Assemblyman Schaer Given Distinction Of 'Champion For Children' By Amerigroup

SCHAER GIVEN DISTINCTION OF “CHAMPION FOR CHILDREN” BY AMERIGROUP

Foundation provides grant funding to Three Groups Advocating for Better Lives for Those with Disabilities

(LYNDHURST) -- Assemblyman Gary S. Schaer (D-Passaic) yesterday was selected as the 2007 Champion for Children at a ceremony at Volunteer Stadium in Lyndhurst for his advocacy in the New Jersey General Assembly on behalf of individuals with disabilities. The award is given each year by the AMERIGROUP Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AMERIGROUP Corporation, a managed healthcare company providing healthcare coverage through the NJ FamilyCare program.

“It is my honor to be selected as this year’s Champion for Children,” Assemblyman Schaer said. “Providing increased assistance and opportunities to children and families struggling with autism and developmental disabilities has been and remains one of my highest priorities in Trenton.”

AMERIGROUP selected Assemblyman Schaer for this award based on his record of help for developmentally disabled children. They cited his sponsorship of a sweeping seven-bill package aimed at improving the detection, treatment, and public awareness of autism in New Jersey as well as his stalwart opposition to the inclusion of Medicaid co-pays in this year’s state budget as reasons for his selection.

"Our goal is to work together with local leaders, citizens and NJ FamilyCare in support of healthy children and vibrant communities," said John E. Littel, Board Member of the AMERIGROUP Foundation.  "Assemblyman Schaer is known at the State House and across New Jersey for his thoughtful leadership, keen analysis and principled decision-making.  We are pleased to recognize his work on behalf of children and persons with disabilities, and we are honored to support the efforts of these fine organizations."

As part of this recognition, the AMERIGROUP Foundation is making grants to three organizations: Putting the Pieces Together, an Autism support group based in Lyndhurst and North Arlington, The Jewish Family Service of Clifton/Passaic Riskin Children's Center based in Clifton and The Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities based in Hamilton.

Putting the Pieces Together is an autism support group based in Lyndhurst and North Arlington. The organization provides special-needs children with sports league choices including tee-ball, soccer, bowling, and basketball. The organization seeks to change the lives of children by educating communities, changing rules and laws, providing recreation and holiday celebrations, fundraising and making a difference in children’s lives. Ultimately, members seek to provide family support and scientifically-based training to parents, teachers, and other direct service providers and provide year round recreation and leisure activities for children with different abilities. Putting the Pieces Together supports ongoing quality research on the causes of autism, its symptoms, prevention and a potential cure.

“As our own representative in Trenton, Assemblyman Schaer has worked hand-in-hand with our organization to bring about the new autism support laws and has listened to our concerns regarding this important family issue within our state,” said Putting the Pieces Together President Debbie Wertalik. “We are honored that the Assemblyman would choose our organization for this generous award and thank AMERIGROUP for supporting our efforts.”

The Jewish Family Service of Clifton/Passaic Riskin Children’s Center provides services which aim to help the development of children suffering from psychological, educational, neurological, environmental and social challenges. The Center offers parenting classes, therapy referral services, as well as several in-house therapies that each aims to develop children facing stiff challenges into fully-functional adults. Services are entirely confidential and fees are based on a sliding-scale geared towards a family’s ability to pay.

“The work of our organization is incredibly important to the hundreds of children and families we serve every day,” said Jewish Family Service Executive Director Esther East. “Assemblyman Schaer has always recognized the vital services which we provide and has continually been there to support our mission -- he is a true friend.”

The Alliance for the Betterment of Citizens with Disabilities is a statewide organization representing 17 provider agencies which provide a broad array of community-based services to more than 10,000 individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, many of whom have multiple physical and developmental disabilities.

Specifically, the organization advocates for early intervention, special education, Medicaid, including the maximization of federal waiver funds for services to people with developmental disabilities, workforce development and affordable and accessible housing.

“Over the past two budget cycles I have had the great privilege of working with Assemblyman Schaer through his position as a leader on the Assembly Budget Committee as we worked together to resist Medicaid co-pays,” said Executive Director Lowell Arye. “I am pleased and excited that his hard work has been recognized with this award and thank AMERIGROUP for their generosity.”

Assemblyman Schaer, a member of the Assembly Budget Committee, has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since January 2006 and represents the 36th Legislative District which includes Carlstadt, East Rutherford, Garfield, Lyndhurst, Moonachie, North Arlington, Nutley, Passaic, Rutherford, Wallington and Wood Ridge.
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