I am the mother of Nassan, a nine year old with Autism that lives in the urban community of Essex County, NJ. Due to the lack of affordable and quality educational and recreational programs in my community, I have embarked on a journey to open Nassan's Place, Inc, which is a non-profit corporation that will provide educational and recreational programs for children with Autism, afterschool Saturdays and non-scheduled school days. Nassan’s Place is projected to open in 2014. I also want to educate and bring awareness to the alarming high rate of Autism in the urban communities.NJ has the 2nd highest rate of Autism in the country and Essex County has the 5th highest in the state. I have partnered with local businesses such as CitiPlex 12 in Newark for a "Movie Day for Children and Families with Autism" for a discounted price once a month. It’s also a way to bring families dealing with Autism together for a social day out to network and form support from other parents or caregivers. Through Nassan's Place I hope to unite communities to better understand Autism and find acceptance of these amazing and wonderful children and adults.

Nadine Wright-Arbubakrr
EAST ORANGE, NJ