St. Francis Children’s Center
We serve and educate children with special needs in inclusive environments, enabling them to reach their greatest potential.
F.A.C.
Family Activity Center
E.C.E.
Early Childhood Education
C.L.T.S.
Child Long term Support
B.T.3
Birth to Three Program
Executive Director: Laura Witkov
“It is our mission to improve the lives of every child and family we serve. SFCC is a pillar of resources for many families in Milwaukee. During my years as an educator, I have found that the more we are able to make an early impact on children’s lives the better prepared they are for the future.”
Programs
Parent Testimonials
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St. Francis Children’s Center has such a nice model of inclusion. The team approach made a big difference because they were able to work with [my son] in a group setting alongside typically-developing children.”
Nancy G.
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We are so very appreciative of the foundation [our children] received at St. Francis Children’s Center and for all of the friendships they made. Their future is bright thanks to SFCC!”
Brian S.
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To see the staff work with both [of my] kids, helping them develop fine motor skills and mobility while being sensitive and knowledgeable of their individual health problems, is simply amazing. Thank you St. Francis Children’s Center for being such a wonderful organization. It’s like a baby heaven for miracle babies!”
Ora C.
FAQ
What exactly is St. Francis Children’s Center?
We specialize in providing services, resources, and education to children with special needs and their families.
Our Mission
To make every child feel included in their surrounding environments.
Our History
Established 1968 by Sister Joanne Marie Kliebhan, then head of the Special Education Department at Cardinal Stritch University and Eli Tash, a Jewish businessman and the father of a son with special needs. In those days, the general feeling was that children with special needs should wait until they were “ready” to go to school. However, Sister Joanne Marie and Mr. Tash strongly believed that the earlier these children received services, the more opportunities there would be for them to achieve success. Their shared vision was to someday create a unique learning center that would stimulate the early development of children with special needs…a place where the philosophy and programs would reflect their belief that, “all children can learn if we can learn how to teach them.
