[Click HERE for photos] On Tuesday morning, July 28h, Shema Kolainu-Hear Our Voices, a school and center for children with autism, hosted their 7th Annual Legislative Breakfast, at the Renaissance Ballroom in Brooklyn, New York. This year’s breakfast focused on the expansion of Shema Kolainu—Hear Our Voices to the five boroughs of New York City with center and home based services. President and Founder Joshua Weinstein discussed the remarkable progress which had been made; “Over ten years ago Shema Kolainu opened its doors to three school age children; the first school and center of its kind. Today, we serve over fifty children in our preschool and school age programs and over eight hundred children in home based services. It is a totally remarkable feat accomplished with Hashem’s help and guidance”.

The primary goal of this event was 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 leaders, civic and religious leaders, community philanthropists, and elected officials, attended to pay tribute to several outstanding public officials and community leaders for their dedication in furthering the mission of Shema Kolainu.

US Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand served as Honorary Chairs of the Breakfast. John A. Catsimatidis, Chairman & CEO of the Red Apple Group, Inc. delivered greetings. Breakfast chairs were State Senators Kevin Parker and Diane Savino, both stalwart supporters of Shema Kolainu. Menachem Lubinsky, the dynamic President and CEO of Lubicom Marketing Consulting served as Master of Ceremonies. This event was generously sponsored by Gristedes and coordinated by The Friedlander Group.

Shema Kolainu – Hear Our Voices expressed their gratitude to several honorees. NYS Senate Chair on Mental Disabilities Shirley Huntley received the Legislative Leadership Award, for her commitment to the cause and ideals of Shema Kolainu and her tireless efforts to create and pass legislation helpful to the needs of our community. NYC Council Finance Chair David Weprin received the Autism Leadership Award for his diligent efforts in sponsoring the Autism Initiative which funds various organizations committed to autism care and education. A special suprise award was presented to Breakfast Master of Ceremonies Menachem Lubinsky by Shema Kolainu Board Member Milton Weinstock in appreciation for his invaluable contributions to the success of the yearly legislative breakfast.

Other public officials received awards in grateful recognition of their commitment to Shema Kolainu and the families and children it serves throughout the year: Brooklyn Borough President Marty Martkowitz, Brooklyn Leadership Award ; Deputy Mayor Ed Skyler, City Leadership Award; Fred Kreizman, Assistant Commissioner, Mayor’s Community Affairs, Shema Kolainu Hakaros HaTov Award; Elana Broitman, Senior Advisor, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Public Service Award; Robert Gottheim, District Director, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Community Appreciation Award.

Shema Kolainu, founded by the trailblazing Joshua Weinstein, opened in 1998, headquartered 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.

(YWN Desk – NYC)