National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) and Joey’s House, Inc. have announced a new partnership that will bring Capstone Academy, Joey’s House’s educational and life-enrichment program for adults with special needs, to the NUHS campus in Lombard beginning August 17, 2026.
A Shared Commitment to Community and Empowerment
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to empowering individuals age 22 and over with significant support needs through education, therapeutic programming and community engagement. By bringing Capstone Academy to a health sciences university campus, NUHS and Joey’s House are creating a unique environment that promotes lifelong learning, personal growth and whole-person well-being while expanding access to valuable services for participants and their families.
“At National University of Health Sciences, we believe education, health and service are deeply interconnected,” said Dr. Joseph P.D. Stiefel, president of National University of Health Sciences. “This partnership reflects our commitment to whole-person health and meaningful community engagement. By welcoming Capstone Academy to our campus, we’re creating a space where education, wellness and opportunity come together to support individuals and families in our community.”
Addressing a Critical Need
Capstone Academy was developed to help address a significant challenge faced by many families after individuals with special needs age out of school-based programs. Through continued educational opportunities, life-skills development, social engagement, wellness-focused activities and therapeutic programming, the program provides adults with a structured and supportive environment where they can continue to learn, connect and thrive.
“One of the greatest challenges facing families of individuals with special needs is finding meaningful opportunities after traditional school-based services end,” said Ms. Britelle Smith, executive director of Joey’s House. “Capstone Academy was created to address that need by providing adults with opportunities to continue learning, build life skills, form relationships and engage with their community. Through our partnership with National University of Health Sciences, we’re able to offer those experiences in a vibrant campus setting that values inclusion, dignity, lifelong growth, and overall well-being.”
Campus Resources Supporting Program Success
Under the agreement, Joey’s House will utilize dedicated classroom and office space within the NUHS Lombard campus, along with access to technology, furnishings and shared campus amenities that support day-to-day program operations. The university’s investment in infrastructure and operational support enables Joey’s House to focus on delivering high-quality programming while providing participants with a professional, welcoming and supportive environment.
The partnership also reflects both organizations’ commitment to innovation in service delivery. Hosting Capstone Academy on a health sciences campus creates opportunities to explore new ways of supporting participants through an environment centered on wellness, education and community connection.
Future Collaboration and Long-Term Growth
As the partnership evolves, NUHS and Joey’s House anticipate exploring additional opportunities for collaboration, including educational engagement, volunteer initiatives and experiential learning opportunities aligned with the university’s academic programs and the mission of Joey’s House. These future opportunities have the potential to enrich student learning while fostering greater understanding, inclusion and service to individuals with special needs.
The agreement was designed with flexibility to allow both organizations to grow and refine the partnership over time in response to community needs. Clear operational responsibilities, supervision requirements and safety standards help ensure a high-quality experience for participants while providing a strong foundation for long-term success.
Program Leadership and Coordination
The partnership will be coordinated on behalf of NUHS by Dr. Kathryn Rioch, dean of the College of Allied Health Sciences & Distance Education, who will work closely with Joey’s House leadership to support implementation and future program development.
“Capstone Academy creates exciting possibilities for meaningful engagement across our campus community,” said Dr. Rioch. “As the partnership grows, we look forward to exploring opportunities that foster learning, inclusion and collaboration while enriching the experiences of both program participants and our students.”
Together, NUHS and Joey’s House are creating a model that combines education, wellness and community engagement to expand opportunities for adults with special needs and enhance quality of life for the individuals and families they serve.
Learn More
Explore NUHS academic programs or on-campus clinic services. To learn more about Capstone Academy or inquire about participation, visit Joey’s House.
About Joey’s House
Joey’s House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of adolescents and adults with special needs through educational, therapeutic, and social programming. Through Capstone Academy and other initiatives, the organization promotes lifelong learning, independence, confidence, and meaningful community participation in a supportive and inclusive environment.
