Miss Pennsylvania USA to Help Raise Awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorders at HeARTS for Autism Family Program
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Media Contacts:
Jennifer Sherlock
Jenna Communications
jsherlock@jennacommunications.com
(609) 369-3482
Debbie Goetz
Debbie Goetz Media Connections, LLC
(215) 630-5408
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Miss Pennsylvania USA to Help Raise Awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorders at HeARTS for Autism Family Program
PHILADELPHIA, April 23, 2013 – Jessica Billings, Miss Pennsylvania USA, will participate in HeARTs for Autism’s Family Program on Saturday, April 27, from 10:00–11:30 a.m. at Norcom Community Center, 10980 Norcom Road, Philadelphia, PA.
The HeARTs for Autism Family Program will bring together children on the Autism Spectrum for art, games and creative movement. Jessica will join volunteers in facilitating these activities with the children. HeARTS for Autism will also offer parents an opportunity to network and receive holistic care and support to help with the challenges of raising a child on the Autism Spectrum.
Jessica passionately supports causes related to Autism awareness as she has an older brother Jamey, who is Autistic. She serves as a sibling advocate for the Autism Society and other organizations designed to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Regarding her platform for Autism awareness Jessica states, “Growing up, I was always an advocate for people like my brother Jamey, who has Autism. I wanted to take my advocacy to the next level and I knew Miss Pennsylvania USA was an opportunity to reach a larger audience with my platform.”
Billings is an active volunteer in organizations such as the Special Olympics and the Autism Society. Billings is also an ABA (Applied Behavioral Analyst) therapist for children with autism and she is part of the Organized Steps of Hope teams for the Autism Society’s annual fundraiser.
About Jessica Billings:
Jessica Billings was crowned Miss Pennsylvania USA 2013 at the Miss Pennsylvania pageant on Sunday, December 2, 2012, in Pittsburgh PA. She will compete for the title of Miss USA at the 2013 pageant on June 16, 2013 in Las Vegas, NV. Jessica is proud and grateful to have the support and encouragement of many corporate sponsors as she prepares for the Miss USA Pageant. To view Jessica’s full list of sponsors, visit http://www.billingsjessica.com/sponsors.html
Jessica is a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, manages Public and Community Relations for The Worton Group and is a print and runway model. She has also been a brand ambassador for several companies including Monster Energy, Boost Mobile, Barbie, and Blue Claw Co.
Jessica is also an activist and volunteer for many organizations that focus on helping children and people with special needs. She has volunteered or served PACER, the Special Olympics, the Autism Society, the Global Road Safety Taskforce for the World Health Organization, Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and the National Board of Directors for the National Organization for Youth Safety (NOYS).
About HeARTs for Autism:
HeARTs for Autism is a non-profit organization comprised of parents, professionals and artists committed and inspired to spread awareness about the complex and diverse nature of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Their mission is to use art as a way to advocate and educate the larger community about the spectrum nature of Autism and as a therapeutic expression for those associated with the Autistic Spectrum.
HeARTs for Autism was founded in 2005, by Robin V. Schwoyer and Dr. Svetlana Gradess. They were joined by Nora Perry and Veronica Parker as the family program launched. They share a vision of helping not only Autistic persons, but their families as well. The inspiration for the outreach came from artwork done by Robin’s son, his siblings and 3 peers.
Various creative methods are used for the Spectrum person, with a special emphasis on volunteer assistants developing social connections. Parents/caregivers explore themes around the emotional and spiritual aspects, plus learn techniques for self care such as stress reduction, meditation, inner child, etc. HeARTS for Autism provides a safe place to learn how to embrace life on the Spectrum journey. To learn more about HeARTS for Autism, contact Robin Schwoyer at rvschwoyer@gmail.com or (267) 231-7595 or visit http://www.heartsforautism.org/
Photo Credit: DMS Graphix
Caption:
Jessica Billings, Miss Pennsylvania USA, will compete for the title of MissUSA at the 2013 pageant on June 16 at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas,Nevada.
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