From John Paul II Center for Special Learning
John Paul II Center for Special Learning (JPII) is celebrating a milestone achievement as student Jeremy A., 14, becomes the first JPII student to successfully complete the ServSafe Food Handler course and earn his certification, demonstrating his knowledge of food safety, personal hygiene, and kitchen sanitation.
Jeremy’s accomplishment comes as JPII prepares to open Special Blends Café by JPII at Alvernia University’s American House, located at Fourth and Penn streets in Reading, in early 2027. The café will provide students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities valuable, hands-on workforce training in a community-based setting.
“For students with special needs, this credential is more than a safety requirement. It is a powerful tool for building independence, confidence, and career readiness,” said Rene Berkhammer, JPII’s Director of Transition. “Jeremy is the first student at JPII to attempt this course, so we are extremely proud of his accomplishment.”
Although Pennsylvania does not generally require frontline food-service employees to hold a food handler certification, Jeremy chose to go above and beyond, dedicating himself to learning essential food safety practices. His achievement is already inspiring other JPII students and adults to pursue their own ServSafe certifications.
“I knew I wanted to complete the certification to work at the café,” Jeremy said. “It makes me proud to know I could do it.”
Jeremy’s success reflects JPII’s commitment to helping each student identify their strengths, develop practical skills, and prepare for meaningful opportunities in the workplace. Through Special Blends Café by JPII, students will have the opportunity to apply what they learn in a real-world environment while building the confidence and experience needed to pursue their individual employment goals.
JPII is proud of Jeremy’s hard work, focus, and dedication and looks forward to celebrating his continued growth as the café prepares to welcome the community in early 2027.
About John Paul II Center for Special Learning
Located in Shillington, John Paul II Center for Special Learning encourages children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to explore their purpose and reach for goals through unique special education and social programming.
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