A.S.K. Spearheads Second Special Olympics Developmental Program

For Children in Northern New Jersey

 

May 13, 2015, Woodland Park, New Jersey— “We are so excited to begin Woodland Park’s Special Olympics Developmental Track Program for children with special needs ages 6 to 12. Passaic Valley Regional High School gave us usage of their track. The program begins on May 13, 2015 at 5:15 p.m and continues through June,” stated Joanne Bastante-Howard, founder of America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.).

Residents and business professionals of Woodland Park, Little Falls, Totowa and other surrounding cities in northern New Jersey are actively sharing their talents and time. “We couldn’t offer these wonderful recreation programs without weekly volunteers,” Howard explained.

“We seem to be attracting additional inquiries weekly! We all know how important it is that our children live active and healthy lives,” she said.

Special Olympics developmental programs help children remain healthy—physically and mentally. They also teach kids valuable team-building and socialization skills. What’s more, the teenage typically developed kids also learn how to embrace their peers with special needs. It’s a win/win for the entire community.

“Since many of our young children have physical, communication, coordination and socialization challenges, they are not able to compete with their peers in other cities like the older Special Olympics athletes. Also, our kids do not typically receive clothing or awards for their hard work, so A.S.K. sought the help of a local sponsor. Thanks to Pizza City of Woodland Park, our kids will have custom t-shirts!

What’s more, at the end of the program, A.S.K. will create certificates/awards based on each child’s accomplishments.”

“We want to encourage the kids to continue participating in Special Olympics programs. We know many of the relationships they form today will have a great impact on their future happiness,” concluded Howard.

All volunteers must be registered at www.sonj.org. Athletes must have a medical release form on file with Special Olympics and be registered online prior to participation. Track dates are May 13, 20, 27, June 3, 10, 16 and 24.

 

A.S.K. Launches Its Second Golf Outing Fundraiser

at Black Bear/Crystal Springs Resort to Help

Children with Special Needs 

 

Woodland Park, New Jersey—On Monday, June 8, 2015, America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.), a non-profit organization that provides assistance to families that have children with special needs, will be hosting its annual golf outing at Black Bear/Crystal Springs Resort located at 138 State Route 23, Franklin, NJ 07416.

“America’s Special Kidz is on a fervent mission to develop a safety training and education series that will help to keep all children and adults with disabilities and special needs safe. The funds we raise at this event will help us work towards completing phase one of our program geared towards training parents, hospital personnel, police and fire departments, and business professionals,” according to Joanne Bastante-Howard, the founder of A.S.K and publisher of the A.S.K. Print Resource Guide.

Golf Packages:

The golf package is $195 per person and includes green fees, cart, lunch, cocktail hour and dinner. A cocktails and dinner only package is also available at $75 per person. To register yourself or a foursome, send your payment along with a list of golfers’ names to America’s Special Kidz, P.O. Box 2098, Woodland Park, NJ 07424. All donations are tax-deductible.

Schedule:

Registration 11:30 a.m. Lunch 12:00 p.m. Shot Gun Start 1:30 p.m. Cocktails and Dinner 6:00 p.m.

Business Sponsorships:

Bronze: Publicity in A.S.K. communications, half-page ad in journal & display $150

Silver: Publicity in A.S.K. communications, full-page ad in journal, sign at a tee $200

Gold: Publicity in A.S.K. communications, full-page ad in journal, table display at registration and lunch & sign placed at one of the tees, VIP sign at dinner & website publicity $300

Platinum: All of the above PLUS ¼ page color ad in A.S.K. Print Magazine $500

Diamond: All of the above PLUS full-page color ad in A.S.K. Print Magazine $1,000

 

Ad Journal:

 Half page (4”H X 5” W) $50

Full page (8” H X 5” W) $100

 

America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.)

