Making A Difference In The Lives Of Others

DEEP RIVER, CT —Paying it forward, parents Gale and Patrick Dilger linked up with A Little Compassion Inc. non-profit, when their daughter Alexandra Dilger passed away. Together they turned a tragedy into an inspiration and created the Alexandra Dilger award in 2019, which is presented annually to young adults, age 18 to 30, who have faced challenges due to autism or neurodiversity but have persevered to reach a personal goal.

A little Compassion Inc. has a mission is to create work experience and employment opportunities for young adults with disabilities and build a bridge to adulthood. The non-profit works to provide an array of social activities geared toward the interests of young adults with and without disabilities and offer them a safe, comfortable space in the community to gather. One way A little Compassion achieves this goal is by running The Nest Coffee House in downtown Deep River and providing jobs and programs for individuals with disabilities.

The 2021 recipients of the Alexandra Dilger Award are Emma Fanelli and Kaylee Moen, both 27 years old and both from Deep River.

“This award is really unique because it isn’t a typical scholarship,” said Mary Jo Helchowski, a board member of A Little Compassion, in a written statement. “It truly looks at the challenges, desires, and goals of the applicants. Instead of giving money that could be lost to everyday expenses like rent and groceries, it gives true, concrete items that will directly benefit the lives of the recipients.”

Helchowski added, “Though things have improved in the past few years, the neurodiverse population sometimes gets left out when it comes to scholarships, employment, and social opportunities. ALC provides opportunities to move past the awareness of autistic and neurodiverse people to the acceptance and inclusion of neurodiverse people. And this award truly promotes and lifts deserving people toward their goals.”

Alexandra's parents said that one way to honor their daughter's legacy was to recognize other young adults who, like their daughter, had wrestled with personal challenges but were determined to progress toward the attainment of their goals.

Fanelli, who is a brain tumor survivor and has had physical challenges since childhood, has always been fond of riding her bike and staying fit; activities she has missed since her treatment and surgeries that began when she was just six years old. She has a recumbent tricycle which allows her to bike with her mom, Charlene Voyce, however, the trikes are heavy and limit her range of accessing trails. The Alexandra Dilger Award changed all that.

As part of the award, Fanelli received a double recumbent trike rack and hitch that will enable her and her mother to ride together and travel to a wider range of locations exploring new trails and making new memories.

Moen, who has aspirations of becoming a professional bookbinder, received a range of tools and materials (including a binder's knife, cutting board, shears, a Japanese pull kit, a work desk and several other needed supplies), that she will need for the bookbinding program she plans on attending at North Bennet Street School in Boston.

Moen has been working hard to determine a career path that would leverage her skills and bring her joy. Diagnosed with autism and managing anxiety and depression for much of her life, there have been many challenges along the way. She currently lives on her own and has taken college and continuing education classes to prepare herself for the two-year program at North Bennett Street School, which will teach her skills in bookbinding, as well as, manuscript repair and prepare her for a career in book preservation and conservation.

"I am so excited to start the bookbinding program this fall,” said Moen in a press release. “I've always loved working with my hands and the prospect of building a career around that seems pretty ideal. The tools are an immense help, and while they won't make me a better craftsman on their own, they (along with the class) will give me the opportunity to hone my skills and pursue this dream in a way I could not have done without them."

She added, "Any craftsman will tell you that tools are important, and the tools given to me by
the Alexandra Dilger Award should (with proper care!) last me a lifetime. I can't wait to get started."

The Award is given annually and includes the completion of a brief nomination form by the individual themselves or an adult community member. Finalists participate in a friendly conversation with the nomination team and the recipients are then chosen.

For more information contact Jane@alittlecompassion.org.