Handi-Crafters Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering adults with disabilities, recently announced the receipt of the largest individual gift it has received in the past decade. 

A generous $100,000 contribution provided by Andrew Bentley will directly support Handi-Crafters’ mission to provide vocational job training, competitive integrated employment opportunities, community socialization, and essential support services for more than 250 individuals annually throughout Chester County.

“This extraordinary gift represents far more than a financial contribution—it is a powerful affirmation of the dignity, value, and potential of the individuals we serve,” said April Ennis Pierson, the executive director of Handi-Crafters. “Andrew’s generosity will have an immediate and lasting impact, strengthening pathways to meaningful employment and ensuring the people we support continue to thrive through purpose, independence, and community connection.” 

The contribution is not only the largest individual gift made to Handi-Crafters in the last 10 years, it is also the third-largest individual gift in the organization’s 65-year history. The donation will help ensure the continuation and growth of the organization’s robust, person-centered programs that empower each individual to reach his or her greatest potential.

Bentley, 41, represents a new generation of philanthropists committed to investing in organizations that reflect their personal values and lived experiences. With longstanding relationships at Handi-Crafters—including friendships with individuals who work and participate in programs at the organization—his support is rooted in a firsthand appreciation for the role meaningful work, accountability, and opportunity play in building confidence and independence.

“Work is important to me,” said Bentley. “Having a job, showing up every day, and doing your best gives you confidence and pride. I have friends who work at Handi-Crafters, and I see how much it means to them. This is a place that believes in people and expects great things from them, and I’m proud to support that.”

This transformational gift comes at a pivotal moment as Handi-Crafters prepares to celebrate its 65th anniversary in 2026, marking decades of community partnership, innovation, and impact while positioning the organization for continued success in the years ahead.

To learn more about Handi-Crafters’ mission or how to get involved, visit www.hcocenter.org.