What Is Autism?

May 2015
By Barbara Vittas, Autism Chairman, Bedford, TX 

Autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are both terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development.  Autism is a neurological disorder that affects development in areas of social interaction and communication skills.  The most obvious signs of autism tend to emerge between 12 and 18 months of age.  There are no blood or biologic tests for autism so diagnosis is not an exact science.  Making judgments about a child’s behavior identifies it.  ASD is estimated to affect more than 2 million individuals in the U.S. and statistics show that prevalence rates have increased 10 to 17 percents annually in recent years.  Health officials attribute the increase in cases largely to better recognition through wider screening and better diagnosis.

During the July 2008 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention in Washington, DC, the National Philoptochos Autism Assistance Fund was established.  The purpose of this discretionary fund is to enable Philoptochos to heighten awareness of autism and to provide assistance and support to persons within the autism spectrum.  In addition, it allows us to directly assist families as they struggle to meet out of pocket expenses to ensure that their children receive the critical autism therapies that will help them overcome their developmental disabilities.  In 2014, National Philoptochos Autism Awareness Fund disbursed $14,000 in assistance to individuals dealing with the devastating costs associated with raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder.  Nearly 46,000 individuals and families in the United States began their journey with autism that year.

What we need to remember is that autism is a lifelong developmental disability that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them.  Children and adults with autism are unable to relate to others in a socially meaningful way and as these children become adults, their ability to develop friendships is impaired, as is their capacity to understand other people’s feelings.  People with autism can often have accompanying learning disabilities.  They face challenges of developing their vocational skills and finding employment as well as developing their independent living skills.

 

Since National Philoptochos established the Autism Assistance Fund, we have learned much and continue to learn about the effects of ASD.  I hope this summary will be of help in enlightening all to the societal challenges faced in assisting families and individuals in dealing with this disability, and that Philoptochos can take an increasingly effective role with our assistance. 
 

"Soup Run"

HOLY TRINITY GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH, NEW ROCHELLE, NY

 

November 21, 2014

 

We copy below the commentary written by Despina Kartson of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, New Rochelle, NY who organizes the Philoptochos “Soup Run” that ministers to homeless adults who live on the streets of Manhattan.  This project is supported by Philoptochos volunteers who work behind the scenes and on the streets, Fr. Nick Anctil, Proistamenos, and by the entire Holy Trinity family who are instrumental in sustaining this effort.  

 

On the last Thursday of the month, volunteers from Holy Trinity, New Rochelle, NY go to the streets near Penn Station in Manhattan to minister to those whose ‘home’ is the streets near Penn Station. Volunteers prepare and distribute hot food, seasonally appropriate clothing, underwear and toiletries. Perhaps more importantly, they bring friendship - the Holy Trinity volunteers do not refer to the population they serve as “clients” or just as “homeless adults” – rather, they refer to them as “friends”, especially since they have a ‘following’ – many of whom they see each month.   

 

After each “Soup Run”, Despina sends out an email to the volunteers – and more – recapping the night’s events.  We post her reflections about last night’s Soup Run with the hope that you will be moved to participate in and/or replicate projects such as this in your own communities.   

 

Paulette Geanacopoulos 

National Philoptochos Department of Social Work

11.21.2014

 

Dear All –

 

Thanksgiving came early for 120 of our friends on the street last night when we served warm turkey meals and all the fixings – stuffing, cranberry sauce and potatoes, cookies and juice.  They were thankful for the delicious meal and the many warm clothes, socks, underwear and toiletries that we distributed.

 

Imagine some of the ways in which people survive: two sisters said they live on the street but that God provides for them – they serve food at a soup kitchen to other homeless three times a week so at least they know they can eat there. And they were most appreciative of our food. And then there was one man asking for a meal just as we ran out. Another man who was eating our meal offered to share his food with him when seemingly out of the blue, we found one more meal and gave it to him. We were also able to share a hug with a woman who said it would be her first Thanksgiving without her mother who recently passed away – she just wanted a hug, wanted the connection to another.

 

Thank you to Angie Lambros for sponsoring the soup run, John Krondos for cooking, Cynthia Hertzegovitch, Constance Mavrovitis and Kathleen Haverlack for sorting the clothing and toiletries, Sylvia Chandras for coffee and juice and for the many Holy Trinity parishioners who support this moving and worthwhile homeless outreach project.  We offer special thanks and gratitude at this time of year when we consider all that has been given to us and all that we have to give to others.   Happy Thanksgiving!  Please join us next month on December 18.

