At the event, Jovia Financial Credit Union received the Leadership Award for their commitment to ACLD’s mission, which is to provide opportunities for children and adults with autism, learning and developmental disabilities to pursue enviable lives, promote independence and foster supportive relationships within the community. Throughout the year, Jovia provides financial literacy initiatives and programs for people supported by ACLD, as well as pre-vocational programs for ACLD’s young adults.
The ballroom on October 10th was filled with that old Hollywood charm, complete with movie compilations playing on the big screens, photo-ops with Hollywood legends, live music, laughter and so much more.
“Jovia’s mission and ACLD’s mission aligned back in 2021 when Jovia was first introduced to ACLD,” said Joseph J. Ortego, Esq., Chair of the ACLD Board of Directors. “That first year, Jovia supported our Poker for a Purpose event which helps to make vacations more accessible to those in our residential program who cannot afford them. The following year, Jovia invited ACLD’s Prevocational Program participants to tour and visit their main office and headquarters in Westbury, where the people supported could learn more about seeking jobs.”
“We are truly inspired by ACLD,” said Renu Dalessandro, Jovia Financial Credit Union’s Chief Marketing Officer, who accepted the award on behalf of organization. “It’s extremely satisfying to see an ACLD resident excited about creating a savings account and what that can mean for their future. And what a rewarding feeling it is for someone who has learned a specific skill set to land their dream job. These moments in people’s lives lift our spirits, and we’re ever so grateful to be part of this ACLD community.” Dalessandro added, “We’re all here for one purpose, to support an enviable life.”
The impact of ACLD’s reach was beautifully illustrated when Gus Avella, a resident in ACLD’s Apartment Program, expressed to the audience what ACLD’s presence in his life has meant to him. Avella, who has been receiving services from ACLD for 20 years, is deaf and communicated his experience to the audience through interpretation services provided by Lime Interpreting.
“In 1986, I moved to America from Venezuela for many reasons, one being that there was no access to education for deaf people,” said Avella, as the room fell silent. “My favorite part about living at ACLD is the independence it has given me. In the beginning, it was overwhelming, but I have learned so much from the staff and managers over the years who have done so much to support me… To the people like you who support ACLD to continue to provide services to me and so many others, I want to say thank you so much from my heart. ACLD has helped me build a life I am proud of. Because of your support, all of this is possible.”
