The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
As we moved through the challenges of the health crisis last year, we remained strong and steadfast in serving the Tourette Syndrome community to provide high quality programs and services. We were able to engage with many families and supported them as they navigated various stages of their TS journey, and we learned from them the essence of true grit and resilience as they jumped over many hurdles. It is truly the strength of this community that inspires us all at NJCTS to do the work we do.
Last year also brought many exciting changes, as we created new programming, including a new parent support group, Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Strength, facilitated by Dr. Jeremy Lichtman, and for the first time, adult programming for ages 18-35. Community Connections for Young Adults with TS gives young adults an opportunity to share information and ideas and creates a space for open dialogue in an environment that is friendly and inclusive. Also important to this adult network, is the recently formed Facebook group, Tackling TS, which allows conversations to continue long after online sessions end.
We also embarked on a new partnership with NYU Langone Child Study Center in Hackensack, NJ. Staffed by a team of advanced graduate students and supervised by physicians at NYU Langone, this collaboration gives NJCTS families another option for receiving comprehensive treatment at a significantly reduced rate.
Despite the prolonged pandemic, our outreach to schools, hospitals, law enforcement, and various communities across the state made a great impact touching over 800 professionals. We were also able to offer 40 different virtual events for families so everyone could stay informed and connected, and through our webinars, support groups, teen workshops and summits reached almost 3,000 attendees.
Many thanks to our youth advocates who used their voices in our compelling public service announcement to increase awareness and put a stop to TS stereotypes.