Our mission is to prepare mentally challenged children and adults for maximum independence and integration in the community through individualized education, vocational training, sheltered employment, clinical treatment and guardianship services.

Description:
Holy Childhood is a non-profit, non-denominational agency dedicated to the education, vocational training, treatment and guardianship of developmentally disabled children and adults. The agency is well-known for its excellent service and depth of care for people with special needs. Children of all races, religions or ethnic origins are welcome.

Our Children's Program serves children ages 5 -21 years. Students receive training in life and vocational skills in addition to traditional academic subjects.

The Jimmy W. Wilmot Adult Day Training Program employs over 85 adults with a diverse range of abilities in three distinctive sheltered workshops, Partners with Industry, The Woodworking Shop and the Special Touch Bakery.

The Helen H. Heller Health Center helps to address the many challenges that the adult consumers and students at Holy Childhood face. In addition to medical services, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, counseling and psychological services are provided.

History:
In 1946, Sister St. Mark McMahon saw the need for a special class for children who were being ignored by the traditional education system. Her plan was truly revolutionary as this was long before New York State had mandated that children with IQ's below 50 be accepted into the educational system. With two small classes of 30 "slow learners", the School Of The Holy Childhood was begun.

Education and vocational training were the focus of these classes. Academic subjects were taught at each student's level, pace and ability. This focus remains the same today, although many different programs have been added, such as weaving, ceramics, lifeskills, woodworking and sewing.

For over 60 years our goal has remained the same- to help children and adults become more independent and contributing members of our society.

Contact people:

Debra Salmon, Director of Development, (phone), (email) Rose Marie Pape, Administrative Assistant, (phone), (email) Kelly Hallenbeck, Public Relations Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

100 Groton Parkway Rochester, NY 14623 (See a map)

Directions:

Directions: Take Route 390 to East Henrietta Rd.(Exit 14)and turn left. Continue south on East Henrietta Rd. and turn left at second light onto Hollybrook Rd. Turn left at 3-way stop sign onto Groton Parkway. Holy Childhood is. . . (more)