Variety - the Children's Charity of the Delaware Valley

Our Mission

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. 

Our History

Variety initially operated solely as a
fundraising organization, providing financial assistance to children in need.
Our flagship overnight camp programs began in 1949, when the Posel family
generously donated their expansive “country estate”,
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 disabilities.

Today, Variety offers
After-School programs, Saturday camp, weekend retreats, summer camps, Extended
School Year, and an innovative workforce development model, VarietyWorks. All
participants are served at the intensive ratio of 1:3 or 1:1 (staff: client).

Why Variety? 

There are many educational, recreational, and vocational programs in the area, but few cater to the individual support needs of people with disabilities. This causes developmental delays in physical, emotional, and social skills. In addition, many families with children with disabilities are low-income, as the cost to raise a child with disabilities is up to ten times more than raising a child without disabilities, and cannot afford programming. For young adults with disabilities, they are three times less likely to be employed than neurotypical peers. 

Variety is the only organization in the area with a pipeline of services for people with disabilities that start at age five and continue to age 24 and beyond. Variety’s experienced counselors and nursing staff can accommodate almost any support need. We also accept many forms of payment and offer scholarships to offset financial strain that program access can cause. 

Our Annual Impact

• 600 participants served in direct services.


• 10,000+ families invited to free at-play events.


• 40,000+ hours of respite for families.


• 14,000+ hours of vocational training provided.