JOSEPH JAMES MORELLI LEGACY FOUNDATION

“Dyslexia is not a learning disability, but rather, a learning difference,” said Barbara Wirostko (Morelli) M.D., founder of the Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation (JJMLF). 

Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the ease with which a person reads, writes and spells. It’s not related to intelligence or vision problems, but rather, a difference in how the brain processes language. The American Psychological Association estimates that nearly 20 percent of the US population suffers from this learning disorder.  

“Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of dyslexia can be missed,” Barbara explained. “Given the frustrations of a learning challenge, dyslexics often experience depression, anxiety and low self esteem. We want students to know they can go to college and/or a technical school, pursue a career, and succeed.”

The JJMLF supports high school and college students with dyslexia who wish to pursue a degree in a STEM field — Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics. “We have been a fully volunteer nonprofit that started with two Utah awardees for $1500 in 2014,” Barbara said. 

The establishment of the nonprofit was inspired by Barbara’s son, Joseph, who was dyslexic. “He had all the classic signs of dyslexia but, like many parents, we didn’t recognize them,” said Barbara. “As a child he struggled with reading, grammar, spelling, and writing, but he excelled at math and science. We kept asking the school system if he had a learning challenge but were assured he was fine and would catch up. “He was a boy and the first born. Then, when he was in the 9th grade, we were told he was struggling and that perhaps he wasn’t high school material. We felt betrayed by the school system.” 

Taking matters into their own hands, the Morelli’s took Joseph to see a neuropsychologist who diagnosed him with dyslexia. He was put on an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which enabled him to get the extra support he needed, and “Joseph went from failing his classes to receiving straight A’s.” He then proceeded to attend college in pursuit of his STEM degree.

From this diagnosis, Barbara discovered that dyslexia has a genetic predisposition. “I did not realize I was dyslexic until Joseph was diagnosed. Our youngest daughter also struggles with learning challenges, but unlike Joseph, she was diagnosed early and learned to advocate strongly for herself and her accommodations.” 

Barbara also learned that with dyslexia come certain advantages and gifts. It gives us the creativity and the ability to see and ‘build’ on a white board and in 3D,” she explained. “Furthermore, we are great problem solvers, networkers and team builders.” 

Sadly, in the fall of 2014, at the age of 20, Joseph was tragically killed while camping at West Yellowstone. From this devastating loss, the Morelli family banded together and moved towards something positive. “We realized there had to be other students out there like Joseph, who were struggling and going undiagnosed.” 

Thus began the JJMLF. “My son’s legacy is the Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation,” said Barbara. “We realized we could help dyslexic students by providing financial support, emotional support, and awareness of resources. And we could teach them about their potential.”

For scholarship awardee Jacob Anderson of Whitefish, Montana, “This scholarship allows me to pursue my future as an engineer full-time without having to work to the same extent. I appreciate this organization’s understanding of dyslexia and the challenges it presents.” 

With more than 300 national applicants per year, it’s apparent that the need for such an organization is great. “We have supported the underdogs. For the students that have always heard, “you will not go to college,” we tell them they are worthy of an education,” said Barbara.  

Over the past decade the foundation has grown and developed into a legacy of advocacy, opportunity, empowerment, and community. The nonprofit has supported nearly 250 students around the country and has delivered upwards of $900,000 in scholarships and mentoring support. 

Currently, the JJMLF is moving into the next phase of its evolution. The Morelli family, the foundation’s board members, its donors and students, have been working with Joseph’s alma mater, Montana State University (MSU), to develop a more amplified program. Barbara notes that, “As a volunteer CEO and president with an incredible and very hardworking board, there comes a time when you need to grow. We had reached that point and instead of paying staff, we wanted the funds to go directly to the students.” 

As of December 31, 2025, the JJMLF will be dissolved and MSU will take over. The university will be endowing a scholarship in Joseph’s name in perpetuity. 

“There will be Joseph James Morelli scholars at Montana State University forever! Long after we are gone,” Barbara exclaimed. 

Furthermore, Joseph James Morelli Scholars will be part of a very selective MSU initiative called the Hilleman Scholars Program. The project was created in memory of Dr. Maurice Hilleman, who, through his contributions to vaccine science and global health, saved an estimated one million lives. 

Scholars are selected for their notable academic, leadership and career potential, not their past. Similar to the JJMFL, the university will provide financial, educational and coaching support to scholarship awardees, but in addition, the recipients will receive auxiliary resources and career coaching. As Barbara explained, “MSU is working with us not only to fund scholarships, but create success stories, empower students to believe in themselves, and most importantly, like we found, provide the tools, mentoring and coaching that are so critical for their success, especially for students with learning differences.” 

Beyond that, to ensure the preservation of the existing foundation’s visions, the board members and Morelli family will work together with the MSU Morelli Scholarship Program to empower the next generation of Morelli scholars. “Our direct involvement will also ensure that each scholarship recipient will learn about Joseph, his story, and his legacy,” said Barbara.

She concluded, “MSU believes in what we started and they want to grow it to support all their students. Pretty incredible.” To donate and learn more visit www.morelli.foundation.