Washington, D.C.--Congressman Eliot Engel and Congresswoman Nita Lowey secured a preliminary $118,000 in funding for Jawonio as part of the FY 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill.

Funding will be used to help sustain the Jawonio Family Education Institute which provides educational, recreational, and supportive services for children with disabilities and their families, in an environment which embraces diversity of language and culture. This action was a preliminary step in a long process. The bill will now be considered by the full House Appropriations Committee, and then the full House. The Senate is also working on their version of the bill.

“This funding will greatly aid Jawonio, which has been an important pillar in Rockland County and the city of Yonkers for many years, providing much needed care and socialization for thousands of children and adults with special needs,” said Rep. Engel. “I am proud to be able to play a part in assisting Jawonio in their mission to help people become valuable members of society. Decades ago they would not have had the opportunity to grow and succeed like they do today. I commend everyone involved with Jawonio for their years of selfless service to people with disabilities and special needs. When I visited the facility in Yonkers, I was very impressed with their work. I look forward to many more years of fighting on their behalf in Washington.”

“Jawonio provides invaluable education and support serves for disabled children and their families,” said Congresswoman Lowey, a senior member of the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee. “These funds will help expand these critical services to ensure that children with special needs have every opportunity to reach their full potential and participate as actively as possible in our communities.”

“By securing this appropriation for Jawonio it sends a significant message that people with disabilities matter. Rockland and Westchester Counties are so lucky to have Congresswoman Lowey and Congressman Engel work tirelessly on their behalf each and every day. We are proud to be constituents and even prouder to call them our friends. Today, we are again reminded that our own Congresswoman Nita Lowey and Congressman Eliot Engel care deeply for children with special needs by providing Jawonio with the resources necessary to give our families a brighter and more hopeful future,” said Jawonio CEO Jill Warner

Rep. Engel added, “While this is only the beginning of the Appropriations process, I feel very good that funding for this important program was included in this measure. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure this funding is preserved as the bill moves through the legislative process.”