About The AJ Foundation (AJF)
The AJ Foundation was born out of a mother's love for her son, and her refusal to accept the fact that his ability to enjoy the riches of human life would be severely limited because of autism.
That mother is Joanne Corless, a registered nurse and mother of three, who lives in Wycombe, PA with her husband, Allan. And that child is AJ Corless; today a handsome and talented young man who enjoys athletics, music (he is a self-taught pianist), cooking and maps. After AJ was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a toddler, Joanne and Allan were determined to find a way for him to learn and develop life skills that could help him experience as full and satisfying a life as possible.
Unfortunately, they quickly realized that there were few if any local resources available to assist children with autism. What followed was a 20 year quest to create a place where children like AJ could learn and grow. This remarkable story is chronicled in a 2012 feature story in Family Circle magazine.
From its humble start as a single family's personal journey to help their son, The AJ Foundation has now grown into a highly respected organization which serves as a beacon of hope for many families. Our mission is to implement and support quality educational services dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families within their communities. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, or ABA, which have been scientifically proven to be the most effective method of teaching individuals with autism.
To date, our greatest accomplishment has been the opening of one of Pennsylvania's first highly specialized private schools for children with autism, called The Comprehensive Learning Center (CLC). Students attending CLC are provided with intensive and comprehensive educational and behavioral services, which allow them to function and integrate into the home environment and into the communities in which they live, work and play.
All CLC teachers hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree in Special Education, Psychology or related fields and receive additional training in the principles of ABA. All Trainers must be enrolled in or have a Master’s Degree in Special Education or Applied Behavior Analysis. In addition, they must hold a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification or be enrolled in coursework towards this certification.
AJF Mission
The AJ Foundation For Children With Autism (AJF) is a non-profit organization formed by parents, family members, and friends of children with autism. Our mission is to support quality educational programs that are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism and their families within their communities.
AJ Today
AJ is now 32 years old, so hard to believe! He attended CLC since its inception in 2000 and graduated in 2011. Because of CLC, AJ works fulltime between 2 part-time jobs and needs very little supervision from CLC. He plays several sports for Clubs such as The Miracle League, Blackthorn Rugby Football Club and American Special Hockey Association. AJ is mostly independent at home and does well in the community! He has a great life because of CLC! It is such an incredible school. We are so fortunate!
AJF Timeline
1997
The AJ Foundation (AJF) initiates the opening of The Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22's first public ABA program for elementary aged students with autism.
The AJ Foundation hosts its first AJF Golf 4 Autism event.
1998
The AJ Foundation assists the Council Rock School District in pioneering its first public ABA program for elementary aged students with autism.
The AJ Foundation hosts its first Casino Night event.
2000
The AJ Foundation opens Pennsylvania's first licensed private school for children with autism with an Elementary School Program, serving ages 6 through 14, called The Comprehensive Learning Center (CLC). The facility located at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church and School in Holland, PA, enrolls 3 students to start.
2002
AJF holds its first 2 day conference at The Bucks County Community College in Newtown, PA to educate parents and professionals about the success of using evidenced-based techniques (ABA) in teaching individuals with autism, particularly in promoting independence.
2003
With the help of AJF, CLC moves to a new facility in Southampton, PA. This move allows for more opportunities for the students and offers the chance for growth and expansion of the program.
The AJ Foundation hosts its first Annual Drive Campaign.
2004
With the help of AJF, CLC opens its Pre-School Program, serving ages 3 through 5 years old. Later that year, CLC opens its Secondary School Program, serving ages 15-21 years old.
2005
The AJ Foundation hosts its first Texas Hold'em Tournament.
2008
The AJ Foundation hosts its first AJF Ride 4 Autism event.
2009
With the help of AJF, CLC receives a 6,000 sq. foot addition to the facility located in Southampton, PA. This new building provides the opportunity for improved life and vocational skills, and includes training areas, a gym, a conference room, and space for the future adult program.
2011
CLC holds its first graduation ceremony. The oldest student is proudly presented with a high school diploma and works full-time in the community as a direct result of the vocational training he received at CLC.
2015
With the help of AJF, CLC opens its Adult Life Skills Program to serve students who have aged out of the Education Program, 18 years or older.
2018
AJF assists CLC on yet another expansion as CLC moves from its previous site of 12,000 sq. ft. in Southampton to its new site of 21,700 sq. ft. in Warminster, PA. CLC's new building provides ample space to house CLC's growing Pre-School, Education, Secondary and Adult Programs.
2020
AJF and CLC celebrate 20 years of serving the autism community.
The AJ Foundation
PO Box 234
Wycombe, PA 18980
info@ajfoundation.org
215-598-8175
Tax ID: 23-2887692
Copyright 2020 AJ Foundation
The official registration and financial information of The AJ Foundation For Children with Autism may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.