 

 

Volunteer comments:

 

Cynthia:  I think it’s all about the people-to-people connection in this day of devices - the woman who just wanted a hug - because in the end, that is what we miss the most when people are gone.  It’s why the picture of my dad in my wallet is not a portrait but of him giving me a hug.

 

Maria:  Each time we do our "Run" we are reminded of the awesome power and gentility of God's love.   It teaches me humility and the gift God has given us of each other. 

 

From the Soup Run in August:  As we were giving out food and clothing a gentleman approached and asked how he could help.  He said that he saw we were doing God's work and wanted in some small way to be a part of it.  His name was Khadi and he was from Saudi Arabia.  He took my hand and placed a $50 bill in it and said, "I want to help you buy food."  We thanked each other and as quickly as he came upon us, he was gone. 

Social Services Focus: MENTAL ILLNESS

by Paulette Geanacopoulos, LMSW, National Philoptochos Social Work Director

A panel discussion entitled “Mental Illness:  Our Community’s Journey to Understanding, Compassion and Hope” was presented at the 2014 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention in Philadelphia, PA to more than 450 delegates and guests.

Conceived of and moderated by Paulette Geanacopoulos, LMSW, the organization’s Director of Social Work, the program offered eye-opening statistics and information about the prevalence of mental illness in society and our community, its impact on family members, cultural interpretations of demonic possession and exorcisms, and proposed actions that we, as a faith-based community, can take to ensure that we treat all of our brothers and sisters -– regardless how “different” we may consider them to be -- with love, kindness, and hope. 

Panelists:
DEMETRIA DELIA, Ph.D., LCSW, MA: “Understanding Mental Illness” 

CHRISTINA KALLAS, ESQ.: “The Impact of Mental Illness on the Family”

REV. PROTOPRESBYTER NICHOLAS G. ANCTIL: "Supporting the Journey through Faith & Hope" 

Click here for the Summary of Each Panelist’s Presentation.

Click here for the Responses to the Questions Submitted by Audience Members.

Click here for the Full Biographies of the Speakers.

For more resources on the Social Services Department webpage, click here.

Social Services Focus: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

by Paulette Geanacopoulos, LMSW, National Philoptochos Social Work Director

 

Intimate partner abuse has been at the forefront of the news this week with the release of hotel security footage that shows Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice assaulting and rendering unconscious his fiancée (now wife), Janay Palmer.  This incident and others like it bring to light some of the misperceptions about violence against women.

Fact: 

·        Nearly 85% of all reported cases of adult domestic violence are women.  

·        Women are victims of intimate partner abuse regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, education, income, employment, profession, immigration status, marital status, sexual preference or physical ability.

·        Men abuse because they believe they have the right to do so.   

 

Fact:

The victim is not at fault.  The ONLY person at blame is the abuser, and the ONLY way the abuse will stop is if and when the abuser takes responsibility for his actions.

 

The reasons women stay or return to an abusive relationship are complex:

Fact:

·        Women stay because they love their partner – they want the abuse to end, not the relationship. 

·        Women stay because they fear becoming homeless.

·        They stay because they fear physical injury and death.  The most dangerous time for the victim is when she tries to leave or shortly after she has left – on average, three women die at the hands of a current or former intimate partner every day. 

 

What can you do? 

Fact:

The most effective way to help a victim of intimate partner abuse is to help her develop a safety plan to ensure that both she and her children remain safe.  

 

More information:

The Social Services Department of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society published a manual entitled, “Domestic Violence: Identifying and Responding to Domestic Violence in the Greek Orthodox Community” to raise awareness about this issue and ways that we, as a women’s faith-based organization can respond.  Click here for a copy of the manual which includes the document, “How to Develop a Safety Plan."

 

Click here for the Social Services Department webpage that has more resources. philoptochos.org/socialservices

Guest Blogger: Ann Burmeister - A Delegate's Journal from the Philoptochos Convention



 

2014 NATIONAL PHILOPTOCHOS BIENNIAL CONVENTION

July 6-9, 2014, Philadelphia, PA

The Orthodox Christian Family:  A Dwelling of Christ and a Witness of His Gospel

 

 

Delegate Attendee: Ann Burmeister

 

What an honor it was to attend the 2014 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention.  I learned so very much and met so many wonderful Philoptochos Sisters from all over the United States.

 

Sunday- July 6, 2014

Sunday morning began with Orthros and Divine Liturgy at St. George Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America.  The Cathedral was breathtaking.  All seats and balconies were filled with both Philoptochos and attendees of the 42^nd Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress.

