Suzanne Reek hasn’t seen her son in over six weeks. He lives in a group home for individuals with autism, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation has prevented all visitors. Suzanne is the Executive Director at the Autism Society-Nassau Suffolk Chapter and during “normal” days or times as challenging as the present, the NSASA works hard to serve families in the autism community. And now, as families are facing a drastic change in routine and the new reality of social isolation, NSASA continues to work hard to positively impact their community.

Community Support
NSASA typically hosts a variety of social and educational events for families and children with autism. However, since they are unable to gather together, they have been flexing their creative muscles to ensure their members feel supported and connected. Trips to movie theaters and amusement parks have been replaced with virtual yoga classes as well as phone and video calls for personal check-ins. They are utilizing the skills of a clinical social worker to teach stress coping skills. They’re even ensuring that families have the supplies necessary to carry out their new at-home educational duties. Through Amazon deliveries, funded by grants secured by Assistant Director Michele Iallonardi, and in-person porch drop offs, the NSASA has provided their families with supplies for the children, down to coveted packages of sidewalk chalk.

Support for the Essential Worker
Suzanne, along with countless other parents, depend on the staff at group homes and medical facilities. Autism Society-Nassau Suffolk has concentrated their efforts to ease a bit of the stress these workers must be feeling. The organization has focused on providing meals and food to the group homes. Eliminating the task of preparing meals for the community, even if just for one meal or one day, allows the staff to focus on resident care. NSASA has coordinated with individuals and larger organizations and such as Investors Bank, Paul Parlapanides of SYSCO foods, Outback Steakhouse, BOUNCE Syosset and local bagel shops to feed the essential workers and residents in the area.  Danny Fuchs, the owner of Bagel Biz shop told Suzanne that donating his bagels was “just the right thing to do.” And food hasn’t been the only source of comfort the NSASA has provided. Christine Spector, one of the parents in the association, donated inventory from her LuLaRoe leggings store. This little bit of comfortable luxury helped to make the staff feel loved and appreciated.

These are unprecedented times filled with uncertainty and ever changing challenges. But rather than being paralyzed by fear of the unknown, the families of the Autism Society-Nassau Suffolk have dedicated themselves to supporting each other and the individuals who support their children. We at Bike to the Beach hope that you will join us in gratitude and financial support of our non-profit partners like the Autism Society of Nassau Suffolk. Fuchs couldn’t have said it better: it’s “just the right thing to do.”

Is your non-profit doing something great that we should be highlighting? Let us know what you’ve been doing while we flatten the curve! Let us know so we can add your story!