A.S.K. is a NJ 501c3 corporation based in Woodland Park that provides critical research as well as online, print and financial resources to families with children that have disabilities, special needs and serious medical conditions. For more information on A.S.K. write Joanne@AmericaSpecialKidz.org or call 973-521-0433. Visit A.S.K. online at www.AmericaSpecialKidz.org

 

Kraus Marketing Lends a Hand to

Help Children with Special Needs

May 13, 2015—Kraus Marketing, a full service marketing agency based in the heart of Morristown, NJ. developed America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.) logo pro bono and now has offered to handle A.S.K.’s website maintenance.

“When you’re a relatively new non-profit company, there’s limited human and financial resources. When Nick Krause, the president of the firm, realized the critical need and our hardship, without hesitation he offered to help. I can’t thank Nick and his team enough. They are not only professional, but also compassionate,” stated Joanne Bastante-Howard, child advocate and publisher of the quarterly A.S.K. Print Resource Guide.

“In 2013 I hired Krause Marketing to develop my website, blog site and administrative tool. When they realized we didn’t have the resources to hire a website manager to maintain the site, they automatically stepped in so I could concentrate on providing advocacy and support to hurting families. I look forward to a long-lasting relationship with Kraus Marketing,” concluded Joanne.

 

America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.)

A.S.K. is a NJ 501c3 corporation based in Woodland Park that provides critical research as well as online, print and financial resources to families with children that have disabilities, special needs and serious medical conditions. For more information on A.S.K. write Joanne@AmericaSpecialKidz.org or call 973 521-0433. Visit online www.AmericaSpecialKidz.org

Kraus Marketing

Kraus Marketing is a full service marketing agency based in the heart of Morristown, NJ. Kraus Marketing’s full range of services includes responsive websites, branding, social media marketing, SEO & PPC and everything in between. With a talented team and a lot of hard work, Kraus Marketing produces high-end marketing projects that produce the best ROI for you and your business. Contact us today to find out more about our core services and how we can help take your marketing to the next level. Call our agency at (973) 998-5742.

 

 

Chapel on the Hill Church Hosts

Guest Speaker Joanne Bastante-Howard at

Its Monthly Ladies Fellowship Meeting

 

May 12, 2015—Cedar Grove, New Jersey-Chapel on the Hill Church, located at 560 Ridge Road in Cedar Grove (opposite the reservoir), hosted Child Advocate/Publisher Joanne Bastante-Howard as its guest speaker at their monthly Ladies Fellowship meeting on Tuesday, May 12, at 7:15 p.m.

The topic of her speech was, A mother’s response to God’s calling in home life, ministry and service to others. “I chose this topic because I have always loved children and the Lord. I was told I would never be able to have children of my own. When the Lord sent me an amazing child at 41 years of age, He also placed his vision on my heart to serve others with disabilities. There have been many challenges and lessons I have learned along the way (about how important it is to ‘let go and let God’ lead),” stated Joanne.

Joanne attends Calvary Chapel of Montclair, is a resident of Woodland Park, New Jersey, a mother of a child with Down syndrome and a graduate of Rutgers University. She has a genuine love for children and has been raising awareness for children with disabilities for over seven years in New Jersey, Ohio and Florida.

Joanne is a child advocate and the founder of America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.). Prior to launching America’s Special Kidz—a non-profit organization that provides print, online, financial, safety and recreational resources—Ms. Howard had a successful 25-year career in marketing and research. After her son was born, she desired to put her creative and researching expertise to work to help protect our most valuable asset—our children.

Ms. Howard has worked closely with educators, physicians, therapists and business professionals to develop creative resources and effective tools to improve education and the quality of life of children with Down syndrome. She has also developed toys, activities and advocacy proposals to help children with a wide range of low-muscle tone, cognitive and speech conditions.

Parents of children with a wide range of disabilities, including autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, and rare diseases, have turned to Joanne to help them raise funds to pay their exorbitant out-of-pocket medical expenses and to develop educational tools.

