On Tuesday morning, July 17, Shema Kolainu-Hear Our Voices, a school and center for children with autism, will host their 5th Annual Legislative Breakfast in the Renaissance Ballroom in Brooklyn, New York. A primary goal of this event is to educate legislators about the urgency of autism care and research, raise support and awareness and share ideas about working toward combating autism through effective public policy and legislation. In addition, communal, civic and religious leaders, community philanthropists, and elected officials, will be in attendance to pay tribute to several outstanding public officials and community leaders for their dedication in furthering the mission of Shema Kolainu.

Menachem Lubinsky, the dynamic president and CEO of Lubicom Marketing Consulting will grace the breakfast as the master of ceremonies. Shema Kolainu is honored to have U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States, as the honorary breakfast chair and Susan K. Stern, Chair of UJA Federation, as the breakfast chairman.

This breakfast is generously sponsored by Affinity Health Plan. For over 18 years, Affinity Health Plan, formerly known as The Bronx Health Plan, has been operating managed care programs designed to address the needs of low-income populations. Affinity Health Plan is a mission-driven organization, striving to achieve positive change in the lives of the families and communities they serve.

Affinity Health Plan recognizes that good health is more than just the absence of illness and injury. Good health has social, cultural and economic dimensions that extend well beyond the boundaries of medical care. They stress prevention, health promotion, and responsiveness to the diversity of community needs. Affinity Health Plan also knows there is strength in teamwork, so they put a lot of energy into working together with other community-based organizations.

Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voices looks forward to expressing their gratitude to several honorees. Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion Jr., who has an exemplary record of leadership as Bronx Borough President, is to receive the Shema Kolainu Appreciation Award. Shema Kolainu is proud of their Bronx facility which provides home-based Early intervention and Pre-school services to over 450 children and families, and grateful for the support and friendship of Borough President Carrion.

The highly deserving recipient of the City Leadership award is Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who displayed extraordinary leadership qualities during the recent budget negotiations. She has earned the respect and esteem of her colleagues and the residents of New York since assuming the office of Speaker in January. Speaker Quinn, working with Councilman Simcha Felder, recently allocated much needed funding for Shema Kolainu.

Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith is to present the Shema Kolainu Legislative Leadership Award to Senator Kevin S. Parker and Senator Diane Savino. Both Senator Parker and Senator Savino are ardent advocates of affordable healthcare, efficient government, and improving education. Shema Kolainu recognizes their support and leadership on all issues pertaining to mental health and developmental disabilities.

Izabella (Bella) Vais will be presented with the Community Tribute Award. Shema Kolainu is grateful for her service to the community for over the past thirty years, and looks forward to working with her in the future. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will be presenting the award to Ms. Vais.

Robert A. Knakal, Chairman of Massey Knakal Realty is to address the audience. Greetings from Governor Eliot Spitzer will be related by Ross M. Wallenstein, Assistant to the Governor for Community Affairs.

Shema Kolainu, founded by the trailblazing Joshua Weinstein, opened in 1998 and located in Brooklyn, New York, is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of children with autism in the five boroughs of New York. Renowned for their unique and pioneering approach based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis, they offer education and other services in the field of autism care. Statistics confirm that autism has risen by epidemic proportions. Vital and urgent expenses for care, education and resources are staggering. Shema Kolainu hopes to build awareness and support to allow more children and families to benefit from the school’s valuable and essential services and programs.

This event is to be coordinated by The Friedlander Group. For more information on Shema Kolainu or to RSVP please call (718) 436-5555.