everyone's social responsibility to stop the spread of COVID-19, Recovery Resources partnered with MetroHealth and Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month through a Virtual Art Show. Now more than, we [...]

Dear Community Partner: Please see important updates related to Legal Aid and other community services during COVID-19 in the message below– Urgent action needed for Social Security recipients with children! NEW Worker Information Line hosted by Legal Aid Legal Aid is helping tenants maintain housing through the pandemic Many people are entitled to the economic stimulus payment Everyone expecting a stimulus payment should be careful to avoid scams The [...]

The Brain Calls the Shots.  The importance of being physically safe as well as feeling safe was highlighted last time.  Remember, not feeling safe has the same effect on our brains as not being physically safe.  Both trigger the fear center of our brains or our fight, flight, or freeze response.  When our brains sense a real or perceived threat, it quickly decides whether fighting, running, or freezing will [...]

The Koinonia Way seeks to create a collaborative environment that empowers and motivates people to do their best every day – so that we can fulfill our mission while creating sustainability for Koinonia’s future. Today we are excited to announce that Stacy Soria has been promoted to Chief Strategy Officer to help us achieve that vision. She will report directly to Diane Beastrom, President and CEO of Koinonia. "Stacy [...]

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan made a public proclamation that the month of March should be recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to “increase public awareness of the needs and potential of Americans with developmental disabilities. Over 6 million individuals in the United States have developmental disabilities. Examples of developmental disabilities include Autism, behavior disorders, brain injury, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, intellectual disability, and spina bifida. [...]

In 2019, thanks to the generous support of The Cleveland Foundation, Koinonia sponsored a comprehensive study of DSP turnover and retention, in order to gain insight on improving our ability to attract, develop, and retain vital talent on a sustainable level. The project team included Diane McNally, Ph.D., a consultant for ERC of Cleveland, Dr. Amy Hewitt, Senior Research Associate, Research and Training Center on Community Living Institute on [...]

INDEPENDENCE – November 4, 2019 – Koinonia, a leading provider of life-changing services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), has unveiled a new initiative aimed at helping employees gain greater financial flexibility. DailyPay allows employees to receive instant access to their earned but unpaid wages whenever they need them, without having to wait until their next scheduled payday. The partnership will empower Koinonia’s workforce with the financial [...]

In her role as a Qualified I/D Professional, Mary Therese has impacted people at Koinonia through her willingness to always step up when needed, her desire to be a mentor and teacher to her teammates, and her ability to think out of the box and be innovative. Mary Therese shows great coaching skills in her day-to-day interactions with fellow staff.  She is solution-oriented and does not waste time finding [...]

You're invited to a special DSP Hiring Party at our headquarters in Independence Ohio. We are searching for caring DSP's to work in group homes and adult day centers throughout the greater Cleveland area. $250 SIGN-ON BONUS, Great Benefits, Paid Training and Paid Time Off! Come for the opportunity and stay for the refreshments! Oct. 16-17, 10:00 am until 4:30 pm daily. 6161 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 210, Independence [...]

Koinonia's THANKS TO FRIENDS (TTF) fund an employee sponsored fund that benefits our must vulnerable clients, has helped over 30 clients this year when they needed it the most. Employees contribute through small payroll deductions ranging from $1.00 to $10 per paycheck - small deductions that together have a big impact. Together this year we have helped Michael get new eye glasses, we helped Megan go bowling, we bought [...]

The Koinonia Way is how we care, support and lead to achieve our mission and values At Koinonia, we believe all we do begins with caring about our associates and the individuals and families we serve. For this reason, we promote behaviors that build a caring environment where people feel safe physically, psychologically, and socially. We focus on strengths and resiliency and foster an environment of compassion, trust, and [...]

To create a collaborative environment that empowers and motivates people to do their best every day The Koinonia Way is all of us partnering every day to improve the quality of life of everyone with whom we connect. It encompasses our mission and core values, and is a culture of caring, collaborative support, and person-centered to help everyone who works and is served here to be happy and realize [...]

