March 2024

Message from Co-Principals,

Shelly Kreska and John Funk

“Love Like Jesus”

How appropriate that Ash Wednesday was also Valentine’s Day because Lent is all about love this year at JPII!

Each week during Lent, students receive a cross, which is displayed in the classroom as a reminder to “Love Like Jesus.” When a staff member notices a student acting with love, kindness, concern, or care, being a good friend or helper, or simply making good choices, the student is awarded a heart sticker to place on his/her cross along with a description of the loving action. Students are thrilled to hang their crosses on the Chapel windows as a sign to all that they are working hard to “Live Like Jesus” in preparation for Easter!

JPII’s Board shared their love on March 1 during Employee Appreciation Day by providing chair-massages and gift cards to staff. What wonderful, thoughtful gifts to reinforce to our staff how grateful our Board is for their dedication. The staff was equally grateful for the treats!

Be sure to save the date for our April 27 Legacy Gala. – you don’t want to miss out on this very special evening!

John Funk M.Ed

Co-Principal

John Paul II Center

Shelly Kreska

Co-Principal

John Paul II Center

JPII Legacy Gala - April 27, 2024

Click here for info and to purchase sponsorships and tickets!

Halo Award:

Kathleen Nevel, Ph.D.

Peggy’s Legacy of Faith:

In memory of Judy Diffendal

JPII Kicks Off Guys Group program

We held our first Guy’s Group Activity in February for our Secondary Students. We discussed how to speak around others and especially in front of the most important woman in our lives – MOM! We made chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate-covered pretzels and a craft to give to our Moms on Valentine’s Day. The Guys also talked about how to tell their Moms how much they love them and to give them a hug and kiss to show their appreciation for all Moms do for us!

Testimonial from Luiz's mom after the Guys Group project:

“I want to thank you all for my Valentine's Day present from Luiz. The look on his face when he gave me the pretzels and strawberry; he smiled, he told me he made them and boy am I proud of my grumpy pants. He gave me a hug and a kiss. Luiz doesn't like to be very affectionate but he really wanted to let me know that he loves me tonight. That hug and kiss meant so so much to me. Thanks to all of y'all for encouraging him and helping him. THANK YOUUUUU THANK YOUUUUU, GOD BLESS Y'ALL.”

Thank you for sharing! We love hearing stories like this from our parents and guardians! Great job, Luiz!

Employment Opportunities

Are you looking to make an impact that will truly make a difference in someone’s life? We are seeking individuals who are passionate about helping all students and adults reach their God-given potential. Work with a team whose goals are to carry out our vision and mission of supporting students and adults to success and independence. For more information on how to apply, click here .

We're hiring:

Speech-Language Pathologist
Job Coach
Instructional Aides for School Age Program
Direct Service Staff for Adult Program

Help Out YOUR Way

Donation Options:

Set up a one-time donation to help the students and adults at JPII.

Simple Donation

Help on a monthly basis by setting up a recurring donation.

Recurring Support

A gift to JPII’s endowment becomes a forever gift for future generations of students and adults.

Planned Giving Info

Matching Gifts

You may be able to double your gift to JPII through your employer’s corporate matching gift program. If your company offers this benefit, you may be able to maximize personal contributions and increase the impact of your gift.

There is an understanding that giving is both a reflection of the best parts of who we are and the key to the most important work we will accomplish as neighbors and communities.

John Paul II Center is able to care for and teach our incredible students and adults because of the support we receive from our community. In an effort to make giving as secure and convenient as possible, we now provide a number of ways to help fund JPII’s mission. Simply choose which form of giving suits you best. And if you need assistance, remember, we're just a phone call away.

For more information, contact Melissah Jablonski

Phone: 610-777-0605 - Email: mjablonski@johnpauliicenter.org

JPII Uniforms:

School uniforms are now available through an online vendor: FlynnO'Hara. There are boys and girls in youth and adult sizes in banded and non-banded short and long-sleeve polos as well as khaki shorts, skorts, and pants. All items are ordered online and shipped directly to you (or you can visit their Allentown location). No orders or payments are taken at JPII.

You can visit the Allentown FlynnO'Hara retail location to measure your students, shop, or pick up an online order.

Click here to order uniforms!