Introducing the Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support
Now through the end of 2024, Blue Rock Coffee Roasters will donate a portion of our sales to this worthwhile cause and organization. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder, yet most underfunded. Currently there is no cure for autism, though with early intervention and treatment, the diverse symptoms related to autism can be greatly improved and, in some cases, completely overcome. Visit NAA Home Page - National Autism Association to learn more.
About the Kinney Center
The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support at Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA, is a community-facing service, education and research organization that provides comprehensive and caring individualized support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.
Overview
Based at Saint Joseph's University, the Kinney Center is rooted in the Jesuit mission of cura personalis, care for the whole person. Our shared ideology and unique vision for an ambitious future includes serving individuals with autism across their lifespan, supporting their caregivers and educating those who will play a critical role in the field of autism as it moves into the future.
We are grateful for the vital support and transformational partnerships that allow us to take risks, to be innovative and to expand our offerings. The impact of our mission continues to evolve as our programs and services — and the support for the Center as a whole — have taken hold in the local and regional autism community and beyond. Together with our internal teams and external partners, we look forward to continuing this important work as we craft the next step in our evolution.
Mission
The Kinney Center for Autism Education and Support has a two-fold mission: to educate and train the autism professionals of tomorrow, while supporting and serving the individuals and families affected by autism today.
Vision
Assisting individuals with autism as they develop the skills necessary to lead their most fulfilling and independent lives, while preparing society to embrace and empower an increasingly neurodiverse world.
History
The Kinney Center was founded with support from Paul ’70 and Margaret Hondros with a two-fold mission: “to educate and train the autism professionals of tomorrow while supporting and serving the people and families affected by autism today.”
Since its founding in 2009, the Kinney Center has established itself as a center of national renown, offering services across the lifespan and trailblazing many firsts in the field: the first major and minor in autism studies in the country; one of the first college support programs for individuals with autism; one of the first and only accredited camps in the Delaware Valley to implement reverse inclusion, fostering meaningful interactions between individuals across the autism spectrum and their neurotypical peers.
Read more in "A Decade of Success" from the Fall 2019 issue of Saint Joseph's University Magazine.
