About Jericho
The Bureau for Exceptional Children and Adults, (Jericho), was founded in the early 1960's by Father Robert F. Wagner . In the organizations humble beginnings, Father Wagner established religious education classes for people with special needs in some of the larger cities in Western Massachusetts. It was in these classes that people received preparation to accept the sacraments of the Catholic Church, a practice most take for granted.
The organization was chartered in 1972. Jericho began with offices in Northampton, and on Whitney Ave. in Holyoke, before moving to it's present location of 537 Northampton St, Holyoke, MA in the late 1970's. As the congregation grew, so did the programs and services. Jericho began offering a wide range of activities for people with disabilities, their families, friends, and advocates. Over the years, Jericho has offered people with disabilities: theater training, employment training, square dances, pilgrimages, and religious education.
On December 2nd, 2005, Jericho's, founder, spiritual leader and driving force, Father Robert F. Wagner passed away. Sr. Joan Magnani, who has been an integral part of the Jericho "team" since it's inception, the Associate Director since 1988, and Executive Director since 2005, has continued the work Father Wagner began more than thirty years ago