THE LONG ISLAND ELITE
HAVANA NIGHTS GALA 2024
Long Island Elite
IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE
OUR 2024 CHARITY PARTNER
Since 1995, Eden II’s Long Island-based Genesis Programs has provided specialized services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across their lifespan. We offer both center-based and community-based programs to help participants achieve
the highest possible quality of life.
We utilize research-based teaching methods based on applied behavior analysis (ABA), which has been scientifically proven effective for individuals with ASD. Eden II supports adults with autism through our Day Habilitation "Without Walls" program, offering volunteer, pre-vocational, and recreational opportunities to help participants build meaningful community connections.
The mission of Eden II Programs is to support people with autism throughout their lives to achieve their full potential through service, science, and passion.
Recently, we expanded into the former Christ the King school building in Commack, Suffolk County. Thanks to the generosity of the Long Island Elite, we can now furnish and complete our themed vocational training rooms, providing even more opportunities for adults with autism.
Our themed rooms in Commack offer exciting community interactions, including:
- Culinary Room: Individuals will train in food preparation and cooking.
- Café Room: Individuals will serve and sell food prepared in the Culinary Room.
- Business Room: Participants will learn and practice shredding, filing, and administrative skills.
- Philanthropy Room: Local nonprofits will collaborate with our individuals on
events and drives. - Environment & Society Room: Participants will engage in community projects like beach cleanups.
- Arts & Entertainment Room: Individuals will explore art, music and theater
- Seasons for a Reason Room: Art from the Arts & Entertainment Room will be sold, promoting autism awareness.
- Health & Wellness Room: Activities will include gardening, yoga, and using exercise equipment.
- Technology and Recreation Room: Participants will explore leisure activities, socialize, and develop new hobbies in a technology-enhanced setting.
This expansion allows us to serve more adults with autism while promoting autism awareness and acceptance in the Commack community. We're incredibly grateful to the Long Island Elite for their support and excited about the positive impact this partnership will bring!
Dr. Mary McDonald expressed, “Everyone should have a purpose in their life... I know I do. Many of the individuals we serve will not go to college and will have great difficulty gaining competitive employment, but we can help them find their life’s purpose. We have known many of our participants since they were in our school program and have been working towards these goals for years, watching, observing, and learning from them. Some are interested in cooking, others enjoy helping people, and some are still deciding! That is why we have created a space for our participants to truly find their life’s purpose, and we are grateful for this partnership and the impact the Long Island Elite will make.”
