The Elija Foundation's name came from all different channels. Ultimatley ,the name itself really came to be on it's own. The name itself is always questioned to Debora and I. The main one being "Is Elija the name of your son?" Though it never had those intentions since it actually stands for Empowering Long Islands Journey through Autism , we had decided what a beautiful analogy to beleive that ALL of our children ARE ELIJA. When we strive for the BEST speakers to educate us .. we are not only striving for OUR personal children, we are striving for ALL of our children. Every ounce of effort and love that we will put into this foundation will be done with with ALL of our children in mind. ALL OF THE ELIJA'S.

The logo,that illustrates the universally recognized Prophet Elijah carrying a child in his triumphant chariot and horses of fire, is based on the comparison to the Prophet's life & character traits.It has many similar aspects to the lives we live from day to day as care givers to children with special needs. Here are some key factors that we found very inspirational.

*Elijah had incredible faith. He was also a man of action. His persistance and consistancy in what he believed made him a man full of grace, respect, dignity and miracles.
*During times when his faith seemed to be tested, he had on an occasion said "I have had enough, LORD,..."Take my life;..." as well as "I alone am left," ... We can all relate to these feelings of discouragment and abandonment. Most of us have "all or nothing thinking". YET,this is factually incorrect. Several rejections do not mean we are unemployable. Normal healing includes some setbacks. Things do and can change, but most do so slowly over time. And even the most cared for will sometimes feel neglected.
*What Elijah needed (and what we do too when we're down and have lost faith and encouragement) was perspective. He needed a fresh look at his reality that could see past his present troubles. So God had him stand on a mountain where he could observe a perspective-producing object lesson.
*In quick succession Elijah experienced tornadic winds, an earthquake and a raging fire. Yet, it is noted,in each case, God was not in these extraordinary events. Instead it was from a gentle breeze that God finally addressed Elijah.

The lesson seems clear. Most often help comes to us in the quiet, unnoticed, ordinary things of a normal day. Just because we do not see and hear God working, doesn't mean he isn't. Just because problems persist, does not mean we are forsaken. Just because we lose sight of our allies, does not mean there are none.

In short, we may feel like it; we may even tell ourselves it is so, but we are not alone.When you are empowered with KNOWLEDGE , you will have FAITH, you will have STRENGTH and CONFIDENCE and ultimatley you will have a powerful vehicle to carry you through successful and confident decisions you will need to make for your child and your lifestyle.

Our mission and logo was designed to reflect our personal inspirations and philosophies as well as the solid emotional foundation in which got us to the road where we are and continue to travel to . We knew we wanted to help Empower , Educate and Enlighten other parents, caregivers and professionals like ourselves. We are residents of Long Island New York and wanted to be an additional source of information for the parents here in our area. But that does not limit our invitations to our events or workshops to other places. We welcome everyone from everywhere!

We are true believers that it was through our own personal and internal strengths that gave us the drive and motivation to seek knowledge about our children's disability. This in turn created an empowering wealth of information that we carefully assess and utilize to benefit our children. We are not advocates to sway other's into our own beleifs, we simply want to give others tools that might be helpful to their child or for themselves to become more confident participants in their children's lives as well ultimatley give them strength to believe in their abilities and the priceless value they have in this Journey Through Autism. We call it a "journey" simply because it is a true comparison to what we all face. Some journeys are short, precise and errorlessly successful. Others are long,troublesome and take much effort to reach the final destination. Or some journeys fall right in the middle, there is no firm agenda to where you end up, but ultimatley the lesson they had learned, appreciated and experienced on the roads they traveled.

People's individual perspectives as what they would consider a "success" differ immensly. Many have a higher level of expectation and strive to get to what they beleive is their child's fullest potential.Others, even through the trying times and days of difficuties can still see their children's simple daily triumphants and savor and appreciate them. No one can argue with either one of these. These are your children, your little masterpieces.

We want to help provide you with the motivational,educational and inspirational tools to help make your journey a more prosperous, effective, joyful and enlightening one.

My Little Masterpiece
Nicole Dibra

Are you with me little one?

Have the day's events soaked in once the day is done?

Is the path that mommy chooses for you clear?

I only do what I think is best for you my dear.

I cannot stand to see you lost.

It will be the end of me, before I allow my efforts tossed.

Day in and day out, my mind is in constant motion.

Thinking of ways to reach you & teach you.

There is no end to my devotion.

Do you go through the days that I have packed for you, in vain?

Would you rather be outside, chasing the rainbows after the rain?

Those miracle moments when your stare is so deep inside of me,

These are treasures collected in my heart, like rare jewels that I will take to my destiny.

How I wish, I could be so ethical, to accept you the way you were.

To lie in the bed that GOD has made for me, yet I failed to deter.

I wonder where you would be if I left you all alone.

In your quiet mystical world, where one couldn't even hurt you with a stone.

That place where you wouldn't be expected to perform and be up to par.

For your label would be your excuse and no one would’ve expected anything more.

Yet, I have chosen to make you a part of this judgmental earth.

And try to defeat the cards that life dealt to me, the day of your birth.

I pray every night, that you forgive me for being so head strong and ambitious.

Perhaps I do take the definition of "tough love" a bit too viscous.

One thing is for sure my love, maybe one day you will understand.

That mommy loves you with a passion that some would never comprehend.

Though, I work with you through cries and screams, and have even dodged a chair or two.

Know that I hear you, know that it hurts me… But I push forward and onward, just for you.

Yes I know it would be easier to give up and let you grow at your own rate.

But later in life if I say "Help my son",they might say, "I am sorry it is too late".

Though my days are long, my body tired and my beauty fading day to day..

I know if I leave this earth tomorrow, I would have no regrets to take to my grave.

That I did not leave you as a cripple in this world with undeniable strife,

I know that I would leave you with the chance to live a fuller brighter life.

For now you speak, and now you know your colors , shapes and sizes.

You know your numbers and how to count , you fill my days with surprises.

You know the sky consists of sparkling stars and a sun and moon.

You go in the potty , you say “more PLEASE” and eat your cereal with a spoon.

Though many would think that these accomplishments are trivial and small,

Only you and I and THOSE LIKE US, would know the glory of it all.

You look for kisses and for hugs something you never used to do.

Yes, my love you have come so far, I know that it has been hard for you.

Know that I am proud, for you, not I, have made the biggest sacrifice.

You work so diligently, harder than a typical grown man would in all his life.

I will not lie, I do still weep, for the road is long and I know the journey is not over,

"How much longer mommy?" you ask...My love, to this question I do not have the answer.

I will be with you until the end of time, praying for the strength and the patience to prevail.

Have comfort that you do not have a “typical mother” and I will not let you fail.

Know this. You are my life, my soul , you are what drives the blood through my veins,

Perhaps God sent you to me unfinished and it is my duty to grab hold of the reins.

To finish you, my little masterpiece that I work and toil over everyday.

With never ending devotion and commitment, I wouldn’t have it any other way.