Jayne Medoff Smith
Staten Island, New York
How is your Hero working to make the world a better place?
Jayne started an after school program for children on the autistic spectrum that has impacted many children and their families, including my own. Providing homework help, social skills training and exorcise to the children enrolled. She has struggled and fought to keep it running even though the funding has continuously been cut back due to the economy. Jayne holds many fundraisers over the year to provide extra funding for her programs. This funding helps the children have special visits and different activities, like an animal experts to come and show odd and different animals to the kids, to a artist to teach them that art comes in many forms. Jayne will do anything to enrich their bodies and minds. Her work with the special needs summer camp (Marvins' Camp) has helped hundreds of children over the years. Her carful choosing of camp councilors and the training they receive, makes Marvins' camp a warm and welcoming place to be. The camp provides much needed respite to the families of these children, as well as enriching their lives with long lasting friendships and wonderful memories. And her supervision and orchestration of the activities and trips, gives protective families a security that they may not find elsewhere. I know, I would never send my son out of state without me, but I have security and confidence when he goes on a trip with his camp group. This is just the tip of the volcano because there is no ice in this woman's heart!
How has your Hero impacted your life and inspired you?
Jayne is tireless, even as she is exhausted; she works on all her projects with the tenacity of a pitbull. With Jayne "There has to be a way" she will not accept a "no" right out of the box, she will keep on pushing. She will make the world these children live in, a better place. I have loved working beside her on some of these, projects because she pushes you to look deeper, and try harder to get the best results for our children. And through all of her hard work and planning, she still has time to help and listen not just to a friend but to a stranger. A parent in need of help. She is a Wonder Woman, she is a Doer.. there is no try for Jayne!