That evening the Convention had its Opening Ceremonies and General Assembly.  His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios gave the invocation.  His Eminence Metropolitan Evangelos of New Jersey welcomed everyone. There were 440 registered delegates. Later that evening we went over the Bylaws/Resolutions and the Budget Preview.

 

Monday- July 7, 2014

The Opening Ceremonies of the 42^nd Clergy Laity Congress began with a welcome from His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and a surprise Skype from His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. What an honor and privilege.  Philoptochos ladies departed and began their afternoon session.  His Grace Bishop Sevastianos of Zela, an emissary of his All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and spiritual advisor to Philoptochos, lead the opening prayer.

 

During the proceedings it was suggested that if we raise our stewardship 10%, we than can raise our commitment by 10%.  It was also stated that the family is the nucleus of the church.  We need to remember that God is the center of the universe—not us.  The church is an ideal place to talk about family situations and seek help.

During the conference Rachael Lloyd, founder and CEO of GEMS (Girls Education Mentoring Service) eloquently spoke on human trafficking.  Many were brought to tears.  She pulled herself out of a horrendous situation and now GEMS is helping young women 12-24 free themselves from that life.  Human trafficking is rampant in this country.  Lloyd wrote the book, “Girls Like Us” and can be found on the website: www.gems-girls.org.

2014 Chapter Challenge Presentations:

-St. Andrew Church, Randolph, NJ, choose to do a prison ministry.

-St. Sophia Cathedral, Los Angeles, CA, put together a program called “Operation Lace Up” where they distributed shoes to the homeless.

-St. Haralambos Church, Canton, OH, prepared buckets with cleaning supplies for the formerly homeless who were going to a new apartment.

 

Jerry Dimitriou, Executive Director of Administration, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, told how St. Nicholas was crushed by the twin towers.  After a very long struggle, a new St. Nicholas Shrine, where all can worship, is being built next to the reflecting pool at Ground Zero.  It will cost $37 million.  If each member makes a gift of $100 the shrine can be completed by 2016.

 

That evening we were bused to the Water Works Restaurant where we enjoyed a delicious Greek meal and watched some talented young adults dance.

 

Tuesday- July 8, 2014

The Reverend Dr. John Chryssavgis, Archdeacon Ecumenical Throne spoke on the environment in “On Earth as It Is in Heaven.”  He said that the world is an icon and that we cannot treat people like things.  Our relationship to this world is our relationship to Heaven.  He spoke about ascesis, “the exercise of self-discipline” and the way we treat creations.  We are all responsible for this world and must not abuse it.

 

Another articulate and dynamic speaker was Alexandra Pink who moved into Saint Basil's Academy last September.  She was abused as a child and moved around with her mother.  She stated that St. Basil’s helped her become the best individual that she could be. She told us the things to pack for a world adventure were patience, mindfulness and forgiveness.  National Philoptochos gave $50,000 to St. Basil Vasilopita and $20,000 for a new van to St. Basil Sisterhood for a total of $70. It was brought to our attention that women can graduate with a Master of Divinity from Hellenic College Holy Cross.

 

National monies went to numerous worthy causes.  Here are just a few:

International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) $45,000 (with an additional $10,000 for flood relief in Serbia)

-Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) $35,000

-Support-a-Mission Priest $36,000 (to send the gospel to furthest corners of the world).

-Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) $20,000 for Summer Leadership Institute

-Orthodox Christian Network (OCN) $5,000

-Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) $7,080

So very much more.

 

We learned about Loukoumi Books by Nick Katsoris available on Amazon.com.

Elizabeth Metallinos-Katsaras, Ph.D., RD, Department of Nutrition, Simmons College, told us how the traditional Greek diet can keep us healthy.

 

That evening chapter presidents brainstormed leadership styles and how to improve our chapters.

 

Wednesday- July 9, 2014

At 7:15 a.m. were all to be seated for a breakfast honoring National President Aphrodite Skeadas and her six years of service. His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios praised all her works over the years.

  

It was my honor to have my picture taken with His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah, Mariam Catechis, Metropolis of Denver President, and Olga Plomarity, who is related to our Manitzas family.  It was my pleasure to be seated next to her at breakfast

 

Later that day, Martha Stefanidakis, 2014 National Philoptochos Biennial Convention Co-Chair presented “The Brave Ones Past and Present” video composed of about 1,000 photographs of family members who had served in the military throughout the years.  Pictures of our own Steve Tefas, and David Garza where among them.  On Tuesday evening, 65 baskets for veterans were put together by convention delegates.  The presentation was made Wednesday, for the distribution of the baskets to the Veterans' Multi-Service Center.  Lt. Colonel Elizabeth Konon Sweet, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Army Operations Officer, told us about the many faces reflecting those serving in the military. Michael Emanuel, Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Chief Congressional Correspondent, FOX News, spoke on critical issues of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and religious freedom.