September 12, 2019 – Independence, Ohio – As part of a nationwide movement to recognize the impact of direct service support professionals (DSPs), Koinonia hosted a local appreciation event at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on September 12. The event, called CREW AT THE ZOO, celebrated more than 300 DSPs who serve adults with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD). The celebration, which ran from 10:30 am until 5:30 pm, featured [...]

A dedicated educator. A tireless advocate. An unsung hero. These are the phrases Renee Deszo’s colleagues use to describe the assistant program manager, who has been a valued member of the Koinonia team for many years. In her role, Renee is responsible for training the newest members of Koinonia’s supervisory staff. Each day, she dedicates her efforts to preparing supervisors to care for individuals with IDD and respond with [...]

Koinonia will celebrate staff excellence and share important company news and updates at their annual All-Staff meeting on Tuesday, July 23rd. The event will be held at the Holiday Inn on Rockside Road in Independence. Staff will have the choice of attending either a morning session or an evening session.  Over 100 Koinonia employees will be honored for demonstrating excellence on the job and for their years of service, [...]

This past April, Koinonia joined the Autism Society in promoting awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many of our clients have received a diagnosis of autism, so we are privileged to share the Autism Society’s commitment to providing adults with ASD the opportunity to achieve the highest possible quality of life. We recently asked you to make a gift to Koinonia programs that support people who have autism and other [...]

May 15, 2019 - Akron, Ohio: Ten students from Springfield High School celebrated their success in the Aspire program in a ceremony which took place at the Iron Grill in Akron.  Parents, Students, Springfield Teaches and Staff, Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Summit DD) representatives and employees of Koinonia were in attendance. This program is in part, generously supported by General Motors. The Aspire Program is managed by [...]

May 7, 2019, Cuyahoga Falls Ohio: Eleven students were recognized for completion of the ASPIRE program for the 2018 - 2019 School Year at a special event held at the Wing Warehouse in Cuyahoga Falls Ohio. Parents, Students, Woodridge Teachers and Staff, Summit County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Summit DD) representatives, and representatives from Koinonia were in attendance.  Area employers and representatives from CareSource foundation also participated in the [...]

Independence, Ohio – May 17, 2019 – Koinonia Homes, a leading provider of day programs, residential and employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities, is raffling off a vacation stay in the heart of the Big Easy – New Orleans. The raffle winner will be awarded an 8-day/7-night getaway at the Bluegreen Club La Pension resort located on the Decatur Street – along with a $1,000 VISA Gift card. [...]

At Koinonia, we are dedicated to helping people with autism lead independent, fulfilling lives. We recently reached out to our friends in the community to share the following story about Mark, a young man with autism who has benefited from the services we provide. Like most young adults, Mark dreamed of landing a job so that he could earn his own money, live on his own, and have a [...]

LiveOnLakeside Cheryl Senko & Mark Donofrio - Koinonia Homes Author: LIVE On Lakeside Published: 4:31 PM EDT April 23, 2019 Updated: 4:31 PM EDT April 23, 2019 Koinonia Homes’ mission is to partner with people who have developmental disabilities to achieve healthy, fulfilling, and enriched lives. Cheryl Senko, Director of Development & Communications at Koinonia Homes and Mark Donofrio, Resident at Koinonia Homes, joined Alexa and Michael to tell [...]

Nearly 25 years ago, the Autism Society launched a nationwide campaign to promote awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a complex developmental disability that affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism Awareness Month is today celebrated each April in an effort to shine a light on a disorder that has grown significantly in prevalence, now affecting 1 out of every 59 children born each year [...]

Koinonia marked the start of the year with a gift of $325,000 gift from an anonymous donor. This is the largest gift we have received in our 45-year history. We are deeply grateful for this transformational commitment, which will allow us to advance key elements of our strategic plan. Developed in 2017 with the support of The Cleveland Foundation and in collaboration with OPEN MINDS, a healthcare business intelligence [...]

