Recently, Shema Kolainu (Hear Our Voices), a school and center for children with autism, hosted their Annual Legislative Breakfast in the Renaissance Ballroom in Brooklyn.
Shema Kolainu, founded by the trailblazing Joshua Weinstein, opened in 1998, in Brooklyn. It is an 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, 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.
A primary goal of the breakfast 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, civic and religious leaders, community philanthropists, and elected officials, were 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 acted as the master of ceremonies. He praised Shema Kolainu and attributed the groundbreaking work they do to the vision Joshua Weinstein had when Shema Kolainu opened its doors for just three students.
Joshua Weinstein asked the audience to stand up and give thanks for the tremendous accomplishments that were achieved since the inception of the organization. He saluted the children, parents and staff.
Shema Kolainu was honored to have US Senators Hillary Rodham Clinton and Charles E. Schumer serve as the honorary breakfast chairs.
Greetings from Mayor Michael Bloomberg were related by Nazli Parvizi, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit. The Mayor congratulated Shema Kolainu on their 10 years of success and praised the tremendous work they do.
Councilman Simcha Felder commended Shema Kolainu on being the “unsung hero of our community.” Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz was in attendance. He emphasized that Autism must be focused on as a national goal for research so that it can become a distant past.
State Senator Marty Golden shared his thoughts with the audience and discussed how Shema Kolainu is able to get results for parents all across the borough.
Adding his voice of congratulations to Shema Kolainu, Assemblyman Dov Hikind presented the State Leadership Award to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, calling him “a genuine mensch.”
For more information on Shema Kolainu, please visit their website at www.shemakolainu.org.