In 2014 she realized Passaic County did not have recreational programs for young children with special needs. Ms. Howard spearheaded the first Woodland Park Special Olympics Developmental Soccer Program for children ages 6 to 12. She is currently planning Special Olympics Spring Track and Fall Soccer Developmental Programs.

Ms. Howard’s mission is to “Create a Bright Future for ALL Kids.” She strives to connect families with the national and local businesses that support the advancement of individuals with disabilities. She works passionately to help parents meet their child’s critical needs by “helping to create a healthy and bright future for ALL children, including those with disabilities and serious medical conditions.”
The evening’s event concluded with a time of fellowship and refreshments. For additional information contact the church directly at 973-239-6064 or visit http://chapelonthehillnj.org/

America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.)

A.S.K. is a NJ 501c3 corporation based in Woodland Park that provides critical research as well as online, print and financial resources to families with children that have disabilities, special needs and serious medical conditions.

For more information on A.S.K., write Joanne@AmericaSpecialKidz.org or

call 973-521-0433. Visit A.S.K. online at www.AmericaSpecialKidz.org

 

ShamRock School of Music Celebrates its Sixth Anniversary
With a Concert to Benefit America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.)

Pompton Lakes, New Jersey—November 16, 2014—“It’s a ShamRock tradition to host an annual charity benefit to help those in need in the community. This year we decided to support America’s Special Kidz, a non-profit that serves families with children that have disabilities and special needs,” explained Randy Shamber, owner of ShamRock School of Music located at 595 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pompton Plains, New Jersey.

“By demonstrating social responsibility to our students, we believe that we can teach them that music can not only be a joy to perform or listen to, but it can also help people struggling,” according to Laura Shamber, vice president at ShamRock.

“The “Concert for Kidz” was held today from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Pompton Lakes Elks Club located at 15 Perrin Ave., Pompton Lakes, NJ.

Performances featured instructors Vince Genella with the Business, Roy Van Tassel and Shawn Hendricks. Kate Victor also performed with some of her vocal and piano students. ShamRock’s Reality Rock Teen Band and their Adult Rock Shop band along with special guest Lou Pallo rocked the event. Both bands formed from the programs featured in ShamRock’s curriculum. The night was extraordinary and powerful. ShamRock and friends successfully raised over $2,000 to support A.S.K.families.

ShamRock School of Music

The ShamRock School of Music approach to learning how to play music is far different than music lessons offered at a typical music school. ShamRock believes that learning how to play a musical instrument should be fun and rewarding for both the student and his or her family. ShamRock students learn to play an instrument from a staff of highly qualified teachers and then get to perform on stage at events such as this or open mics. For more information write info@shamrockschoolofmusic.com or call 973 839-0100. Visit online at www.shamrockschoolofmusic.com.

America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.)

A.S.K. is a NJ non-profit corporation based in Woodland Park that provides critical research as well as online, print and financial resources to families with children that have disabilities, special needs and serious medical conditions. For more information on A.S.K. write Joanne@AmericaSpecialKidz.org or call 973 521-0433. Visit online www.AmericaSpecialKidz.org.

Local Children Receive Medals For Successfully Completing the First Special Olympics Developmental Soccer Program in Woodland Park

Woodland Park, New Jersey—November 3, 2014—It may have been cold outside, but things were just starting to heat up at the Woodland Park Community room on Brophy Lane. Children from Woodland Park, Little Falls, Totowa, Cedar Grove, and Pompton Plains were warmly greeted and acknowledged by Coach Ricky Fasoli, Coach John Sole, Mayor Keith Kazmark, volunteers and the community.

“To see the big smiles on the children’s faces was priceless. I am so grateful to all of the volunteers—the teachers, police officers, business professionals, college grads and dedicated parents—who committed their time weekly. I am also thankful to the parents for sharing their precious kids with us,” said Joanne Bastante-Howard, a mother of a 6 year-old participant and the founder of America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.). A.S.K. is a non-profit based in Woodland Park that provides critical research as well as online, print and financial resources to families with children that have disabilities and serious medical conditions.

