From Kindergarten to Retirement. The Rochester Organization Serving People With Disabilities at Every Stage of Life.

Most people hear the name Holy Childhood and think school or church. In reality it is an 80 year old Rochester organization serving over 400 individuals with developmental disabilities, from kindergarten all the way through retirement age, and it is one of the most quietly powerful nonprofits in our community.

Nate Zelesnikar, Director of Programs and Services, and Jillian Nalivyko, Public Relations Manager, share what Holy Childhood actually does, including a K through 12 school, adult habilitative and vocational programs, clinical services, respite care and supported employment partnerships with local businesses. Every individual has a personalized plan, every staff member asks whether what they are doing would be good enough for their own family, and the result is an organization that feels less like a nonprofit and more like a family.

Funded through a combination of Medicaid, state and federal support and a generous donor community, Holy Childhood is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year with two major events. Party at Center Ice returns for its 13th year on April 17th at the Tim Hortons Ice Plex, with wine, spirits, beer and local food vendors, drawing 600 to 700 people annually. The 80th Anniversary Gala follows on May 16th at Oak Hill Country Club's brand new ballroom, one of the very first public events to be held there.

Visit holychild.org/events to learn more, get tickets or find out how to volunteer, donate or schedule a tour.