Our Time Press congratulates Deon Elizabeth Jones, Founder and President of Uniquely Me Creative Arts (UMCA), on the successful launch of her organization’s inaugural Autism Awareness Sunday held this past weekend (April 27) at historic Bethany Baptist Church in Brooklyn.
Ms. Jones is a Brooklyn treasure. She gracefully manages her career as an educator of special needs children, her role as the mother of a special needs young man, her mission to build programs and projects for families, her status as a community leader on the frontlines with the grace of a Venus on the court and steadfastness of a Judge Brown-Jackson. Dealing with special needs concerns of all types, and needing connections to resources, information, and friends who may share similar circumstances.
Since October 2023, families and individuals have met every other Saturday at Bethany to share and “Chat” comfortably in the safe setting of Ms. Jones’ home church as their children, in various stages of the autism spectrum disorder, played. This is not a small deal. A Pennsylvania family has driven to Brooklyn every other Saturday to be part of these sessions created by Ms. Jones. Her work, in effect, is making a difference and relieving families of the feeling of being different and estranged.
“One of the major aspects of the program,” she told us, “Is the CHAT session where we bring in therapists for behavioral and physical therapy. At the same time the children play in the sensory room. Parents have the opportunity to engage with and teach each other with the chat sessions.”
On April 27, the last Sunday of National Autism Acceptance Month, Ms. Jones and Dr. Denise Coleman-Gibbs, spoke from the pulpit on the effects of nutrition on ASD. At the close of service, dining tables were well stocked with information, exhibits, giveaways, and refreshments were served.
Ms. Jones says God, her strong family, and her grandmothers are the support mechanisms that anchor her. She also recently joined the powerhouse Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
It’s no stretch of the imagination to see Ms. Jones going national with her efforts, while staying rooted here in Brooklyn. She is determined to spread the blessings as she raises her son to become independent. Our Time Press will feature a profile of Ms. Jones in an upcoming issue. Stay Tuned!!
The Autism Awareness Month event will be presented annually, on the Sunday following Easter. The October twice-monthly Saturday sessions begin this fall. For more information on Ms. Jones and her projects, visit: umcanyc.org
–Bernice Elizabeth Green