Improving Lives Beyond Measure

The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support is growing rapidly and dramatically improving lives. The Center provides essential services to children and families facing the challenges of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) while preparing SJU students to serve the autistic community with passion and exceptional skill.

In the two short years since the founding of the Kinney Center, the number of children, families, programs and students has multiplied. Children with ASD and the students who work with them share life-changing discoveries. Often each new opportunity leads to another.

For one family, the Kinney Center experience started with enrolling their son in a social skills program, which led to him playing soccer and then to attending Camp Kinney with his neurotypical brother. Other families share a similar progression. “The Kinney Center has, for the first time in a long time, given our family hope that our daughter can learn, enjoy and become as independent as her peers,” said Deanna Segrave-Daly.

For students, the Kinney SCHOLARS (Students Committed to Helping Others Learn about Autism Research and Support) program offers valuable experience and insight that is possible only through close interaction with children with ASD. “My college courses alone could never have given me this kind of experience, and I will be forever grateful for this opportunity," said Courtney Ciccone ’13, Elementary/Special Education, Autism Studies Minor.

Arianna Esposito ’12 describes her work at the Kinney Center as life changing. “It is because of the Kinney Center that I want to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst,” she said. “Amazing things are happening at the Kinney Center and I’m so happy to be a part of it.”

Thanks to a lead gift and energetic advocacy from Margaret and Paul ’70 Hondros, Saint Joseph’s University established an autism center that is unlike any other. As it grows in response to enormous needs, the Kinney Center is improving lives beyond measure for children and families impacted by ASD, and for the dedicated, compassionate students who will go forth to revolutionize autism care and support.

Kinney Center Expands Quickly to Benefit Children, Families and SJU Students

Program Participants 2010 and 2011

Program (click to learn more)	2010	2011
Children in Social Skills Program in January	16	31
Children at Camp Kinney for Summer Camp in June	23	32
Children at College Bound Retreat, Summer	5	12
SCHOLARS, as of June	30	52