“Most children have the option of participating in recreation after-school or during weekend team sports and summer camps. These opportunities for fitness and are limited for children and adolescents with disabilities. Children with disabilities want to have friends, enjoy activities, have a break from parents, and be included like everyone else. Like other boys and girls their interests range from swimming, sports, to visiting parks, attending summer camps, and just spending time with their friends. The Special Olympics Developmental Programs make it possible for children with disabilities to participate in sports, and as this demand increases, more programs are likely to develop and grow,” Howard concluded.

Developmental sports are designed for the emerging athlete ages 6 to 12 to learn and practice basic skills. Participants experience clinical-style instruction without competitive team play. Athletes with intellectual disabilities and other special needs participate in this free program. The program prepares them for a future in travel sports throughout New Jersey.

Woodland Park plans to offer a developmental basketball program. Registration will begin in December/January. All registrants must have a medical release completed by their pediatrician in order to participate in Special Olympics sports. The medical release is valid for three years involvement in Special Olympics NJ sports.

Woodland Park is seeking additional volunteers, including teens that are required to obtain community hours for religious and high school studies. Adults and students interested in obtaining more information about America’s Special Kidz or volunteering at the Woodland Park Special Olympics Developmental Program, direct your email to Joanne Howard at Joanne@AmericaSpecialKidz.org or call 973 521-0433. Visit online www.AmericaSpecialKidz.org.

America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.), with the help of Residents and the Community, Launches the First Special Olympics Developmental Soccer Program in Woodland Park

Woodland Park, New Jersey—October 5, 2014—As the 2014-2015 school year began in September, there was an excitement in the air. Many of the children raced to sign up for their favorite sports activities, dance classes and music lessons in Passaic County. Unfortunately an entire segment of children—kids with disabilities and special needs—had no idea what it felt like to join a league, squad or band with their peers, let alone get regular exercise in the fresh outdoors. This time of year often poses frustration and disappointment for their parents.

“Parents of children that are “differently-abled” are frequently reminded that there aren’t local programs available for their children with mild to severe special needs. The problem is compounded further by the fact that many of our children have a compromised immunity. We struggle with whether or not we should risk transporting them to a Special Olympics NJ program in another county 30 to 60 minutes away or keep them home inactive,” explained Joanne Bastante-Howard, a mother of a 6 year-old with Down syndrome and the founder of America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.). A.S.K. is a non-profit based in Woodland Park that provides critical research as well as online, print and financial resources to families with children that have disabilities and serious medical conditions.

“You feel like no matter what you choose, your child isn’t going to get the full benefit and it’s going to be stressful trying to get your son or daughter there on time. That’s when I decided to investigate how I could spearhead a Special Olympics’ Developmental Soccer Program in town,” Howard stated.

“With the help of residents, police officers, educators and parents, I was able to rally 20 volunteers from Woodland Park, Wayne, Totowa, Little Falls, Parsippany and Middletown,” Ms. Howard explained. “I am excited that we have 14 boys and girls enrolled in the program. We seem to be attracting additional inquiries and registrants weekly!” Howard stated.

“We all know how important it is that our children live active and healthy lives. Special Olympics developmental programs help our children remain healthy physically and mentally. They also teach our kids valuable team-building and socialization skills. What’s more, the teen-age typically developed kids also learn how to embrace their peers with special needs. It’s a win/win for the entire community. Since October is National Bully Prevention Month, we are excited to indirectly teach all kids to stand up for those who are vulnerable,” explained Howard.

“The percentage of overweight children in the U.S. is growing at an alarming rate, with one out of three kids considered overweight or obese. Our kids with Down syndrome and hypotonia—poor muscle tone usually detected at birth or during infancy—are prone to gain excess weight. Like all children, they need to learn healthy habits at a young age,” Howard concluded.

