MATTHIAS ACADEMY ATLAS HOUSE

In my experience, the leadership team at Matthias Academy lacks clear direction and connection to the organization’s mission. Year after year, the culture, values, and mission have felt increasingly lost and replaced by ego over purpose.

Matthias Academy is the absolute best! We would be lost without it. Our son has severe, global developmental disabilities, and multiple complex medical needs. Even if we had wanted for him to attend another day program, it would not be possible because no other program can deal with his many needs. The Matthias community is fantastic. The staff are all caring, loving and extremely capable. They work hard every day to give my son and all of the other students the best quality of life possible.

Matthias Academy has provided purposeful days for my son who has a profound communication disorder and autism. Patrick has moved into a residential home and is thriving and having purposeful days with caregivers who are invested in his safety and Independence. Experiences in the community and exposure to life skills training are focused on daily. There are no other programs in the area that come close to the support that Matthias Academy can offer.

We are so beyond blessed to be a part of the Matthias Academy family. Our son Joey is 24 with severe autism. He is not very verbal, not potty trained, prone to large meltdowns, and is also the most charming and handsome guy you’ll ever meet. From the administration, staff, activities, family support, and countless other “little things” that are huge to families like ours, we cannot say enough good things about this phenomenal program.

Our son, Cam, started attending Matthias Academy 2 years ago this month. To say that his experience there has been life changing is an understatement. We have watched Cam overcome his fear of trying new things, gain confidence in navigating within the community, develop and enjoy friendships for the first time in his life and learn so many new life skills. Matthias Academy is a community where staff become family to the participants and the family members. Every day the staff show up ready to meet our adults where they are, support them through any struggles they are having and celebrate every single success. Staff are always available and willing to help come up with ideas to try at home for challenges a family may experience. Our son absolutely loves going to Matthias each and every day. He gets excited to hear about outings that his frat is planning, he takes pride in completing his daily responsibilities and he is enjoying the friendships he has built and the opportunities to make more. When Cam turned 18, he was struggling and we had so many worries about his future. Once we found Matthias, those worries have decreased as we have seen true happiness return to Cam. There is nothing better than having your adult child tell you “I’m happy”; “I love my teachers and friends”; “I love Matthias!” When you step onto the campus, you will see adults who are accepted for who they are and who take pride in themselves and being a part of the Matthias Academy community, who have purpose and who are loved and celebrated.