A 14-year-old student at the John Paul II Center for Special Learning in Reading has become the first student at the school to earn a ServSafe Food Handler certification, marking a milestone as the organization prepares to open a new café in downtown Reading.
Jeremy A., 14, successfully completed the certification course, demonstrating his knowledge of food safety, personal hygiene and kitchen sanitation. The achievement comes ahead of the planned opening of Special Blends Café by JPII at Alvernia University’s American House, located at Fourth and Penn Streets, in early 2027.
The café will provide students and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to gain 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 voluntarily pursued the credential to prepare for a potential position at the café.
“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.”
According to JPII, Jeremy’s accomplishment has already encouraged other students and adults involved with the organization to pursue their own ServSafe certifications.
The certification is part of JPII’s broader efforts to help students identify their strengths, develop practical skills and prepare for employment opportunities.
Through Special Blends Café, participants will be able to apply classroom lessons in a working environment while gaining experience and building confidence in their abilities.
JPII said Jeremy’s achievement represents an important step toward the café’s opening and reflects the organization’s mission of helping individuals with disabilities develop greater independence and prepare for meaningful employment.