SARINA ROFFÉ
IT BEGAN YEARS AGO AS A SEARCH FOR A JEWISH SCHOOL FOR THEIR SPECIAL NEEDS TWINS. WITH NOWHERE TO TURN, AND NO VIABLE SCHOOL OPTIONS NEARBY, MORRIS AND SHARI SUTTON EMBARKED ON AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SEAD, THE SPECIAL EDUCATION ACADEMY OF DEAL.
Throughout its inception, Morris A. Sutton found himself at the forefront of this institution, not only as a parent but as the sole individual responsible for the school’s financial backing. Driven by his love and dedication to his boys, Morris spent weekend after weekend visiting various synagogues soliciting donations.
It wasn’t always easy getting up in front of large crowd and asking for money. Although Morris grew up watching his father Alfred Sutton A”H speak at Beth Torah in his role as president for many years, this was not his wheelhouse. But, growing up in a home where giving back was front and center, Morris knew he had to step up. Thanks to the guidance and support of his father, and community leaders such as Sonny Gindi A”H, Morris was able to successfully embrace this new role. It didn’t take long for him to feel comfortable. Not only did he begin to speak for SEAD, but he assisted Rabbi Sammy Kassin in securing funds for his yeshivah, as well. Today, Morris enjoys sharing his story in hopes of inspiring younger generations.
With each passing year, Morris became more heavily involved with SEAD, due to the increase in enrollment. “Morris never turned a child in need away,” said Linda Hakim, former speech language pathologist at SEAD and current Hillel grade advisor. “Even if the family had no way to support this type of specialized education, Morris welcomed them and gave them the chizuk (emotional or spiritual support) they were so desperately seeking.”
As the community grew and evolved, Morris began to notice that community children needed a therapy center where speech, occupational and physical therapy (OT/PT), and social, emotional, and behavioral services were provided. As the eldest SEAD students including his own children graduated or mainstreamed into community schools, Bridge Linx was born.
Morris once again took the reins on fundraising for this newest project, and it proved to be even more challenging, both mentally and physically. Mashy Gutterman, Director of Bridge Linx said, “Morris has no personal motive for Bridge Linx. He does it from his heart. He knows how important it is and what drives him is to help as many children as he can. In addition to the fundraising, when we didn’t have funds to pay a bill, Morris stepped in personally to help us through rough times. He stepped in and took on the burden by himself.”
Day in and day out, Morris is dedicated to making sure Bridge Linx succeeds. But this time, through the hand of Hashem, Steve Shalom came on board. Steve is a man of action and results. “When I was burning out about six years ago, Steve answered my call for help,” said Morris. “He implemented the Bridge Linx program and the incredible partnership with Hillel. He is a driving force in the therapy center and all the amazing growth we have had.”
Today, Bridge Linx works in close partnership with nearby early learning centers, Hillel Yeshiva, and other community schools by providing them with therapists to service children who can benefit from speech, OT, and PT. Bridge offers social and emotional support as well.
According to Mashy Gutterman, the therapy center is able to service more students using this model. Each of the schools they work with has a designated room where the therapists can work with students.
Currently, Bridge has its offices in Hillel while a new facility is being built. Approximately 100 children a year benefit from services provided by Bridge. These services are essential and allow the students to remain in their mainstream school while getting the support they need.
“Children with specific delays or weaknesses should be provided with therapy targeting their specific needs. Therapies should be provided as early as possible in order to achieve maximum results,” said Morris. “We offer therapy not just for those who can afford us, but for all who need us. We offer scholarships so families can get the therapy they need for their child.”
Helping SEAD and Bridge Linx succeed helped Morris grow personally. “When I look back at my life, and the challenges with which I was faced, I see how important it was for me to take on this role. It help shaped me as a husband, father, and human being,” said Morris. “We are a small organization, but we have a huge impact on the children and the families.”
A journalist, genealogist and historian, Sarina Roffé is the author of Branching Out from Sepharad (Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017), Sarina holds a BA in Journalism, MA in Jewish Studies and an MBA.
