Still Connected: An Eden II Programs Update
A Letter From the Executive Director
Dear Eden II Friends & Family,

Eden II has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The school programs and services provided have mainly moved to a remote setting, with teachers and staff finding new ways to implement instruction, behavior management, and support for participants from a distance.

Especially alarming is the effect on our group residences, where we serve one of the most vulnerable populations. There are five residences across Staten Island and two on Long Island. Eden II has incurred significant increases in payroll costs in order to insure we have the staffing needed to keep our residents safe, including adding additional nursing support and 1:1 staff as needed to care for residents with Covid-19. We have incurred significant costs for personal protective equipment (PPE), keeping these essential, front line workers safe. 

Through it all, Eden II remains committed to serving our families and participants as we navigate these unprecedented times. Our teachers, administrators, and staff have all adapted in different ways to support our community, as we maintain our unwavering commitment to our mission.

We need your help.

Now more than ever, we are asking for you to support Eden II. Please consider making a donation via our Giving Tuesday link below. Whether you are able to give $10 or $1,000, every dollar raised allows us to support these unforeseen expenses to help serve people with autism through these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Joanne Gerenser, Ph.D.
Executive Director

Giving Tuesday, the groundbreaking global generosity movement, has announced #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity, set to take place on May 5, 2020 as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19.

Eden II Parent Hosting Virtual Popcorn Fundraiser for Eden II Front Line Workers!
Thank you to Eden II parent Denise Bianchi for hosting a virtual fundraiser to support our front line campaign! Here is what she has to share about her fundraiser:

I’m lucky to be part of the Eden Family, and I am so proud of the fundraising efforts to support Eden II's frontline staff!

For the rest of this week DOUBLE GOOD, an ultra-premium popcorn company with a social mission, will focus on helping our very special essential workers!

Each bag of popcorn you purchase - 50% of all sales will go directly to Eden II so please consider buying a bag! It’s like giving a donation and getting something delicious in return. Plus you are helping some awesome people.

You can join me by downloading the app and typing in code BPB QYJ, to sell popcorn alongside me.


It is only 4 days long, completely virtual, and Double Good ships the popcorn directly to those who buy from us - it is so easy!
Thank you to everyone who has donated to our front line campaign!

If you do not see your name listed please contact info@eden2.org. We apologize in advance for any missing names.
Our Genesis staff miss their students so much! We can't wait to see you all again!

Thank you to Jillian Panni and Matthew Rosas for putting this video together!
Thank you to Suzanne Reek, Annette Lagan, Michelle Lumia Iallonardi and Nassau Suffolk Autism Society of America for always thinking of our programs! They generously donated antibacterial wipes, luluroe leggings and young living makeup for our hard-working and dedicated staff, bagel breakfasts, and a grant for our homes to buy activities for our participants! You are all truly amazing!
Michael & staff member Dwayne starting their morning off with a virtual lesson!
Joseph practicing social distancing while out for a walk!
Donate Supplies or Funds Today!
Our residential staff are working around the clock to take care of our participants, and are doing an amazing job! We currently have supplies for all of our locations that need them, but with a surge in demand, we are being proactive and looking to increase our current supply. If you or someone you know have any of the following items available to donate, please contact info@eden2.org to arrange a dropoff.

Powder free exam gloves
Medical isolation gowns
Chemical splash goggles
Hand sanitizer
Hand sanitizer wipes
Surface sanitizer wipes
Disinfectant spray
N95 face masks

Thank you to those who have generously donated PPE for our staff:

Anthony Castiglione
Amy Bellisano
Denise Bianchi
Brooklyn Home Foundation
Joe Caldarera
Stephanie Cassas
Dr. Ryan Galligan
Hatteras
Dr. Jane Howard
Magnacare
Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis
Randy McArthur
Joe  McCormack
Medtrak Rx
Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America
Sue Reek
Rab's Country Lanes
Rescuing Families, Inc.
Sulma Rivera
Staten Island Elected Officials
Staten Island Glove & Safety
Westpoint Home
Woodbridge Center
Oscar Valera
Amazon Smile is a free and easy way to help support Eden II. Simply select Eden II as the charity of your choice, and Amazon will donate a percentage of every purchase made back to Eden II when you shop through Amazon Smile. Click here to select Eden II.