Councilman Joseph Borelli, Councilman Steve Matteo, Councilwoman Debi Rose
CITY COUNCIL PROVIDES $130,000 IN FUNDING FOR EDEN II PROGRAMS
The New York City Council adopted the fiscal year 2018 budget, and Eden II is pleased to announce funding from the Staten Island delegation: Debi Rose, Steve Matteo, and Joseph Borelli.
South Shore Councilman, Joseph Borelli allocated $10,000 for Eden II’s early childhood classes, located at Eltingville Lutheran. Since his election, Councilman Borelli has continuously provided funding for this project, which he first learned about when serving as the Chief of Staff for then Councilman Vincent Ignizio. Additionally, Councilman Borelli was instrumental in securing $20,000 from the Speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito for early childhood.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now estimate that every 1 in 68 children in the U.S. has autism, the prevalence of which continues to grow. As a parent, I understand the desire to provide the highest quality of care for your child, but I can imagine how that would be a difficult task to accomplish if the services are not available to you – it is beyond frustrating,” said Councilman Joe Borelli. This is why I made it a priority to allocate the necessary funding to support Eden II’s early childhood classes at the Eden II’s Eltingville location. It is imperative to support programs like this which offer a truly invaluable service to those living with autism on Staten Island.”
Mid Island Councilman Steve Matteo allocated $5,000 for Kinderdance fitness lessons for our early childhood program. Kinderdance is a dance, motor development, gymnastics and fitness program that combines academic readiness skills designed for young children. Councilman Matteo has helped fund a number of programs, including our running and soccer clubs, and dayhab extension program (Doing Extraordinary Things, also known as DXT). The DXT offers participants a unique opportunity to create and sell their own products.
Councilman Matteo spoke of the positive effects of the funds, noting, “I am proud to support Eden II and the great work they do to help the autism community. These programs not only help these children improve their motor skills and fitness, they help them gain a sense of achievement and self-esteem that will last a lifetime.”
North Shore Councilwoman Debi Rose has allocated $5,000 for yoga classes to benefit the health and wellness of our adult participants. This is the second year she has contributed funding to the yoga classes. Councilwoman Rose has been a steadfast supporter of Eden II for many years. She has provided funding for numerous projects, including the running club and equipment for the Hon. James P. Molinaro Center for Autism.
“For more than four decades, Eden II has touched the lives of hundreds of Staten Island families by offering autism spectrum education and support, from preschool education to adult residences, and nearly everything in between. I was especially pleased to welcome Eden II to Stapleton two years ago, when they opened their state-of-the-art autism center housing their headquarters and offering elementary and secondary education programs. Having allocated funding for Eden II programs over the years, I was proud this year to secure City Council discretionary funds for yoga classes for Eden II students. My hope is that programs such as these help Eden II participants develop a healthy mind, body and spirit, and enjoy all life has to offer,” said Councilwoman Rose.
Eden II Executive Director, Dr. Joanne Gerenser shared, “We are grateful for the continued support the council members have shown. Each member has provided funding that will go a long way in serving our participants, from our youngest to our oldest.” Eden II will also receive $95,000 in funding from the City Council’s Autism Awareness Initiative. The monies will support respite trips, afterschool sessions, and informative webinars to help educate parents and autism professionals.
