Founded in 1935, Variety’s mission is to enrich the lives of children and young adults with disabilities through social, educational, and vocational programs that nurture independence and self-confidence, and prepare them for life.
Initially, Variety operated solely as a fundraising organization, providing financial assistance to children in need. Our flagship day and overnight camp programs began in 1949, when the Posel family generously donated their expansive “country estate” in Worcester Township, Montgomery County, allowing Variety to begin onsite programming and become the region’s first summer camp for child survivors of polio. When polio was no longer prevalent, Variety shifted to serve those in the community with the greatest need and fewest resources –children and young adults with a range of physical and intellectual disabilities.
Today, Variety’s 77-acre property serves as the headquarters for a wide range of services to children and young adults with disabilities, including recreational programs, educational services and vocational training. Variety has successfully adapted to the changing needs of the disabilities community by creating a comprehensive portfolio of programs offered throughout the year both on our Worcester Township campus and at Philadelphia partner sites. Variety’s target population is children and young adults with disabilities ages 5-24, although we will serve individuals older than 24 in specific services. Participants present with a multitude of diagnoses, including, but not limited to, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, cognitive impairment, blindness, deafness and physical disabilities. Additionally, the organization supports more medically fragile participants and those with rare diagnoses such as Prader Willi Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, and individuals with traumatic brain injuries.
Variety services children in the following states and counties:
Pennsylvania: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Philadelphia
New Jersey: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Ocean and Salem
Delaware: New Castle, Kent and Sussex
Variety –the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley has a social franchise license agreement with Variety International.The organizations are independent 501c3 agencies with separate financials and governance.
frequently asked questions
For information about the programs we offer, please visit our Programs page or contact info@varietyphila.org for more information.
Variety offers just that, a variety of programs for all ranges of disabilities for ages 5-24. Please see our Programs page for more information and specialized fees for the Program best suited for your child and schedule.
Although Programs start at age 5, families with a child younger than 5 are invited to attend our At Play events, and community events such as Fall Fest and Holiday Lane. If you want to meet with one of our program directors in preparation for your child turning age 5, contact programs@varietyphila.org.
Yes, Variety does offer some limited scholarship opportunities for its programs. Please fill out a Scholarship Application on UltraCamp to apply as part of the registration process for a specific program. Applications must be sent in prior to due date to be considered for what is available. Note we do not offer general financial assistance for families.
Resources
The Arc Alliance – The Arc Alliance Supports Coordination helps people access funding and services for people with disabilities.
Comcast Internet Essentials – Free to New Customers: Low-income families who live in a Comcast service area are encouraged to sign up for Internet Essentials, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. Now, new customers will receive 60 days of complimentary Internet Essentials service.
Xfinity WiFi Hotspots – Free For Everyone: Many Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers.
Angel Flight East – Angel Flight East provides free air transportation to qualified patients and their families by arranging flights to distant medical facilities, delivering supplies to disaster areas, and reuniting families during desperate times.
Para-Transit Fare Increase – Fare changes for para-transit users beginning July 1st 2017
PA ABLE – Learn more about how the Pennsylvania Treasury Department launched the PA ABLE Savings Program—a savings plan for people with disabilities.
Autism First – Autism First Support Group of Philadelphia
The Complete List of Free Things and Grants for Children with Special Needs
Tips for Photographing Individuals with Special Needs