Synchrony’s $3,000 grant will help spread awareness message

January 05, 2019

Synchrony Foundation presented Autism New Jersey with a generous $3,000 grant on December 20, 2018. Funding will help sustain the annual statewide Autism Ambassador Program – an initiative that encourages others to build communities that accept and embrace individuals and families with autism.

When father Nick Pollicino and his wife Jess received their son’s autism diagnosis, one of their first steps was calling our 800.4.AUTISM Helpline. The guidance they gained from our skilled and compassionate information specialists was critical during a very stressful time. As Assistant Vice President of National Accounts at Care Credit, a division of Synchrony, Nick had the connection to the Synchrony Families That Work corporate citizenship program, which he thought was a seamless match with our mission.

“We are grateful for Synchrony’s support of the community and families in need through this funding and their volunteerism,” noted Dr. Suzanne Buchanan, Executive Director of Autism New Jersey.

“Our Helpline exists for families like the Pollicinos,” she added. “When they were searching for ways to help their son learn how to communicate and play with other children, our staff provided compassionate and practical advice so that the Pollicinos and all families can both understand and access services to help their children thrive.”

The Pollicino family, Nick, Jess, and Ben, is pictured above with Autism New Jersey Executive Director Dr. Suzanne Buchanan (left).

Pictured right is Nick’s colleague, Roman Feldman, Practice Development Manager at CareCredit. We thank the entire team for their support and for CHOOSING KINDNESS!