A New Force in Disability Services: Inglis and CIS Unite to Expand Impact

PHILADELPHIA, PA – July 30, 2026 – In a move that signals a significant shift in the region's disability services landscape, Inglis and Community Integrated Services (CIS) today finalized an affiliation that creates a more powerful, unified force for empowerment and independence. The strategic union of these two non-profit mainstays promises to build a more seamless and comprehensive support system for thousands of people with disabilities across Pennsylvania and Delaware.

For decades, individuals navigating the world of disability support have often faced a fragmented system, piecing together services from various agencies for housing, employment, and daily living. This affiliation directly confronts that challenge. Inglis, with its deep roots stretching back to 1877, brings a robust continuum of care that includes adapted housing, assistive technology, and long-term residential services. CIS, a respected leader since 1991, contributes its specialized expertise in supported employment and benefits counseling, having successfully helped thousands find meaningful work.

Together, the combined organization will now serve more than 4,000 people annually, creating a single, more accessible pathway to a fuller life. It’s a merger that looks beyond spreadsheets and logos, focusing instead on the tangible difference it can make in a person's journey toward self-sufficiency and community inclusion.

A Unified Front for Holistic Support

The true impact of this affiliation lies in its potential to create a holistic support network. Where once an individual might secure job coaching from CIS but struggle to find an accessible apartment or the right assistive technology to perform their work, they can now access these critical resources under one organizational umbrella. This integration is a direct response to the growing national trend emphasizing community-based living and independence over institutional care.

"By welcoming the CIS team to Inglis, we are expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to build meaningful careers while strengthening the community-based supports that help people live independently," said Dyann Roth, President and CEO of Inglis. "Together, we are creating a more connected network of services that empower individuals to achieve their goals and fully participate in their communities."

This connected network means that a person's needs can be addressed in concert. For example, a young adult seeking their first job can receive employment training from the former CIS team, while also getting an evaluation for assistive technology from Inglis experts to ensure their success in the workplace. Simultaneously, they can receive guidance on modifying their home for greater accessibility or applying for affordable, adapted housing through Inglis Housing Corporation. This synergy removes barriers and streamlines the path to independence, a goal both organizations have long shared.

The Strategy Behind the Synergy

In the modern non-profit sector, strategic affiliations are increasingly vital for scaling impact and ensuring long-term sustainability. This move is a textbook example of how mission-driven organizations can amplify their effectiveness. By combining administrative functions, development efforts, and programmatic resources, the new, larger entity can operate more efficiently and direct more funding toward its core services.

This consolidation also strengthens their position in a competitive funding landscape. A unified organization with a broader service portfolio and a larger geographic footprint is often more attractive to foundations, government partners, and individual donors seeking to support comprehensive, high-impact solutions. The affiliation allows them to leverage the distinct strengths of each organization—Inglis's century-plus history and broad service array with CIS's focused employment expertise and strong employer partnerships—to build a more resilient and dynamic whole.

It's a proactive strategy to not only survive but thrive, ensuring that the critical work of both organizations continues to grow and adapt to the evolving needs of the community. As CIS has worked for 35 years to disrupt the link between disability and poverty, joining with Inglis provides a powerful new set of tools to achieve that mission on an even greater scale.

Legacy and a New Era of Leadership

This affiliation also represents a thoughtful transition of leadership and a celebration of a remarkable legacy. After 35 years at the helm of Community Integrated Services, Executive Director Susan Schonfeld is retiring. Her visionary leadership built CIS into a trusted powerhouse for supported employment, shaping the lives of tens of thousands. In a testament to the collaborative spirit of the merger, Schonfeld will remain in a consulting capacity to ensure a smooth integration.

"For more than 35 years, CIS has believed that employment is one of the most powerful pathways to independence and inclusion," said Schonfeld. "Joining Inglis allows us to build on that legacy while connecting the people we serve to a broader range of supports... I couldn't be more excited about what we'll accomplish together."

Stepping in to lead the newly expanded division is Julia Blackwell, who has been named Executive Director of Inglis Community Services. Blackwell, formerly the Assistant Executive Director at CIS, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to expanding employment for people with disabilities. Her prior roles, including her work with JEVS Human Services and her service as chair of the Employment Committee for the Mayor's Commission on People with Disabilities in Philadelphia, make her uniquely qualified to steer this integrated mission forward.

Her appointment signals a clear and continued focus on employment as a cornerstone of the combined organization's strategy. With a thoughtful integration plan already in motion, the focus remains squarely on ensuring continuity of services for clients and providing robust support for the staff of both organizations as they merge into a single, cohesive team. This strategic union is poised to not just continue the vital work of its predecessors, but to build a new, more powerful model for empowering people with disabilities to live, work, and thrive across the region.