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Politics & Government

Local Pols Honored By Samuel Field Y

Elected officials recognized for supporting programs benefiting children with Autism.

The Samuel Field Y presented plaques to several local leaders last Thursday, thanking them for their support over the past year.

“I'm happy to help the Samuel Field YMCA’s Community-Based Autism Initiatives," said City Council Member Dan Halloran, R-Whitestone, who was among those honored at the Autism Awareness Barbeque last week.

Other award recipients included State Senators Tony Avella, D-Bayside, Edward Braunstein, D-Whitestone, Toby Stavisky, D-Bayside and City Council Member Mark Weprin, D-Oakland Gardens.

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"All of these leaders have made assisting families with children that have special needs a priority," said Jeri Mendelsohn, associate executive director at the Samuel Field Y.

Citing specifics, Mendelsohn credited the state senators for supporting legislation that encouraged insurance companies to extend coverage to children with autism and both City Council Members for the role they've played in establishing and protecting the City Council's Autism Initiative.

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"Every time the budget cycle comes around we worry about how cuts will affect the families who take advantage of the services offered here at the Y. But it's comforting to know that we have leaders who truly care," Mendelsohn said.

Recognizing a steep rise in the amount of children diagnosed with autism, Halloran was mindful that the demand for special needs funding has never been greater.

"It’s more pressing than ever that we make sure our community’s autistic children have the resources they need to succeed in and out of school," he said. 

Funding from the City Council's autism initiative goes to help support many of the 'wrap around' programs offered at the Y, which are vital lifelines for parents who have children afflicted with autism, to a community and support structure, as well as services that have proven to help improve the quality of life for people with austism.  

"Activities like  in the winter and Cool Pool in the summer afford families access to a network of support that can really help a child struggling with autism develop the socialization skills and motor functions they need in life, " she said.

Looking to the future, Halloran was prepared to pledge continued support to the Y and the respite programs their facility offers to families of individuals stricken with special needs.

"We must plan for today and tomorrow’s autistic adults, to make sure they the highest possible quality of life," Halloran said, commending the Samuel Field Y for their "great work in this very important area.”

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