By John Deike View CLICK HERE to view the article on 19 News website BROOKLYN HEIGHTS, OH (WOIO) - At Koinonia, it’s not about disability--it’s about possibility. The Northeast Ohio nonprofit is opening new doors for people with disabilities while breaking the stigmatizing cycle that works against special people who are making a positive difference in the community. One of their latest success stories involves Mark Donofrio. Donofrio, 26, [...]

For almost 50 years, April has been designated as Autism Awareness Month. A month-long celebration and a nationwide effort to promote autism awareness, autism acceptance and increase attention to those affected by autism. What is Autism Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disability. Symptoms typically appear during early childhood and is usually a life-long condition that affects a person’s ability to communicate, socially interact with others and [...]

Service Agency Taps Diana Rosa, Expert Performance Improvement Executive INDEPENDENCE, Ohio, March 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Koinonia, a leading provider of day, residential, and career services to people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), hired Diana Rosa to serve as its first Chief Quality Officer.Rosa is a career-long quality and performance improvement management executive in the behavioral health sector. In this newly created position, Rosa will inform, advise and develop Koinonia's [...]

Koinonia employees don’t just dedicate their careers to helping people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live better lives in our communities, they also support our clients with small payroll deductions, small deductions that together have a huge impact.The Thanks to Friends Fund, or TTF, was established in 1998, to provides financial assistance to individuals can benefit from specialized therapies, counseling, medical equipment, educational and recreational programs that enhance [...]

Coffee Makers, Bath Towels, and Twin Bedding - Those are just some of the items that are needed in the 21 licensed group homes that Koinonia manages. While funding sources may initially purchase these items, it doesn't replace them when they become broken or worn out.  Now, Koinonia supporters have the opportunity to purchase these much-needed items via our Amazon Wish List. https://smile.amazon.com/hz/charitylist/ls/3QWVQ1UHUL3SY/ref=smi_ge_rl_rd_gw?_encoding=UTF8&newts=1&pldnSite=1&ref_=smi_chpf_redirect&ref_=smi_chpf_redirect The Amazon Wish List resembles a [...]

Koinonia Homes, a nonprofit organization that serves approximately 600 adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) in Northeast Ohio is seeking community volunteers to plan three events this year. Potential volunteers can meet at The Little Birdie Wine Nest, 6060 Broadview Road, Parma Ohio 44134 at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, February 6th. The meeting should take approximately an hour. The volunteers will be helping to plan Koinonia’s annual Spring [...]

Raffle Benefits Quality of Life for People with Developmental Disabilities Independence, Ohio – November 12, 2018 – Koinonia Homes, a leading provider of day programs, residential and employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities, is raffling off a vacation stay in the pristine wilderness of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. The raffle winner will be awarded an 8-day/7-night cabin getaway at the Shenandoah Crossing resort located on peaceful Lake Izac. All proceeds [...]

Bucks-for-a-Bus Campaign Exceeds Fundraising Goal with Local Agency and Community Support CLEVELAND – October 29, 2018 – Thanks to overwhelming support from Northeast Ohio community donors and local agency grants, Koinonia Homes’ Bucks-for-a-Bus fundraising campaign was a rousing success. The campaign exceeded its goal of raising enough funds to purchase a new vehicle to transport adults with developmental disabilities to work and inclusive community events. With the extra funds, [...]

The skies may have been a little cloudy on Saturday, October 6, at The Chalet in Strongsville, but there was a lot of sunshine in the hearts of over 250 people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), as they enjoyed Koinonia’s annual fall picnic and hayride, as well as in the spirits of the volunteers who not only sponsored the event but also worked to grill hundreds of hamburgers [...]

Matti is a young woman who has struggled to find her place in the world. Not only does Matti have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), but like many people we serve, she is dually diagnosed with mental health conditions. Many other providers tried to serve Matti, but typically would give up after a short period of time. One day we received a call from the County Board of DD, [...]