“Joseph’s School of Tomorrow” is named after Joseph Palmerini.  It was faith that enabled us to receive Joseph Palmerini.  Joey Palmerini was a disabled Italian boy who we took in as one of our own when the State of New Jersey had failed at providing a safe environment in which he could grow and develop. Joey was involved in a horrible car accident that left him disabled at the age of seven.  He was disabled physically, emotionally, and spiritually as well.  He had a permanent limp and neurological damage.  Where was mom?  Where was dad?  His biological father had been incarcerated for mistreating and abusing him.  His mother and now stepfather had substance abuse issues, although Joey was forced to fend for himself, thankfully he was street smart.  He was one of the most cunning panhandlers that walked the streets.  He did not like bathing and as a result it was very hard to stand near him for more than a moment. 

By the age of sixteen, Joey’s mother and stepfather were deceased.  Joey was on his own.  But one day, by the favor and grace of God, Joey heard and received a message of hope that resulted in a miracle.  As a result, Joseph Palmerini became one of our leaders at the Cityline Church.  Joey was like our very own son.  He learned personal hygiene, respect, loyalty, and above all things that he was special and truly a champion.  From a kid that would hate to bathe, he was now bathing twice a day because he learned to hate dirt. 

Unfortunately, after his miraculous transformation, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 20.  All of a sudden we were visited by people from various state agencies that were somehow responsible for Joey.  Joseph Palmerini had been lost in the system.  We went  through four months of intensive chemotherapy treatment with Joey, with promising results, but unfortunately he caught a cold that resulted in a respiratory infection.  In less than 90 days after completing his chemotherapy he died.  However, he left a powerful legacy behind.  This is why we have this school named after Joseph Palmerini.  It will be a school that will carry this message of faith and hope that says, that regardless of your current situation and circumstances there is a champion living within you that is waiting to emerge.