Elina

My name is Elina, and I’m 9 years old. I began my journey at St. Joseph Center in the fall of 2023. When I was younger, I was mostly non-verbal, but I have learned so much during my time at SJC!

Attending a school like St. Joseph Center is incredibly important to me. It not only nurtures and educates children in a positive environment but also teaches us about Christ’s love. Here, we learn to embrace our similarities and differences, celebrating the fact that we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made.” I am so excited to be a part of the SJC family!

Greyson

I am a fun, loving, funny little guy. My parents knew when I was very young that not only was I intelligent, but there was something very special about me. I love colors, numbers, letters, and to sing and dance. I show interest in other languages and have the ability to make anyone smile.

It is important I go to St. Joseph Center because I deserve a good education, and deserve to be around people that will love and care for me just like my family does. I truly believe I will get all of that and more at SJC.

Joshua

My name is Joshua. I am 7 years old. I came to St. Joseph Center at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.

It is very important that I attend school here because I have auditory neuropathy. I can hear, but sound is “muffled” to me and I am nonverbal. My disability also presents very similar to autism.

My parents feel more comfortable having me in a smaller classroom with other children that also have special needs. The classwork is focused and tailored to the needs of its students. The ratio of instructors/nurses/aides at SJC is phenomenal. It is also important to my family that I attend SJC due to our religious beliefs. My family already has such good feelings about my education and more!

Levi

I am Levi. I am 10 years old and attend St. Joseph Center in Mrs. Mahall’s classroom.

I was born with Sturg-Weber Syndrome. This resulted in me having glaucoma in one eye, seizures, and learning delays. I had a hemispherectomy (1/2 of brain removed) at 18 months old because of the severity of seizures. Shortly after the surgery, I ended up in foster care for a year, where I suffered emotional and medical neglect. After that, my grandmother became my foster parent and then adopted me.

Upon relocating from New Jersey to Pennsylvania, I was enrolled in the local public school district’s special needs program. It was not a “good fit” for me. My grandmother despaired as to what to do next, crying to God for help. St Joseph Center was the answer.

It is “exceedingly abundantly above all I could ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20

SJC is the most loving, caring place I have ever been. I have flourished here and I am so thankful to God.

Madison

My name is Madison. I am 10 years old, and have attended St. Joseph Center since the spring of 2023.

I was born with bi-lateral cataracts and have had 7 eye surgeries. Because of this, I am visually impaired. I also have a global developmental delay which causes me to take longer to reach certain milestones than other children my age. I tried public schools but the teachers and other children did not understand my needs and I was often bullied. Finding SJC was the best thing for me.

When I am not in school, I enjoy playing with slime. My favorite animal is a unicorn.

I am looking forward to being at SJC for a long time and making new friends.

Mason

Hi, my name is Mason. I live in Port Carbon with my Nana and Pop Pop, Janine and Bernie Vigoda. My grandparents are taking care of me since my Mommy, Lindsey Vigoda, passed away. This is my second year at St. Joseph Center for Special Learning. We are members of St. Ambrose Church.

I have autism spectrum disorder. I don’t speak, but at times will say a word or two. I have improved since I started preschool. My family was concerned that if I attended a public school, I would just be a number instead of an individual. My aunt and uncle attended Catholic school, and my grandparents were very pleased with the learning and support they had there. My family believes SJC is the most appropriate school for me, and that I will blossom with small classrooms and individual help from staff and teachers. I’ve already started talking more since attending at SJC!

Henry

My name is Henry. I’m a happy, fun-loving boy with autism. I love my school. Before St. Joseph Center, I did online learning with my mom and dog at home, and while that was great, I didn’t get to see any other kids since we stayed in the house. I like people and being around other kids, and SJC gives me the opportunity to socialize.

I think SJC is a good place for me to learn. I especially like the field trips with my new friends! Principal Bob is always so nice and positive, and my teachers are fun and always help me with my school work. They teach me all about God and prayer. My family knows that we need this important combination to help get me to where God wants me to be.

