Joshua and his Papa shared a truly special bond. Joshua lit up every time he saw him, and their favorite game,"trick or treat” was something they never tired of playing together. Papa’s visits to the house were always a highlight for Joshua, and the two shared a love for Cheetos, Joshua would even make special trips to the store just to get them for him.

Joshua will deeply miss his Papa. His love and concern for Joshua’s well-being was constant.. When we discovered Matthias Academy, Papa was sad to see us move to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, but he was overjoyed that we found a place where Joshua is not only accepted for exactly who he is, but also surrounded by a staff that truly cares for him. Today, Joshua attends the day program at Matthias Monday through Friday, where he continues to thrive.

Looking ahead, we are working toward securing residential placement through future fundraising efforts so that Joshua, and others like him, will have a forever home once we are no longer able to care for them ourselves.

If you prefer, commemorative bricks can also be purchased online at

http://www.fundraisingbrick.com/matthiasacademy/

or by contacting Amy Labora for an order form.

Your gift creates a lasting tribute and helps build a safe, caring future for Joshua and others like him.

To learn more about Matthias-

https://matthiascommunity.org/

Who We Are

Matthias Academy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit serving adults 18+ with mild to severe disabilities, specialized medical needs, behaviors, and mild to severe Autism from Illinois and Wisconsin.

What We Do

Matthias provides a student-centered day program for adults to learn, work and socialize. Programs are constructed based on student interests and needs. The program runs Monday thru Friday, nearly every week of the year. Matthias also provides residential housing in 3-4 bedroom community based homes.

Where We Were & Where We Are

In September 2020, Matthias Academy opened its first Adult Day Program campus to 17 students and 17 staff. By the end of 2022, with over 80 students, Matthias had grown to utilize all space available in the existing building and had a growing waitlist for students to join. In 2023, Matthias opened its first residential home for four adults, purchased 88 acres and opened a second campus for the Adult Day Program. We have since expanded to 4 residential homes, and are serving over 135 students across two campuses in the Adult Day Program. Students are out, meeting the community utilizing our 18 vans/buses. They are enjoying physical, occupational and speech therapy, music, art, lessons and recreation.

Our Future

Execute phases of housing to support 380 residents and provide day services for 400+ adults.

Your help is so appreciated!

Matthias Academy is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.