Bellmore Movies & The Showplace

What's Next for Jayden is an intimate, deeply personal documentary that follows the daily life of a single mother and her young son, Jayden, who has profound Level 3 autism. Through immersive observational filmmaking and candid interviews, the documentary offers an unfiltered portrait of a family navigating extraordinary challenges with resilience, humor, and unconditional love.
At the center of the story is Melissa Aguanno, a Long Island criminal defense attorney and founder of her own law practice. In the courtroom, she advocates tirelessly for her clients. At home, she assumes an equally demanding role as Jayden's mother, teacher, advocate, and full-time caregiver. The film reveals the emotional and physical realities of balancing a demanding legal career while providing around-the-clock care for a child with profound autism.
Without resorting to sensationalism, What's Next for Jayden explores the complex realities many families face, including communication barriers, sensory sensitivities, elopement, social isolation, and the uncertainty of planning for the future. At the same time, it celebrates the moments that often go unseen—the small victories, quiet routines, unexpected laughter, and the extraordinary bond between a mother and her son.
"This project was inspired by Jayden and our daily life together," said Melissa Aguanno. "My hope is that audiences leave with a deeper understanding of profound autism and recognize the strength, dignity, and humanity of families living this reality every day."
Director Sal DelGiudice approached the film with a commitment to authenticity, allowing the family's story to unfold naturally without narration or manufactured drama. The result is a moving portrait that invites audiences to witness—not judge—the realities of profound autism through compassion, honesty, and hope.
"We are incredibly honored that What's Next for Jayden has been selected as the Closing Film of this year's Long Island International Film Expo," said Melissa Aguanno, co-producer. "We hope the film sparks meaningful conversations about profound autism, encourages greater understanding, and reminds audiences that every family's journey deserves to be seen and valued."With its selection as the festival's closing film, What's Next for Jayden continues its mission of raising awareness and fostering empathy for individuals with profound autism and the families who love and care for them every day.
YOU CAN ALSO GO TO THE EVENT PAGE ON FACEBOOK FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION AND TO VIEW THE TRAILER.&nbsp;&nbsp;CLICK THE LINK BELOW!&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope to see you there!
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Local Event: What’s Next for Jayden?

Nassau County

Bellmore

New York

What’s Next for Jayden?

What's Next for Jayden is an intimate, deeply personal documentary that follows the daily life of a single mother and her young...

Garden Social Beer Garden & Kitchen

Let's laugh and eat some incredible food for a great cause! Tickets $10 at the door or the link below (grab tickets online, they will sell out fast!) $12 food and/or beverage purchase min per person.&nbsp;Featuring the comedic stylings of John LaRocchia, Les Degen, Jen Snorteland, Travis Grant, Charles Happel, Ryan Young, James Grimm, Frankie Failla and Concetta Coppola!&nbsp;Need to book a show?&nbsp;Want to raise money with comedy for your charity?Does your venue want to support First Responders, Veterans, and Community Heroes?&nbsp;&nbsp;Learn more about our mission, visit&nbsp; www.laughtersaveslives.comEvery event we do is in honor of our fallen heroes, we will never forget.

Local Event: Comedy Buffet- Laughter Saves Lives at Garden Social! 

Merrick

Comedy Buffet- Laughter Saves Lives at Garden...

Let's laugh and eat some incredible food for a great cause! Tickets $10 at the door or the link below (grab tickets online,...

Comedy Buffet- Laughter Saves Lives at Garden Social! 

Join Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) for this journaling workshop to learn how writing can help you to gain insight into your own experiences and can be a powerful way to connect with others. The instructor will take you through short writing exercises and show you how you can use journaling in your life. No writing experience is needed.
Instructor: Joy Jacobson, Poet and Managing Editor of the HSS Journal
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Date:&nbsp;July&nbsp; 5, 2026 10:30-12:00 pm (EST)
Sign up now, space is limited! Register here to join: <a href="https://communityed.hss.edu/en/custom-registration-from?utm_campaign=Patch_Journaling_to_Health" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://communityed.hss.edu/en...</a>
Please contact <a href="mailto:communityed@hss.edu">communityed@hss.edu</a> with any questions.

Local Event: Journaling to Health: Free Online Workshop with Hospital for Special Surgery!

New York County

Upper East Side

Journaling to Health: Free Online Workshop with...

Join Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) for this journaling workshop to learn how writing can help you to gain insight into...

Journaling to Health: Free Online Workshop with Hospital for Special Surgery!

Melanie Gulbas

New York City Metropolitan Area

Freeport

Tom Gambardella

Wantagh-Seaford

East Meadow

Rockville Centre

Levittown

Massapequa

Malverne-Lynbrook

Garden City

Long Beach

It'a a Good Day to Make Art @ ink & easel Art Studio!

ink & easel Art Studio

Welcome to ink &amp; easel — An innovative art studio designed to inspire artists of all ages and experience levels. Through small-group instruction, workshops, private lessons, and open studio sessions, we create opportunities for our community of artists to explore, learn, and grow through art. From drawing, painting and crafting classes to private events and take-home workshop experiences, ink &amp; easel makes creativity accessible both in the studio and beyond. No two artists learn the same way - that's why our private and semi-private options are fully personalized. We create custom art curriculum based on student age, interests, experience level and creative goals. Our mission is to bring art to the masses by empowering individual creativity and building a vibrant community through hands-on artistic experiences, expert instruction, and a passion for self-expression. It’s a good day to make art.