Developmental sports are designed for the emerging athlete ages 6 to 12 to learn and practice basic skills. Participants experience clinical-style instruction without competitive team play. Athletes with intellectual disabilities and other special needs participate in this free program. The program prepares them for a future in travel sports throughout New Jersey. Woodland Park plans to offer a developmental basketball program. Registration will begin in December/January.

All registrants must have a medical release completed by their pediatrician in order to participate in Special Olympics sports. The medical release is valid for three years involvement in Special Olympics NJ sports.

Woodland Park is seeking additional volunteers, including teens who are required to obtain community hours for religious and high school studies. Adults and students interested in obtaining more information about America’s Special Kidz or volunteering at the Woodland Park Special Olympics Developmental Program, direct your email to Joanne Howard at Joanne@AmericaSpecialKidz.org or call 973 521-0433. Visit online www.AmericaSpecialKidz.org.

LaNeve’s Banquets and Friends Raise Funds To Help America’s Special Kidz

June 26, 2014 Haledon, NJ—Sal, Rosa and Yolanda LaRosa, owners of LaNeve’s Banquets, located at 276 Belmont Ave., Haledon, New Jersey, hosted a comedy and music benefit to help America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.).

The team of performers included Vic Dibiatetto, Fred Rubino, Tommy Gooch, Al Russo/Sounds of Sinatra and John Bruggeman. The coordination of the event was handled by Yolanda LaRosa and Nick Laino.

“I am encouraged and grateful for the outpouring of love, generosity and compassion of LaNeve’s and the performers,” said Joanne Bastante-Howard, founder of A.S.K.

“A.S.K. was delighted to acknowledge the exceptional dedication of the volunteers. Yolanda, Sal, Al, Nick and John were presented with awards at the event. Al Russo was also honored by Mayor Randy George for his life-long service to the community and children with special needs,” Howard explained.

“They also surprised us with a special needs trike for my son JJ who has Down syndrome. He literally took off pedaling! There weren’t many dry eyes in the room. For the past couple years I attempted to purchase a trike for my son. I would have to return them because he would get injured. The special needs trikes were cost-prohibitive for us. I still get emotional when I think about they did for my son,” said Howard. “I will never forget this night or what these extraordinary people did to help the families and what they did for my son,” she concluded.

A Special Thank you to the Local Donors!

A-1 Affordable Construction, Inc., Al Russo/Sounds of Sinatra, A&K Auto Service, Aiello’s Fruit Baskets, Aldo’s Restaurant, Bogue Systems, Celestino Construction, Inc., Chicken Supreme, Cortese Pharmacy & Home Health Care, Fontanella & Babitts, CPA, Grand Motor Sales, Hair to Stay, Hanson & Ryan, Inc./Frank Van Leeuwen, James Joseph Construction, Knights of Columbus No.13060, K&G Service Center, LLC, La Neve’s Banquets, Malzone Tuxedos, MRL Manufacturing Corp., Nextwave Printing, Nick Laino, Pal’s Liquor, Paul Vatrano’s Painting, Pawndingo Pawn Shop, Ralph Piccolo’s Pizza, Robert DeStefano, LLC Air Conditioning & Heating, SIM-O-RAMA Sound, Susani Realty/Coldwell Banker, Totowa Center for Pain Management & Physical Medicine, P.C., Gold’s

Local Children Receive Medals For Successfully Completing the First Special Olympics Developmental Soccer Program in Woodland Park

Woodland Park, New Jersey—November 3, 2014—It may have been cold outside, but things were just starting to heat up at the Woodland Park Community room on Brophy Lane. Children from Woodland Park, Little Falls, Totowa, Cedar Grove, and Pompton Plains were warmly greeted and acknowledged by Coach Ricky Fasoli, Coach John Sole, Mayor Keith Kazmark, volunteers and the community.

