Plainfield Nonprofit WallynZavy's Hosts Walk and Car Show to Bring Attention to Autism Acceptance

PLAINFIELD, NJ — Taleana Hurst, President, Founder, and CEO of WallynZavy's Autistic Kids Can Do! Inc. is passionate about helping children and families dealing with autism succeed. As a mother of two sons with special needs, she knows first-hand the struggles of getting assistance for these children.

"My boys, who were and still are my inspiration," Hurst said. "I had a lot of trouble early on working in corporate America and making sure I had availability for the services they needed after the age of 3. My early work with Children's Specialized Hospital made me realize I needed to do more and get involved because what I was going through had to have happened to many others who did not speak up or did not know what to ask for. I had no problem doing so because my children are my heartbeats.”

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Despite these challenges, her sons have grown into adulthood and are flourishing in part due to the diligence Hurst and her husband, Wallace Hurst III had in making sure they received all the necessary services they needed. Her advocacy with her children led her to start WallynZavy’s Autistic Kids Can Do! Inc., named for her sons, a 5013c non-profit.

“The organization was started in 2013 at my house to provide respite for parents on a Saturday,” Hurst said. "We did academics, art, swimming, and basketball. We did this for two years to see what other things can be done to improve the lives of these families.  We started doing social play dates at Microsoft, Bounce Factory, Skyzone, and Chuck E Cheese. I saw the need for these kids to be able to socialize and communicate.”

Hurst was the first advocate for her children and she was also very willing to share her thoughts, resources, and connections to help other parents. This advocacy led many parents to look to her for support, advice, and resources. Over the past 11 years, the non-profit has grown to become a resource for families.

The many services, resources, and classes WallynZavy's Autistic Kids Can Do! Inc. offers to the community have not gone unnoticed. Hurst will be honored on May 18th with a community service award from the Northern New Jersey Association of Black Social Workers, a local chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers, Inc.

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“This year it is our distinct pleasure to inform you that you have been nominated and selected to receive our most prestigious Shena Dance Community Service Award,” said Jessica Phipps, president of the Northern New Jersey Association of Black Social Workers, in a letter written to Hurst.  “Your non-profit organization, WallynZavy’s, Autistic Kids Can Do! Inc. which provides community-building events, social meet-ups, workshops, resources, seminars, and counseling for families with youth living with Autism, is much needed in our community.”

On April 27th the organization had a walk and car show to bring attention to Autism Acceptance (previously known as Autism Awareness) Month which is commemorated in April. The fundraising event was put on to raise awareness and money for the organization to support their many programs including the popular dance and art classes at their center.

"It was a great event and everyone had a really good time. This was the first time we were able to have it at our place located at 1010 Park Avenue in Plainfield," Hurst said. “Autism Awareness is important because parents don't know what symptoms to look out for and how to handle the fact of the diagnosis.  So the more the people and the community know, the more those families can get services ASAP.  The sooner the child is diagnosed the sooner the parents can advocate for their child so the child can make significant progress.”

Hurst advises parents to seek help early if they suspect their child may be autistic.

“Our mission is to promote inclusivity, enhance the well-being of Autistic children and those with special needs challenges, and create a place where they can thrive and express themselves,” said Hurst, who advises parents to seek help early if they suspect their child may be autistic.

To learn more about WallynZavy’s Autistic Kids Can Do! Inc. go to their website: WallynZavys.org , Or social media channels:

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/WAZA2356

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Wallynzavys

X(formerlyTwitter): https://www.Twitter.com/@Swallynzavys

They also can be reached by phone at 908-753-7333 or by email at Wallynzavys@gmail.com .

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