By: Shane Thomson
Founded in 1960, the Madonna school for special needs students has become infamous throughout the Omaha metro for providing access to ample opportunities for students with mental disabilities.
Founded in Omaha, Ne by Sister Mary Evangeline Randolph, the school and Community Services Center accepts children and adults of all faiths or religious affiliations. The mission at the time was for a place where “children with special needs could learn, grow and belong.”
“We practice total community inclusion, where we hope the students will be able to go into the community and work in the community and recreate in the community,” said Madonna Employment Services program director, Dianne Cochran (Cochran).
One of the aspects it is that this organization was started out of a religious organization that the school is so exceptional. Accepting students from age 8 up to age 99, the school ensures that they are given access to opportunities that span multiple disciplinarians.
Beth Neitzal, a regular student in the program expressed how this program has helped boost her interest in subjects such as cooking. In which she was shown first-hand how to full prepare and cook her own personal meal. In doing this, this showed her the excitement and importance of living and socializing independently.
