The New Victory Center

Fifteen years ago my parents, Barry and Judi Nelson, founded The Victory Center. The Victory Center was  founded to help my younger brother, Jesse, who was diagnosed with severe autism at the age of two and a half. At the time of Jesse's diagnosis, autism was not a well-known disability and there  were no schools in the area that could provide Jesse and other kids with autism  the intensive individualized treatment they needed. 

I was nine when The Victory Center was founded. I have  watched the school grow and achieve greatness. Families have relocated to North Miami Beach from all over the United States and even from other countries to attend the school. My little brother is not so little anymore as he is  now twenty-one and a foot taller than me. Yet, he is still my little brother. Jesse is non-verbal and has the IQ of a four-year-old, but The Victory Center has given him skills that he can use to be a productive member of the community. Throughout my life I have always looked out for him, taken care of him, and pushed him, and I always will. But as much as I have done for him, it will never measure up to how much he has done for me.  Jesse has taught me invaluable lessons. He has made me a better person and has made my heart grow. His laugh is contagious and his heart is pure. He is incredible, and The Victory Center has been life changing for him and so many others like him. 

Last year, I got the privilege of working as a teacher at The Victory Center. I got to experience the school not only as a sister of a student, but also as a teacher. The progress I watched the students make in my time at the school was indescribable. I had the privilege of seeing students speak or sign their first words, of watching students overcome huge challenges.  

Now, fifteen years later, The Victory Center has outgrown its current building and must raise two million dollars to build a new Victory Center on the JCC Campus. The new building will have more classrooms and greater resources to provide incredible treatment and education to a greater number of children with autism. The New Victory Center will change the lives of so many. 

Please donate to the New Victory Center to make a difference in the lives of so many. Thank you!