On June 10th, My Time Inc, in association with District 20 K-1 Lions Clubs, held a community walkathon in Canarsie to raise awareness of autism. The main focus of the event was Parent Advocacy.
The walkers comprised My Time Inc’s co-founders Lucina and Wayne Clarke, Lions from Brooklyn Metropolis, Brooklyn Transition and Stuy Park clubs and many other advocates, mainly parents lending emotional support to each other.
The group assembled at Canarsie Park before venturing into the streets for a spirited NYPD-led march through the community before returning to the park for a day of fun activities.
Lucina Clarke, who is also My Time Inc’s Executive Director, explained to the Canarsie Courier that she was moved to form the organization after witnessing firsthand the lack of support available for parents who have children with autism. Her burning question was, “Who provides for the parents?”
In addition to establishing My Time Inc as “a safe place for parents,” Clarke was instrumental in the passing of Intro. 273-B, which was sponsored by Councilwoman Mercedes Narcisse and recently signed by Mayor Eric Adams. The bill requires NYPD to train its officers on how to recognize and deal with people with Autism Disorder Spectrum (ASD).
