Forever Jordan Foundation Makes First Institutional Grant

The members of the SPIRIT Class at Felix Festa Middle School happily greeted Jordan Esposito and others from the on Friday.  The foundation presented its first-ever institutional grant to the school, a donation of four iPads for the sixth through eighth grade SPIRIT class.

Teacher Rebecca Freimann told her students, “We’ve been rewarded with iPads.”

The special education students have been working with technology and the donation will add to their continuum of services.  Using the new educational tools will help the students who are “hands-on” learners and whose classroom just got a Smartboard.

“It’s going to help your motor skills,” Foundation Director Amy Covino told the students during the brief presentation.  “It’s going to help your social skills.”

They will also assist the 11 students in the class with improving their math and art skills.

The students responded enthusiastically.

“I feel happy,” said one.

“I feel so happy that I’m going to use the iPads,” said another.

“So happy and excited, “ came another response.

“We wrote a grant,” Freimann said. “We’ve very happy. We’re very excited.”

Two of the students in the 11-member class whose families submitted individual applications received their own iPads.

Sue Esposito, president of the foundation, said when her daughter, Jordan, received funds anonymously to purchase a specialized wheelchair it redeemed her spirit and hope.  After that she wanted to form a foundation to to help children with their spirit and hope

25-year-old Jordan Esposito was born with a severe case of Spina Bifida.  She has overcome almost 30 surgeries to earn a degree from Rockland Community College and pursue her desire to help others in her community.  Her foundation holds two major fundraisers a year: the “Take A Bite Out of Rockland” event in the winter and the “Annual Rockland Barn Raiser” in the fall.  The foundation started three years ago.

“We’ve given almost $60,000 in grants and wishes,” Covino explained.

This year the foundation received four education applications and hopes to increase the number of special education grants it makes.  Another donation of three iPads will be made to Jawonio. 

The non-profit Forever Jordan Foundation services all of Rockland County and hopes to expand its donations from 11 this year to a goal of 30 next year.

Board member and Treasurer Wayne Roimisher said all involved in the foundation share a common goal.

“Everyone is there on the board for a reason,” he said. “Everyone’s goal is to help kids.”