Welcome to ink & easel — An innovative art studio designed to inspire artists of all ages and experience levels. Through small-group instruction,...

Get Ready for Summer with Brands Cycle & Fitness

Brands Cycle & Fitness

For over seventy years, Brands Cycle &amp; Fitness has been proud to be your resource for all things cycling. Located on Long Island in Wantagh, NY, what started as a department store in 1954 evolved into the bicycle and fitness store we have today. Our staff of 60 to 110 employees (seasonally) wants to make your cycling and home fitness experiences as convenient and enjoyable as possible. Shop with us online, or come down and see us seven days a week. We hope to meet you or see you again soon!

For over seventy years, Brands Cycle & Fitness has been proud to be your resource for all things cycling. Located on Long Island in Wantagh, NY,...

Goshinkan Dojo 

Self Defense for today's world. Specializing in children's confidence building classes. Adult classes for personal safety. No contracts, first class is free ! Discover the Warrior Within You !

Self Defense for today's world. Specializing in children's confidence building classes. Adult classes for personal safety. No contracts, first...

Legal Counseling & Immigration Law Services /Representation

Catholic Charities of Long Island  Immigration & Refugee Services

The office of Immigration &amp; Refugee Services is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice to counsel, process, file, and represent clients before the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and EOIR Immigration Court. Our organization provides essential support to Ukrainian Humanitarian parolees through the Ukraine Supplemental Appropriation to Resettlement Agencies (USARA) Program. Through USARA, we help individuals and families achieve stability, economic independence, and successful integration into the community. We serve Ukrainian citizens paroled into the U.S., as well as non-Ukrainians who resided in Ukraine and were paroled into the U.S. between February 24, 2022 and September 30, 2024. Our staff offers a wide range of social and employment services, including: • Development of a personalized self-sufficiency plan • Case management and referrals • Employment services, job search skills, and work experience opportunities • Outreach and community support • Social and cultural adjustment assistance • English language support • Help with school, benefits, and local resource navigation • Transitional services and employment retention support We serve Ukrainian citizens paroled into the U.S., as well as non-Ukrainians who resided in Ukraine and were paroled into the U.S. between February 24, 2022 and September 30, 2024. Rooted in compassion and dignity, Catholic Charities of Long Island is committed to helping newcomers rebuild their lives and feel safe, supported, and empowered within their new community.

Catholic Charities of Long Island  Immigration ...

The office of Immigration & Refugee Services is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice to counsel, process, file, and represent clients...

Learn the Skills, Love the Sport, Swim for Life!

Long Island Swim School

Long Island Swim School is the teaching arm of the nationally ranked Long Island Aquatic Club. Our Learn to Swim programs create strong, safe, and confident swimmers for life. With locations in Garden City and Syosset we train over 2,000 children each week at every swim level from Beginner to Olympian. Long Island Swim School offers swim lessons for children ages 2 - 14years old. The main emphasis of our programs is to teach children to swim correctly and develop essential water skills in a relaxed environment. Our goal driven and technique oriented approach is the key to your child's success. Through skill based quality teaching our students develop a joy for learning and a passion for swimming. At Long Island Swim School, we teach children to swim the same way the best in the world do. By using age-appropriate, proven techniques children build real skills in kick, pull, body position, and breath control. Our logical, consistent progression turns every fundamental—whether blowing bubbles or learning butterfly timing—into a building block for efficient, confident swimming. Our professional staff are swimmers and coaches with the knowledge to give your child the skills to achieve more than just water safety. We provide the best foundation possible for success. Not every child will dream of Olympic glory, but every child should have the foundation to take them there. Whether the end goal is a competitive journey or a recreational one, whether your child competes in 2044 or they are happy playing in their home pool, the skills they learn at Long Island Swim School will take them as far as their dreams allow. Visit our 2 locations: Garden City: 750 F. Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530 ​(516) 378-8467 GCSwimLessons@longislandswimming.com Syosset: 170 Michael Drive, Syosset, NY 11791 ​(516) 378-8467 SYSwimLessons@longislandswimming.com

Long Island Swim School is the teaching arm of the nationally ranked Long Island Aquatic Club. Our Learn to Swim programs create strong, safe, and...

Nearby Communities

State Edition

National Edition

Events and Things to Do in Merrick, NY

Also around town...

Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Sunday, July 12

Thursday, July 16

Tuesday, July 21

ink & easel Art Studio

Brands Cycle & Fitness

Goshinkan Dojo

Catholic Charities of Long Island Immigration & Refugee Services

Long Island Swim School