“To see the big smiles on the children’s faces was priceless. I am so grateful to all of the volunteers—the teachers, police officers, business professionals, college grads and dedicated parents—who committed their time weekly. I am also thankful to the parents for sharing their precious kids with us,” said Joanne Bastante-Howard, a mother of a 6 year-old participant and the founder of America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.). A.S.K. is a non-profit based in Woodland Park that provides critical research as well as online, print and financial resources to families with children that have disabilities and serious medical conditions.

“Most children have the option of participating in recreation after-school or during weekend team sports and summer camps. These opportunities for fitness and are limited for children and adolescents with disabilities. Children with disabilities want to have friends, enjoy activities, have a break from parents, and be included like everyone else. Like other boys and girls their interests range from swimming, sports, to visiting parks, attending summer camps, and just spending time with their friends. The Special Olympics Developmental Programs make it possible for children with disabilities to participate in sports, and as this demand increases, more programs are likely to develop and grow,” Howard concluded.

Developmental sports are designed for the emerging athlete ages 6 to 12 to learn and practice basic skills. Participants experience clinical-style instruction without competitive team play. Athletes with intellectual disabilities and other special needs participate in this free program. The program prepares them for a future in travel sports throughout New Jersey.

Woodland Park plans to offer a developmental basketball program. Registration will begin in December/January. All registrants must have a medical release completed by their pediatrician in order to participate in Special Olympics sports. The medical release is valid for three years involvement in Special Olympics NJ sports.

Woodland Park is seeking additional volunteers, including teens that are required to obtain community hours for religious and high school studies. Adults and students interested in obtaining more information about America’s Special Kidz or volunteering at the Woodland Park Special Olympics Developmental Program, direct your email to Joanne Howard at Joanne@AmericaSpecialKidz.org or call 973 521-0433. Visit online www.AmericaSpecialKidz.org.

America’s Special Kidz Hosts First Golf Outing at Crystal Springs Resort

June 3, 2014 Hamburg, NJ—America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.), a non-profit that provides print, online, financial and critical resources to families, held its first golf outing at Crystal Springs Resort.

“I am delighted that we had over 80 golfers and approximately 20 volunteers! It was a gorgeous day and golfers were greeted with complimentary cigars, snacks and beverages as they played on the course. I’m Italian and it’s part of my upbringing to ensure everyone eats well and enjoys himself,” said Joanne Bastante-Howard, founder of A.S.K.

“We are pleased with the support of local businesses and the extraordinary volunteers. We are excited that golfers are already asking when we will be hosting the next one,” said Joann Catalfumo, director of A.S.K. Events.

A Special Thank you to the Donors, Attendees and Sponsors!

BMW Corporate, Boyette Kitchen and Baths, Bradford Photography, Brogan Cadillac of Totowa, Chase Bank/Woodland Park, Cheesecake Factory/Wayne, Crystal Springs Resort, CVS/Montvale, Enterprise/Wayne, Fulton Bank of New Jersey, Golfsmith, Grandview Printing,
Haier America, Herbert L. Jamison/Gloria Stalzer, Houlihan’s/Fairfield, JoJoTreats, JOVIN DEMO, Inc., Knights of Columbus No.13060, KOHL’S/Woodland Park, Kolby Co./Phil Kolb, Kyle White Construction, La Neve’s Banquets, Lifetime Fitness, Lord & Taylor, Teri Capparelli, Maria Salerno, Metropolitan Plant & Flower Exchange, Michael Sourbis, CRTP LMT, Model Electronics, Montclair Country Club, Steve Cappuccio, New Horizons Day Camp, Nina Ferrara, NJ Devils, NY Yankees, Pete Ianzano, John Bruggeman, PGA TOUR Superstore, PNC Bank, Protile, LLC, Rainbow Speech Therapy, Ramsey Outdoor, RandL Printing, RC Advertising, Shamrock Music, Schumacher Chevrolet, Stew Leonard’s, Sue and Al Glicks, TD Bank, The Fresh Market, The Saloon, The Wandelmaier Family, Thomas Kinkade Gallery, Tina Dobsa/REMAX, Trader Joe’s, United Water, Urban Car Wash, WDHA & WMTR/Valerie Freda, Wells Fargo, Westy Self Storage, Wilma Cortazzo

America’s Special Kidz Rallies Children with Special Needs & Friends to March in Woodland Park Centennial Parade!

