Description
The Center presently serves approximately 150 children, young students and adults from birth to middle age. Included in the services provided are Speech, Occupational and Physical Therapy for those in need of such services at the Center or in the surrounding community. Many work in programs that teach them life skills, while others learn basic academics and self-care. Except for the Pre-school, all have a primary diagnosis of developmental disability (the Pre-school is inclusive, serving children of all learning abilities). The dignity and self-worth of the individual is the common thread running through the Center's core.
Funding is through tuition, fundraising and grants, and the School serves individuals of all races, religions and financial means. Financial assistance is available based on need and resources available.
Founded and incorporated in October, 1963 the Marian Center began its first school year in the Fall of 1964 with the goal of providing a quality education to students with developmental disabilities, at the highest individual level each was capable of achieving. Coleman F. Carroll, then the Bishop of Miami, had asked The Sisters of St. Joseph Cottolengo to start a school specifically to serve this population. Eleven Sisters, under the leadership of Sr. Lucia Ceccotti, traveled to Miami from Italy on October 21, 1963. Also included in the original eleven were Sisters Consolata, Enrichetta, Giuseppina, Carla, Paola, Ada, Enrica, Maria, Giovanna and Giulana. Today there are four Sisters (Sister Lucia, Sister Carla, Sister Paola and Sister Lidia, who came from Italy in 1996). There is also a qualified and caring staff of professional teachers, aids, therapists, and support staff.
The Marian Center has a highly involved Parent Teachers Association, a dedicated all-volunteer Advisory Board of Directors, and an Auxiliary, that is currently made up of women in the greater Miami Community who devote their time to fundraising efforts for the School. The Marian Center currently operates under the management oversight of the Catholic Health Services and the Archdiocese of Miami.
Bishop Carroll had envisioned a school whose primary purpose was to serve those with developmental disabilities throughout the Diocese. The Sisters of St. Joseph Benedict Cottolengo was the congregation most renowned within Italy for its work with people with developmental disabilities.
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