Leading with their Hearts is a book about the inspiring history of St. Coletta of Wisconsin. First established in 1904 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, it began as a small boarding school for children with developmental disabilities. Located in Jefferson County Wisconsin, the school grew into one of the most respected learning programs in the world for individuals with disabilities. At a time when these children were shunned and discarded by society, the Sisters' dedicated efforts began to change hearts and minds as they proved their students were capable of learning and living dignified lives.
St. Coletta of Wisconsin was the first school in the United States to prepare their Catholic students with disabilities for Holy Communion. Teaching children from all faiths, the Sisters demonstrated that all of their students could be an integral part of society. They began an academic program suited to each child's individual needs and strengths. Word spread across the country about this unique school and the program continued to grow. It became self-sufficient with a farm, dairy and bakery, allowing itself to weather the disruptions of the Great Depression and two world wars.
Educational institutions and governments across the globe reached out to St. Coletta for guidance. The Sisters created both religious and academic education programs that they shared with those seeking to educate children with disabilities. The Sisters traveled to speak at large national and international conferences to promote the rights of these individuals to be educated. The school also developed a special education program for teachers so that private and public schools could teach children with developmental disabilities.
Realizing that many of their students had nowhere to live after graduation, except for miserable and overcrowded state institutions, the organization began adult residential and day programs. Rosemary Kennedy, President John F. Kennedy's sister joined the community in the 1940s and lived a remarkable life at St. Coletta until her death in 2005.
St. Coletta became an early leader in community living for individuals with disabilities, building homes and apartments for their adult clients in the surrounding area. When public schools were mandated by law to educate students with disabilities in their communities, the St. Coletta School closed. The organization's focus transitioned completely to adult services. They created programs in job training, community employment, recreational services and independent living skills. A new era began.
Leading with their Hearts continues its story with the vibrant and evolving St. Coletta of today, describing their innovative approaches in assisting their clients to live their best and most independent lives. The book includes the enthusiastic voices of the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, families, and staff.
Christina Goldstone, the author, is the mother of a daughter served by St. Coletta. Daniela became part of the community in 2015 and her world and independence grew beyond all expectations. Christina became fascinated and inspired by the story of the Sisters, the school and everything that this organization has accomplished in the past 118 years. She knew many others would just as inspired. This book is her effort to share the miraculous story of St. Coletta of Wisconsin with the world.
