Honoring our caring champions

Introducing the Caring Champions. A new award members who transform the lives of those in our programs. They not only care for their family, but for the others in the program. They are incredible, they are inspiring, and we are so thankful.

There are families that have been with us for a long time. And those families have brought benefits not only to the individual who is related to them, but also, for the entire community of people within their program. They need to be recognized. That is what a champion is to us.

Evelyn Alvarez, Chief Program Officer, Developmental Disability Services

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Julia C. de la Garza, M.D.

Sister of Ana, a longtime resident at the Cuite home.

Julia has been involved with her sister Ana’s care since she moved into the Cuite residence in 1981. When Dr. Anita Heller, Ana’s mom passed in 2010, Julia became Ana’s legal guardian and became involved in Ana’s day-to-day life. Julia is an advocate not only for Ana, but also for her housemates. She is an active member of the parent’s group that has existed at Cuite residence since the 1980s where she assists other families in problem solving. Her dedication to her sister and HeartShare is admirable.

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Kiara Green

Mother of Shymell, a young man in our Brooklyn Pact Day Program.

Kiara is the mother of a Day Program participant, Shymell. He has been at Brooklyn PACT for 2 years and his mom has been very involved with her son’s well-being. Not only does she do great things with her son, but also has stepped up to support her son’s peers and the program staff. From purchasing lunch for the entire program to arranging for a professional photographer to take “class photos” Kiara’s acts of kindness are remarkable and unending. Heartshare and Shymell are lucky to have her love and support.

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Linda Kocieniewski

Mother of Grace, a longtime student at the Heartshare School.

Linda is the mother of longtime Heartshare School student, Grace. Linda has always been extremely invested in Grace’s education and development. Early on she realized that it was important for Grace to connect with other girls with autism, beyond the Heartshare classroom. This led her to create “My Circle of Girls NYC” a recreation club for both girls with autism and their parents. The group has grown and expanded over the years, offering community and connection for New Yorkers with shared experience.