Birch Family Services Receives Community Hero Award from the New York Mets
The Amazin’ Mets Foundation Supports Birch Family Services with $25,000 Grant to Build New Multi-Sensory Room Designed to Benefit Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
On July 19, 2023, Birch Family Services was honored with a Community Hero Award from the New York Mets at Disability Pride Night on July 19 at Citi Field. The award recognizes the resilience and dedication of Birch Family Services employees and volunteers in their work to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities through education and community support services.
Birch Family Services received the award in honor of Disability Pride Month, which recognizes the ongoing contributions being made by people with disabilities to make our world a more inclusive and equitable place. The ceremony was held before the game, with 8 honorees present to accept the award on behalf of Birch Family Services.
The Amazin’ Mets Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the New York Mets, generously supported Birch Family Services with a $25,000 grant that will be used to construct a Snoezelen Multi-Sensory Room at one of Birch Family Services’ residences in Queens. These sensory environments are designed to benefit individuals on the autism spectrum and with other developmental disabilities by creating opportunities for them to seek, explore, and relax by engaging with stimuli that impacts the various senses through lighting effects, color, sounds, music, scents and more.
“We are honored and grateful to be receiving this award and donation from the Amazin’ Mets Foundation,” said Matt Sturiale, CEO of Birch Family Services. “With this donation, Birch will be able to construct a Snoezelen Multi-Sensory Room which will have a tremendous effect on the people we support through integrated environments that address their overall personal development and quality of life. Being able to create such an environment will continue to advance our mission in helping individuals with developmental disabilities explore, learn, and thrive.”
“Disability Pride Night is a welcoming celebration of the many New Yorkers and Mets fans around the world who are living with disabilities,” said Alex Cohen, Co-Owner of the New York Mets and President of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. “We are proud to support Birch Family Services’ new multi-sensory room and recognize their important work in our community.”
As a part of its services, Birch Family Services operates residences where adults 18 and over have the opportunity to live independently from their family members. Staff work closely with each person to create the right environment and support to ensure success for residents. This includes 24-hour supervision if needed and individualized plans which helps residents develop independent living skills, become active members of the community, achieve optimal health, and actively pursue their life goals while living in a safe and home-like environment.
Since its inception in 2021, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation has funded over $6.2 million in grants to over 120 organizations in the community, including the communities surrounding affiliate teams. To read more about the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, its programs, and upcoming events, and to learn about ways to give back, visit AmazinMetsFoundation.org.