 

The evening banquet was extraordinary since our guest speaker that evening was Vice President Joseph R. Biden.  In his remarks, he stated that he was raised and tutored by the Greek community, and that he has many special Greek friends. He told about the special time in his life when he spent time with His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew in Constantinople, and when his All-Holiness was a guest in the Biden home.  He said that His All-Holiness was the most Christ-like man he had ever met.  Vice President Biden said he had been meeting with Greek Prime ministers since 1973.  He hopes the occupation of Cyprus by Turks will end. 

These are just some of the highlights.  We heard some phenomenal speakers throughout the convention.  I would encourage anyone who can, to attend in 2016. 

 

Ann Burmeister is President, Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church Philoptochos in San Angelo, Texas, Chapter 8038. The chapter is in its second year and has 18 members.  Burmeister is also church treasurer and chairs the annual bake sale.

 

 

 



Philoptochos Women Instill Moral Values in Their Children

In a recent editorial in the Op-Ed section of the New York Times called, “Raising a Moral Child,” the writer, Adam Grant, reported that for most parents, kindness and compassion are more important than success in their children.  In his research in the field of psychology he found that,

                Children learn generosity not by listening to what their role models say,

but by observing what they do.

By being active in Philoptochos, women across the country are modeling charitable behavior that in and of itself instills moral values in their children.  Actions speak louder than words and when children see their parents participating in philanthropic endeavors, helping others, and raising money for social causes, those actions are internalized as standards for good behavior.

Church attendance sets the stage for demonstrating a moral and philanthropic life.  Participating with family and continuing at home with Gospel readings and discussion exhibits an active faith of love and compassion.

In addition to the events that are tailor made for families such as church festivals and Make a Difference with Loukoumi Day (Oct. 25, 2014), bring your children along to watch or participate when visiting a nursing home, volunteering at a soup kitchen, running for a cause, or planting a vegetable garden to share with a pantry.

In fact, you don’t need to leave your home, if you work on Philoptochos reports, mailings, and writing at your own kitchen table where your children can see what you’re doing.  Ask them to help, even in a small way, and encourage them to come up with their own ideas on how to contribute to the community.

Let your children see and hear what you are doing for Philoptochos.  Your benevolence will expand to instill ethics in the next generation.

Read the article by Adam Grant for details on the psychological experiment: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/12/opinion/sunday/raising-a-moral-child.html

National Philoptochos Honors Cyprus Commissioner Katherine Clerides

In honor of Mrs. Katherine Clerides, Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, the Executive Board of the National Philoptochos Society hosted an afternoon tea on April 3 at the Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy.  National President Aphrodite Skeadas, together with Direct Archdiocesan District Philoptochos President Jennifer Constantin and Metropolis of New Jersey Philoptochos President Anne Michals, warmly welcomed Mrs. Clerides and the Honorable Consul General of Cyprus, Ambassador Vasilios Philippou. Offering greetings as well were National Board First Vice President Arlene Siavelis Kehl, and National Board Legal Advisor Anita Kartalopoulos.

While handmade Lenten tea sandwiches and pastries were enjoyed, the dignitaries and members present discussed critical aid to our brethren in Greece and Cyprus, for which the army of women who make up the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society have in 2012 and 2013 donated $425,000. 

Commissioner Clerides also discussed her leadership in philanthropic organizations for people with learning difficulties and for road safety.  Around the table, a valuable and emotional discussion took place whereby the women of Philoptochos shared moving stories of outreach to victims of natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, and the recent program assisting those who suffered from Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.  The frank discussion underscored the magnitude of impact Philoptochos has on those in need, both on the Chapter and Metropolis levels and throughout the National Philoptochos network as we work together serving those in need with love and respect. Metropolis of New Jersey and Direct Archdiocese District Presidents Anne Michals and Jennifer Constantin highlighted the essential role their Boards play as the link between the National Philoptochos and the local Philoptochos Chapters.

Mrs. Clerides has spent more than 35 years as a social activist in Cyprus.  She studied law in the United Kingdom and served for many years as a Member of Parliament in Cyprus.  One year ago she assumed the office of Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, in which she plays a leading role in the issues facing religious minorities, overseas Cypriots, and the efforts for reconciliation and dialogue between the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities.  She is the daughter of the former President of Cyprus, Glafcos Clerides.