Legacy of Giving Continues-the Malina Girls Help Students with Autism in Their Community

Miami, FL, December 09, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The Malina girls have some very big footsteps to follow in – so they are starting early. Brezlan and Makenna Malina of Coconut Grove have taken to the streets to help raise money for The Victory Center, a not-for-profit school for children with autism.

These resourceful 8-year old twins have formed a “Puppy Club,” and are going door-to-door to take care of neighborhood pets in an effort to raise awareness of and funds for this very special school.

The Victory Center was founded in June 2000 by the parents of a child with autism and a volunteer Board of Directors. It runs as a full day, year-round school program of early intensive intervention based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis. Intervention is provided in a one-to-one or two-to-one student/teacher ratio in a classroom setting. The Victory School opened its doors with 4 students enrolled in 2 classrooms, and today the organization has grown to include over forty children, including our Sump Camp enrollees this year alone.

It is no wonder these resourceful young girls have developed a philanthropic spirit at such a young age. Their father, Jay Malina, was deeply devoted to Miami and as the creator of Miami’s One Community, One-Goal initiative; he was directly responsible for bringing countless jobs to Miami. Although Jay died in 2003, his name continues to be synonymous with giving back to the community. The girls’ mother, Janá Sigars-Malina, is a dedicated philanthropist and cultural arts activist. A past president of Miami City Ballet, her countless contributions include serving on the Miami Dade Cultural Affairs Council as well as on the Boards of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, The Playground Theatre and the Lovewell Institute for the Arts.

That the girls chose The Victory Center as their cause is no surprise. They and their family have attended and supported Victory Center’s events over the past several years and have seen first hand the hope opportunity and education that such a school provides. The Puppy Club is only the first step for these junior philanthropists, who know that everyone – even kids – can make a difference.

The mission of the Victory Center, Inc. is to provide education and services to individuals and families with autism and similar disorders in a secure and stimulating learning environment. Comprehensive individualized and science-based treatment is provided so that every individual can develop to his/her fullest potential academically, socially, and emotionally through academic, and transitional programs, as well as community outreach services

To support The Victory Center or The Puppy Club, contact Thalya G. Olmos, Executive Director at tolmos@thevictoryschool.org or (305)466-1142 extension 212

For further information, please visit The Victory Center’s web site at www.thevictoryschool.org

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The Victory Center is a full day, year-round school program of early intensive intervention based on the science of Applied Behavior Analysis, provided in a one-to-one or two-to-one student/teacher ratio in a classroom setting.