Manville Walmart Supports TS Programs in Somerset County

NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) was awarded a Walmart Foundation Community Grant for $1,500 by the employees of the Manville Walmart. The grant is being used for Youth Development and Education Outreach initiatives throughout the greater Somerset area. Hand in hand, these two programs help reach children and families and spread awareness about Tourette Syndrome.

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is neurobiological disorder characterized by repeated involuntary movements and uncontrollable vocal sounds called tics. According to a 2022 study by researchers at the CDC, as many as 1 in 50 school-age children have Tourette Syndrome or another persistent Tic Disorder.

The objective of the NJCTS Youth Development Program is to provide youth diagnosed with TS opportunities to develop their strength, courage and confidence while embracing their differences and advocating for themselves and others as an NJCTS Youth advocate. The objective of the NJCTS Education Outreach Program is to create an awareness of Tourette Syndrome and associated disorders and inform and educate people throughout the community, including those in school settings, to better understand this misunderstood disorder.

Youth Advocates speak at elementary schools about TS and bullying. Children who bully others often target children who seem "different." Children with Tourette Syndrome and other disabilities are, therefore, at significantly higher risk of being bullied.

“The more awareness around TS we can create, the less stigma our children have to live with now and into the future,” said Patricia Phillips, NJCTS Executive Director. “They are their own best advocates and, in our experience, the best individuals to advocate for others, including younger children. We are thankful to the Walmart Foundation for helping NJCTS reach more children and teens who may be struggling with a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome.”

To learn more about these programs or to schedule a presentation at your school, visit www.njcts.org/advocate.

About NJCTS

NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders, the nation’s first Center of Excellence for Tourette Syndrome, is a not-for-profit organization committed to the advocacy of children and families with Tourette Syndrome, tic disorders, and associated disorders. Dedicated to delivering high quality services to these individuals, the Center recognizes the importance of educating the public, medical professionals, and teachers about the disorder through programs and affiliations with schools, health centers, and universities. To learn more about NJCTS, visit www.njcts.org or call 908.575.7350.

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart.org represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. By focusing where the business has unique strengths, Walmart.org works to tackle key social and environmental issues and collaborate with others to spark long-lasting systemic change. Walmart has stores in 24 countries, employs more than 2 million associates and does business with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people. Walmart.org is helping people live better by supporting programs to accelerate upward job mobility for frontline workers, advance equity, address hunger, build inclusive economic opportunity for people in supply chains, protect and restore nature, reduce waste and emissions, and build strong communities where Walmart operates. To learn more, visit www.walmart.org or connect on Twitter @Walmartorg.