The Infinite Heart Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with autism and their families, brought joy and inclusion to the holiday season with its “Sips of the Season” Holiday Party. Held on Thursday, Dec. 18, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Autismo Café in Middletown, New York, the event drew about 25 families for an evening of celebration, community, and sensory-friendly fun.
A safe, inclusive space for the community
“This is a holiday party. We do a holiday event once a month for our community, and today is the holiday party,” said Wendy Javier, founder of Infinite Heart Initiative. “Some of our community can’t tolerate a lot of loud music, so we have Christmas music going on… It’s a beautiful thing. I’m grateful. My heart is full.”
She emphasized that the mission of the event was inclusion. “It’s about community and inclusion. We need to be here and it needs to be inclusive, and we’re in the right place.”
Autismo Café was selected as the venue because it serves as the nonprofit’s community hub. “This is like our little hub,” Wendy explained. “We do lots of events here throughout the year… What better place to be safe, inclusive and to have fun?”
Community support and sponsorship
The holiday party was made possible through strong community support. Wendy shared that Infinite Heart Initiative works with more than 50 sponsors throughout the year, with highlighted sponsors for this event including T & E Painting, Dee’s Classic Cleaning Services, Fusion Eyewear, and Hudson Valley Business Link.
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“We also have people donate a lot of gloves, hats, socks and toys,” Wendy said. “So everybody will get something today.”
Wendy encouraged continued community involvement. “Anybody is welcome to come. If you want to make a donation, our donations are 100 percent—they go towards our community. It’s for the parties, for the hammocks, for the sensory toys. If somebody can’t come here, we bring the party to them.”
Families and sponsors share why it matters
Among the attendees was Tiffany, who came with her son. “He’s autistic, my son,” she shared. “So it means a lot to me to be able to come and support, because I’m not alone in the world… I think that is meaningful for us, my son.”
Sponsors Demetria Bartziokas and Tommy Bartziokas attended with their families to show support. “We’d love to be part of the community and support the community and be a part of the holiday season,” Demetria said. “Give happiness and cheer to the world.” Tommy added, “Wishing everybody a happy and healthy New Year.”
Lucia Molina from Pasteur Water System also participated as a sponsor. “I love Wendy. I love what she’s doing for the community,” she said. “Keep it up. Wendy, you’re doing an amazing job.”
Honoring interns and community partners
During the event, Wendy recognized numerous volunteers, sponsors, and collaborators who support Infinite Heart Initiative year-round, including Ella Rose Foundation and the Mental Health Association in Orange County.
A special moment of the evening was the nomination of two interns from the Bridges Program. “They show up here every single week with courage, commitment and heart,” Wendy said. “They are not just learning job skills. They are building confidence, independence and a sense of belonging.” Interns Maggie and Alexis were honored with certificates.
Ashley Hitsman from the Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. attended to connect with families and share resources. “I just wanted to come here to meet more families and hopefully help more families,” she said, closing with holiday wishes to the community: “Happy New Year, Happy holiday.”
