About Us — Canaan Cares
Canaan Cares proudly serves California Regional Centers throughout San Diego, Poway, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, El Cajon, Vista, Solana Beach, Encinitas, La Mesa, and Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Riverside Counties.
Our programs help individuals build independence, explore opportunities, and create meaningful lives—one goal, one step, and one moment at a time.
Our Story: A Legacy of Love, Courage, and Compassion
Canaan Cares was created from a family’s deep commitment to love, service, and advocacy. In 2001, Christopher and Susan Brodecky Jenkins welcomed their daughter, Allison, into the world. Shortly after her birth, it became clear that Allison faced significant developmental and medical challenges. She was diagnosed with an unknown degenerative neurological disorder similar to ALS or MS, as well as Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy.
Despite her complex needs, Allison brought profound joy, purpose, and inspiration to everyone around her. Her strength shaped her family’s mission to support others facing similar challenges. Although Allison passed away in June 2015, her legacy lives on through the work and mission of Canaan Cares and the Canaan Cares Foundation.
Everything we do is guided by Allison’s spirit, her courage, and the unconditional love that defined her life.
Our Commitment to Individuals With Developmental Disabilities
Canaan Cares provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities across San Diego County, focusing on independence, community inclusion, emotional well-being, and personal growth.
We proudly offer:
- How to Qualify Support
Helping families and adults understand eligibility, assessments, and the Regional Center process. - Self-Determination Program Assistance
Empowering individuals to choose their services, direct their budgets, and design meaningful lives. - Children’s Services
Developmental, behavioral, therapeutic, and family-centered supports. - Adult Services
Independent Living Skills, Supported Living Skills, Personal Assistance, daily living supports. - Day & Community Programs
Tailored Day, Community Day, skill-building, social connection, recreation, volunteer exploration, and job readiness. - Respite Care
Reliable relief for caregivers while ensuring compassionate care for their loved one.
Each service is guided by the Individual Program Plan (IPP) or Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), ensuring person-centered, goal-focused support.
Founded With Purpose: The Canaan Cares Foundation
The Canaan Cares Foundation was established and originally funded by Christopher and Susan Brodecky Jenkins and the Jenkins Family Trust. Their vision was clear:
to make meaningful, lasting impact for individuals and families living with developmental disabilities, in honor of Allison.
Today, the Foundation continues that mission thanks to:
- Proceeds from Canaan Health Care, Inc.
- Generous donations from individuals, families, and corporate partners
- A team of 100% volunteers dedicated to helping those in need
Because our staff is entirely volunteer-based, every penny donated goes directly to supporting our mission, expanding services, and improving lives.
Our Values
Compassion
Every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and kindness.
Empowerment
We support individuals in directing their own lives through choice, opportunity, and skill-building.
Community
We help individuals connect with the world around them—through friendships, activities, and meaningful experiences.
Integrity
100% volunteer foundation staff means full transparency and direct impact from every donation.
Legacy
Our work honors Allison and the countless families navigating developmental disabilities with love and resilience.
Our Mission
To empower individuals with developmental disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and purpose—while honoring Allison’s legacy through service, compassion, and community impact.
We believe that every person deserves the opportunity to grow, engage meaningfully with their community, and live a life that reflects their hopes and goals. Families deserve support, understanding, and a partner they can trust. We are committed to being that partner.
Why Families Choose Canaan Cares
Families trust Canaan Cares because we offer:
- Deep personal understanding of the challenges families face
- Compassionate, trained providers
- Person-centered approaches
- Strong Regional Center partnerships
- Experience supporting individuals with all levels of developmental disabilities
- Services designed to help each person thrive
Canaan Cares is more than a service provider—we are a community built on empathy, experience, and hope.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Whether you are seeking services, looking for guidance, or hoping to support our mission, we invite you to be part of the Canaan Cares community.
Together, we can continue Allison’s legacy of love, courage, and connection.
Contact us today to learn how we can support you or your loved one.
Serving California Regional Centers With Heart
We proudly serve California Regional Centers throughout San Diego, Poway, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, El Cajon, Vista, Solana Beach, Encinitas, La Mesa, and Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Riverside Counties.
Our programs help individuals build independence, explore opportunities, and create meaningful lives—one goal, one step, and one moment at a time.
There are many specialty services offered by Canaan Cares. Click here to see all of them.