Eduardo

Hi! I’m Eduardo. St. Joseph Center isn’t just a school; it is a second home for me. It’s a place where I feel loved, included, and understood. I get to be myself, try new things, and make friends. I can’t wait to see what new things I’ll experience every single day!

One of the things I love most is that I get to serve as an altar server during Mass. It’s such an honor to be part of something so important and special. I get to wear the white robes and help Father during the service. It makes me feel proud and closer to God, and I love how everyone comes together in prayer and song. Being up there, looking out at everyone, and feeling the peace in the room is one of my favorite things.

SJC is the best!

DJ

I started at St. Joseph Center in 2021. SJC means so much to me and my family. From the first time I came to SJC, there was no doubt that I was right where I was supposed to be. I have grown in every way. I am reading and doing math, while also learning social skills and manners. I have grown mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Not only do I get an education… I get loved.

It takes a village, and my family and I are so grateful that SJC is part of our village. Thank you SJC. We are truly blessed.

Isaiah

My name is Isaiah, and I am 11 years old. I am nonverbal, but have a huge personality that speaks without words. I just started my second year at St. Joseph Center, and I am flourishing. At my old school, I was given an iPad to watch videos and left alone. It was my teacher at SJC that never underestimated what I was capable of.

Since starting here a year ago, my fine motor skills have improved, I am learning to write my name, and I have become even more confident using my talker tablet. Every day, I get a big smile on my face when I see the bus come to take me to SJC. It is so important that I continue to learn and grow at SJC!

Austin

I am 6 years old and this is my first year attending St. Joseph Center. I was born with Waardenburg syndrome and spina bifida, which makes me the amazing, unique little guy that I am!

Transferring me from public school to SJC was an easy choice as soon as my family and I stepped foot in the building. These walls and classrooms are beaming with encouragement and positivity. The Conductive Education Program is geared toward kids just like me, which is an exciting new approach! A faith-based approach to learning and growing will only add more value to my education.

I look forward to a great year ahead!

Eric

I’m Eric, and I am 12 years old. This is my first year attending St. Joseph Center. My family and I are excited to start this journey at a new school.

It is important that I attend SJC because my family and I want me to attend a school that can meet my individual needs. I was diagnosed at age 3 with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. My parents have always strived to find me the best help and opportunities available, and SJC was the best choice for me. Its committed to educating and supporting not only the intellectual and developmental disabilities, but also educating the students on the importance of religion.

We definitely made the right choice!

Steven

My name is Steven. I am an amazing, 11 year old boy, that absolutely loves animals. I think I may be a vet one day! I love my teachers, my friends, and my brother Collin, who also goes to St. Joseph Center.

I’ve been a student at SJC since 2022, and it has truly been a transformative experience for me. From the beginning, my parents knew I needed a school that would not only educate me but also care for me with the same dedication and love as they would. At SJC, we found exactly that—a community of passionate educators and staff who go above and beyond to ensure every student feels valued and supported. My family and I are immensely grateful to the incredible team at SJC for their unwavering commitment and for always giving 100% to help me grow and thrive.

Collin

My name is Collin, and I’m a 9 year old boy that loves technology! I think I will be a movie producer in the future!

I’ve attended St. Joseph Center alongside my brother, Steven, since 2022. I love my teachers and I always come home with a smile and a story about how great my day at school was! Before attending SJC, I faced many challenges. However, the unwavering support and patience from everyone at SJC have made all the difference. My family and I are beyond happy with the progress I’ve made, and we are thankful to be a part of this incredible community that never stops rooting for me.

Delai

My name is Delai, and I’m a 12 years old. I’ve been a student at St. Joseph Center for Special Learning since March of 2024.

Previously, I was in a school district that was failing me. My family found SJC when we moved to Pottsville. They had no idea that a gem such as SJC existed. I was blessed to finally have a place where I could learn, and most of all, be safe among staff and peers. My growth alone this year has been tremendous. My family and I could not be more grateful for the school and community.