On a warm, sunny afternoon, Lara and Jason Laboz opened their hearts and home in loving memory of Jack Laboz A’’H to benefit Imagine Academy. Imagine Academy is an educational center committed to helping autistic children and their families. The Laboz family is passionately and generously committed to Imagine’s cause. They were taught at a young age, from their beloved father, to understand the needs of the community and to help support meaningful causes.
Imagine a child trapped in his or her own world, unable to communicate, relate, and feel love or empathy—that is a brief description of a child with autism. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder, afflicting one in every 150 children today.
Imagine Academy is striving to help autistic children overcome their challenges, child-by-child and family-by-family. Imagine’s mission is dedicated to helping autistic children reach their fullest potential, socially, emotionally and academically. By incorporating proven methodologies, as well as cutting-edge approaches, Imagine’s treatment is well recognized in the industry as its experienced staff continues to enhance the quality of children’s lives.
A primary goal of the event was for the audience to understand autism and recognize Imagine’s astounding need for support. David Jemal, President of Imagine, spoke eloquently and emotionally about his personal triumphs with his autistic son. Together, as a community, raising awareness through community members affected by autism, Imagine will have the ability to further its mission.
Since its inception only four years ago with tremendous accomplishments and a waiting list of over 40 students, Imagine has recently purchased a building and plans are underway for some minor capital improvements for a unique state-of-the-art educational facility. Rebecca Harary, Vice President of Imagine, addressed the audience and emphasized the growing need for a 24-hour residency program, as well as an autism center. The center would serve as a training hub for educators, provide workshops for parents and foster sibling relationships. With an ambitious mission, Imagine’s leaders remain confident and praises the community for their ongoing support.
Autism continues to have devastating effects on families. Financially and emotionally, the disorder inflicts havoc on family life, taking a crushing toll on parents afflicted with autistic children, who divorce at the astounding rate of 80%. Despite public media attention, the causes of autism remain inexplicable and the epidemic unabated.
To that end, services and programs are vital and essential. Thanks to our community’s philanthropists, their support is truly appreciated and remains invaluable.
A special thank you to Norma Cohen for her ongoing support and wonderful talent, and to Esther Ades and David Betesh, who contributed enormous time and effort to Imagine’s mission.
