There are many organizations throughout Hudson County that provide resources for the community in various capacities. St. Joseph’s School for the Blind in Jersey City is no different. Founded in 1891, St. Joseph’s School for the Blind has been providing specialized care, education, and human services to individuals who are blind or visually impaired. St. Joseph’s has grown tremendously and since 1960, has opened its doors to students with multiple disabilities. Today, the school continues its primary mission of providing services to students ten months per year, with an extended school year program from July through August. Read on to learn all about St. Joseph’s School for the Blind {and an upcoming volunteer opportunity}.
About St. Joseph’s School for the Blind
St. Joseph’s School for the Blind is a unique resource in our community. It’s the state’s only school for the blind and visually impaired. Students who are in need of this resource are given an education from birth through adulthood with various programs and opportunities provided right here in Hudson County.
“At St. Joseph’s, braille instruction begins as early as age three. Braille literacy is even more important today because electronic braille displays can be used with computers, smartphones, and tablets. The addition of Perkins SMART Braillers, Braille Notetakers and iPad Pro tablets and other assistive devices have enhanced instruction and greatly improved students’ braille and literacy skills,” says Ellen Feliciatta, Director of Communications at St. Joseph’s.
See More: Volunteering {in Hoboken}: A List of Organizations that Need Your Help
St. Joseph’s Offerings
For school-aged children, St. Joseph’s provides in-district services and continues through adulthood with services for those have had a vision impairment or who have been experiencing blindness their who life, or for those who have found themselves with vision challenges later in life. St. Joseph’s prides itself on assisting its students in taking an active role both working and volunteering with local shops in the community through the Community Based Instruction and Structured Learning Experience Programs. With these programs, students can be found at local establishments such as Helen’s Pizza and the York Street Project in downtown Jersey City working and volunteering to gain independence and life skills. Students can also be found within the community shopping at the local grocery store or learning how to navigate the streets and public transportation system in Jersey City.
Ways to Give Back to St. Joseph’s
To continue to provide invaluable resources to those who need it most, St. Joseph’s holds annual fundraisers and events and accepts donations from individuals and organizations who assist by purchasing equipment for the students. The Annual Tricky Tray and Walk-A-Thon are the school’s biggest fundraisers of the year. Throughout the year, the school also hosts individual events to fulfill the needs of the school and its students.
Read More: All About The Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps
A Volunteering Opportunity for Our Readers
Hoboken Girl Helps is doing its part to support the school during the 12th Annual Walk-A-Thon. Join us on Friday, June 7th from 8:30AM-11:30AM as we volunteer during the Walk-A-Thon. Tasks will include handing out goody bags to walkers as they cross the finish line, selling t-shirts, assisting with raffle prizes and enjoying the day with students and their families. Email hobokengirlhelps@gmail.com for more information on how to volunteer. If you can’t make it that day, but are still interested in supporting, click here to donate to the Hoboken Girl Walk A Thon team — all donations go directly to St. Joseph’s.
Are you planning to participate in the Walk-A-Thon? Let us know in the comments!