May 17, Woodland Park, NJ—2014 will be an exciting year to remember. The A.S.K. team and New Jersey families marched for the first time in a parade to celebrate Woodland Park’s 100-Year Anniversary!

“It was a beautiful, yet emotional day. I couldn’t help but cry whenever spectators began clapping for the children as we walked down McBride Avenue,” said Joanne Bastante-Howard, the founder of America’s Special Kidz. “At the end of the day one mother thanked us for inviting her family. She continued to tell me that her child was never asked to be in a parade before. You can be assured that A.S.K. will be inviting more kids with special needs, their siblings and parents to future parades,” concluded Howard.

Boxes from Boonton, New Jersey

 

November 10, 2012—Boonton, NJ—Boonton residents and approximately 250 fellow New Jersey families collected donations at the Boonton Recreation Center that were sorted and repackaged to be sent to the NJ Shore/Hurricane Sandy victims.

“I was invited by a friend who lives in Boonton. She asked me if I had any diapers, food, clothing or household items that I could offer the families devastated by this natural disaster. Of course I had some of these items. I was proud to be a small part of this grand effort,” said Joanne Bastante-Howard, a NJ resident and the publisher of America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.) of Woodland Park, NJ.

“When I arrived with my son I was moved to tears. I couldn’t get over all the people, especially the children volunteering that afternoon. Approximately 50 to 100 kids were helping to sort and package everything. At that moment I realized what a wonderful experience their parents were giving them. Boonton was reaching out to others in need in an amazing way that I will never forget,” she concluded.

 

New Jersey Spearheads a New Resource for Educators, Physicians and Families who care for Disabled Children—

America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.) 

 

September 28, 2012—Woodland Park, NJ—New Jersey is proud to spearhead a new initiative called America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K.), a printed and online resource for educators, physicians, therapists, philanthropists, rehabilitation consultants and parents of special needs children.

The mission of A.S.K. is to help children receive the highest quality care and educational resources, to build awareness in the community regarding children’s conditions/disabilities, to encourage inclusion programs in the community, to offer fundraising to families in critical financial need and to advocate for special needs children.

In order to achieve its goals, A.S.K. offers families and the community the following comprehensive services:

• child advocacy
• printed and online resources
• fundraising opportunities
• children workshops
• family support
• connections to businesses
• speaking engagements and events for parents, educators and the medical community.

A.S.K., as the acronym implies, strives to provide answers to questions about a wide array of conditions including childhood cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, hearing and vision impairments, brain injury, epilepsy and rare chromosome disorders.

About the Publisher Joanne Bastante-Howard  

Ms. Howard is a mother of a child with Down syndrome. She has a genuine love for children and has been active in raising awareness for children with disabilities. She has conducted corporate promotions and fundraisers to help children with disabilities in New Jersey, Ohio and Florida obtain their critical medical, educational and therapeutic services.

Over the five years, Ms. Howard has helped build awareness in the marketplace regarding Down syndrome, autism and rare chromosome disorders. She has raised over $100,000 on a part-time basis as a result of her direct marketing, e-marketing and street canvassing efforts.

For more information about America Special Kidz, visit us online at www.AmericaSpecialKidz.org or call  973 521-0433. Email inquiries may be sent to Joanne@AmericaSpecialKidz.org or via Twitter  (JoanneBastante) or on Facebook at America’s Special Kidz (A.S.K).