Autism Speaks, a national advocacy group that promotes research and solutions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), presented Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) with its Congressional Leadership Award in recognition of his “leadership on behalf of individuals with autism and their families.”
“The dedicated leaders at Autism Speaks work tirelessly to help raise awareness and advocate for those with autism,” said Smith, who is the co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Autism Caucus. “I thank them for their steadfast commitment to this important cause and I am honored to receive this award.”
Autism Speaks, founded 16 years ago by grandparents of an autistic child, has made extraordinary advancements for those with autism, building upon the legacy of three leading autism groups that have merged with the organization, according to a press release from Smith’s office.
The organization’s Congressional Leadership Award recognizes Smith’s longstanding service to the autism community and his extensive work on the issue. This marks the second time Smith has received the award, in addition to receiving the group’s Award of Thanks, according to the press release.
Several New Jersey businesses offered assistance of the people of Texas following a series of winter storms by sending a truck with 15,000 bottles of water they donated.
JAR of Hope foundation, located in West Long Branch; jointly owned The Moving Guys and The Junk Guys of Marlboro; and Eat Clean Bro in Freehold put together a cooperative effort to help, according to a press release.
“Like everyone else, we sat in front of the TV and watched the horrible scenes from Texas,” said Jim Raffone, dounder/CEO of JAR of Hope, which raises funds to research a cure for a fatal childhood disease called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
“JAR of Hope was born out of a need to help families whose children were dying and who had nowhere else to go for help. People in Texas needed help, so how could we not try and help them?” he said.
The 15,000 bottles of water were driven to Longview, Texas, by Rick DeMarco and Joe Russo, co-owners of The Moving Guys and The Junk Guys. The water was delivered to the Longview Dream Center, a food-bank/clothing operation that assists local residents in times of need, according to the press release.
Preferred Home Health Care and Nursing Services, Eatontown, with offices in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, is offering certified home health aide training classes, April 12 through April 30.
Classes are scheduled to meet via Zoom on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from 9-11 a.m. Participants must also attend in-person clinical labs on Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. in Galloway at 323 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Building 700, Suite 722, or in Neptune at 3529 Route 33.
Register at 800-603-2273 or PreferredCares.com. For more information about Preferred Home Health Care and Nursing Services, career opportunities or training programs, contact Lisa Gallicchio at lisa@preferredcares.com
