September Be the Change: LaSalle School

by Natalie Criscione 

Long before the De La Salle Christian Brothers’ 1854 establishment of the LaSalle School in Albany, the order’s French founding fathers answered their calling to care for and educate children who existed at the margins of society. These included children who lacked the opportunity for education and were often thought of as unwanted or referred to as street kids. Yet, with loving structure and care they were educated and then transitioned into society.

Though the language and labels have evolved over time and the systems have become more complex and sophisticated, the same mission continues today for LaSalle School in Albany. Like the children of years past, those who enter today’s doors have “not been handed the easiest deck of cards,” says Katie Genovese, the Director of Development. Yet, as the Values Statement on the website confirms, they want the same things that children throughout the centuries have wanted and LaSalle is providing it: “For more than a century and a half, we have looked into the eyes of children to assure them they will be well cared for and their needs will be met regardless of the circumstances that brought us into their lives.” That kind of personalization, connection, and care is the heart of what happens within the structure of LaSalle School. 

Today’s children who have been labeled “delinquent” or “failure,” who may know only too well the perils and pitfalls of the juvenile justice system, who are referred by their schools for special ed, behavioral, or psychiatric needs that cannot be effectively or safely met in their home districts find connections and a solid foundation at LaSalle School. With a dedicated team of teachers and staff members, students develop a lifelong affiliation–-“If you’re a LaSalle student today, you are one forever,” the students are told—which makes it seem more like a family than an institution. 

LaSalle School’s mission today includes programs that take place not only on site but in 25 counties throughout New York State. Concepts that didn’t exist in the 19th or 20th centuries have developed to meet the needs of today’s youth. Creating opportunities for success involves “meeting kids and families where they are and then thinking outside the box,” says David Wallace, the Executive Director. “If we are truly going to be a provider to children, it’s not going to be one dimensional; it’s children of all genders, families of all capacity and means, and it’s our mission to be in this space for them.” 

LaSalle School has evolved into an agency that recognizes both various levels of need and the imperative for a multitude of strategies to create successful outcomes. Besides the residential program, there are also a variety of satellite and day programs that address issues such as alcohol abuse, chemical dependency, skills for independent living, reunification, and prevention. There is even a Shelter Program focused on reuniting unaccompanied minors with their families in the United States 

On campus, LaSalle operates an accredited Junior and Senior High School for both its residential and day students. Although the academic expectations are equal to any other public school, the specific environment provides a more intensive and personalized experience, with a teacher and aide provided for every 6 students. With services on campus that also meet the mental health and psychiatric needs of its student population, LaSalle School is able to continue serving the students and families even after they have reintegrated back into their home districts. 

In Wallace’s office is a picture of a young man wearing a graduation cap and gown, standing next to a university sign, and smiling broadly. For Wallace, he represents more than just a college graduate; more than just a successful education; and more than just a single person. “It’s a wonderful reminder about how far a student can get with the right support and relationships,” he says.  

During the month of September, say “Yes!” to the question “would you like to round up to the nearest dollar.” Answer the calling. 

To learn more about LaSalle School, visit their website.