Autism Family Times with Brianna, Inc.

It started with an idea to have 2 hours of private time to enjoy the rides at the St. Barth’s Feast that helped create lasting memories for over 50 families that have special needs children on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon. This idea came to fruition from Fr. John Paladino, Pastor of St. Bartholomew the Apostle Church in Scotch Plains and was Implemented by the St. Barth’s Feast committee spear headed by Paul Raphael. A special thanks to the Scotch Plains and Fanwood Rescue Squads for being present last minute to ensure our group’s safety, and to Autism Family Tours Peer Mentors that came out to share their compassionate hearts and be “buddies” to the children on the rides. One of the participants could not speak but “signed” happy! That sentiment was shared by all!

Sincerely,
Claudette Bardwil
President
Autism Family Tours with Brianna, Inc.
www.autismfamilytours.org

Read the entire press release

Autism Family Tours with Brianna celebrated the highlight of the summer season with their first “Alexis Thanks for Giving Sibling Event”. After celebrating her Sweet Sixteen Birthday last year, Scotch Plains resident Alexis Richards donated $2,800 to the organization. It was a gift to thank the members for helping her cousin Tylor. To show their appreciation, the group created an event in her name  and invited all the siblings.

“Too often, many of these siblings have to sacrifice their day to accompany their autistic family member. Too often, they get dragged from doctor to doctor, and then to therapy appointments,” adds Claudette Bardwil President. “Due to constant stress placed on the family, siblings are frequently asked to sacrifice, by giving up their own recreational and social interests. Statistics show it is not easy to raise a child with special needs. That’s why we continually say, ‘Thank-You!’”

Josh Weiner a mentor, and sibling to his special needs brother Jonathan, won a “tiki” prize, and really enjoyed himself.

“Unbelievable! Fantastic! Awesome! It was sick!,” he said. (Translated by his mom, Marcia Weiner, means they had a GREAT time.)

“What a fantastic event! What a great way to show appreciation for our kids,”  Weiner.  ”You guys Rock!”

DJ Jeff Schultz from Premier Event Entertainment got the group involved from the start. Autism Advocate, Brielle LaCosta, now Miss. New Jersey International, made a guest appearance.  Peer Mentors and especially Emma Kelly, did her best to see that all of the kids were involved and happy.

Autism family Tours with Brianna’s Peer Mentors are an intrical part of the organization for they participate in various educational and creative projects with children with special needs. “The objectives of our Peer Mentor program are to facilitate friendships; share experiences; show consistency; create memories, make an impact, and promote inclusion and acceptance of children with special needs in the mainstream of everyday life,” said Ms. Bardwil.

For more information: Contact  :Autism Family Tours by Brianna, P.O. Box 24, Fanwood, N.J. 07023-0024: Call: (908)889.8860; email: contact@autismfamilytours.org