Throughout four deliberation sessions, Assembly Members decided to advance this idea to one of the final borough ballots for New Yorkers to vote on. The idea has been edited by Assembly Members and CEC staff to fit ballot character limits and remove all references to specific institutions and geographies. Here is the final idea title and description as it will appear on the ballot:

Wellness Support Program for Families of Special Needs Youth

A healing-centered program for caregivers of special needs youth. Staff would provide wellness and mental health services to strengthen resilience.

Family Wellness & Respite Support Program for Neurodiverse & Special Needs Youth

Ashley Melo-mamon 11/24/2025 14:30 On the Ballot

Idea Submission for The People's Money:: The Pura Vida Foundation proposes the Family Wellness & Respite Support Program, a healing-centered initiative supporting caregivers of neurodiverse and special-needs youth. Many families raising autistic or developmentally delayed children face chronic exhaustion, isolation, limited services, and overwhelming caregiving demands. This program fills a critical gap by offering weekly structured respite sessions for children and wellness, emotional support, and cultural healing spaces for caregivers. Children participate in sensory-sensitive, supervised activities led by trained staff and behavioral-support specialists, creating safe opportunities for social engagement and emotional regulation. At the same time, caregivers join monthly wellness circles, mental-health workshops, mindfulness practices, and cultural-healing sessions that strengthen resilience and reduce burnout. Families receive resource navigation, including IEP support, benefits guidance, therapy referrals, and advocacy assistance. The program also hosts family wellness events, cultural gatherings, and restorative community days that reinforce bonding, connection, and stability within the home.
What is the problem your idea aims to address?: Caregivers of special-needs youth often experience: • chronic exhaustion • isolation and emotional strain • long waits for support services • culturally disconnected care • burnout from 24/7 responsibilities • overwhelming IEP, school, and medical demands Many report feeling unseen by support systems and unable to find rest. This program fills a critical gap by giving caregivers respite, emotional support, resources, and community connection, while their children receive sensory-safe programming
Which groups does your idea focus on? Select all that apply: Youth (under 24)

People with Disabilities

Parents

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