Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District partnered with Councilwoman Gayle Chaneyfield Jenkins this past Sunday in support of Autism Speaks of New Jersey to host the 2016 Autism Walk. This year marks the beginning of what will be an ongoing relationship with Autism Speaks of New Jersey, Nassan’s Place and LPCCD. The day began with a breakfast buffet at ALVA Tavern, afterwhich about 40 participants boarded a bus to Met Life Stadium for the walk. Thousands of supporters filled Met Life Stadium from all over NJ in support of their families, friends, co-workers, and loved ones.
Autism Speaks of New Jersey will also be present at the 11th Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival this year and, leveraging the power of arts & culture, they will reach thousands of Newarkers raising awareness of the importance of getting tested for autism.
The role and contribution of sustainable health & wellness is key in community building. This holistic approach includes not only physical wellness, but environmental, emotional and mental wellness also. Further, the importance of health and wellness in communities of color is especially significant to the goals of Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District and the City of Newark. According to the Center for Disease Control’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, about 1 in 68 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder. According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, “African-American children and other children of color are among the worst-affected” often due to delayed diagnosis and/or misdiagnosis.
The support received will enable partnerships like that of Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District, local municipality, and the community at-large to continue the work, and build a healthy, safe and happy model community environment.
