ST. JOSEPH'S
RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM

CONCORDIA HOUSE HAS TO BE SEEN TO BE BELIEVED!

It is a new, safe, warm and nurturing state-of-the-art home specifically designed for the special needs of students with vision impairments and multiple disabilities.

Here a small group of St. Joseph’s students live, play, learn, grow—and have fun—together. They receive high-quality and individualized care and education from an enthusiastic, experienced, multi-cultural staff and volunteers, who work in close partnership with our Education Team.

Every activity at Concordia House is designed to respond to the unique needs and abilities of each student, while nurturing and educating every individual to "LEARN TO BE ALL THEY CAN BE!"

Concordia House is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds where students play together in the Phil Rizzuto Multi-Sensory Playground—using colorful, adaptive and stimulating toys and equipment. It’s a great place to be!

CONCORDIA HOUSE has an abundance of light and space, well-furnished student bedrooms, a large lounge and dining room, and The Frank R. Lautenberg Independent Living and Learning Center—a model apartment where students can practice independent daily living skills.

WHO CAN BENEFIT BY STAYING AT CONCORDIA? All students who live too far away to travel on a daily basis to St. Joseph’s can reside at Concordia. They can stay for up to 11 months per year, returning to their homes each weekend and during school holidays. The student/staff ratio is generally two students to one staff member. Concordia can also be used on a short term basis, such as respite care.

WHAT HAPPENS AT CONCORDIA? Each student has an Individual Habilitation Plan (IHP) designed in consultation with their family, which may encompass:

• Socialization and communication skills such as how to get along with others.
• Daily living skills encompassing personal self-care, grooming, bed-making, table manners, simple food preparation, and cleaning.
• Independent mobility.
• Academic subjects taught in the School are reinforced by homework activities at Concordia.
• Recreation activities include spontaneous and structured play activities such as singing and playing different instruments.
• Arts and crafts give students an immediate sense of accomplishment.
• Physical activities and games encourage interaction with peers.
• Community group activities include gardening, shopping, eating out, trips to playgrounds and parks, concerts and plays, and swimming in our indoor swimming pool.
• A Transition Plan is developed as each student gets older.