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Lou Berman often cries when he ponders what his autistic son’s life might never include. Rather than resorting to negativity over the probable absences, the resident of the 100 block of McClellan Street is heading Louie’s Voice, an organization that derives its name from his 14-year-old descendant and focuses on what special needs individuals should never be without, love and hope.
“The crux of who we are is instilling positivity,” the 44-year-old Pennsport dweller said of his 2012-fashioned means to accumulate resources and stimulate conversations on the future of addressing his child’s and other figures’ conditions. “I’m keeping my finger on the pulse of the campaign for awareness.”
Berman used a heartbreaking incident, his ’09 divorce, to intensify his involvement within the autism spectrum disorders research community. Having earned a communications degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, he has used his interpersonal skills to land numerous contacts, with fundraisers making many people more mindful of the increasing amount of diagnoses and their roles in demanding less stereotyping and more caring. Along his journey, Berman, who also has a daughter, has realized his immense ability to foster tolerance, patience, love and faith.
“I would say my true self has been more revealed through my time as an advocate,” he said. “I feel it’s my responsibility to provide ways to thrive.”
Berman has been fulfilling that duty through relationships with businesses, educational entities and organizations, with his outreach likely to land him a meeting with autism activist Temple Grandin. He has banked on his job as vice president of sales for a South-of-South auto body center to gather more interest in his plans to offer child care services for special needs children and residential care for special needs adults.
“What I get out of this is addicting because the mission is to offer life-changing gestures,” he said. “I’ve often wondered what it’s like to be Louie and have worked through many feelings, with a prevailing one being that I always need to act and be a voice for the voiceless.”
Excited about the next few months’ occasions, including a chance to dress as Santa Claus for autistic children, Berman revels in having a can-do attitude, which his difference maker kudos will further.
“I don’t do anything for publicity,” he said. “It’s all about being a positive presence and getting results.”
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
2013 Difference Makers
/ Bruce Baldwin / Anthony Benedetto Sr. / Lou Berman / Beth Coleman /
/ Diane DellaVella / Phyllis DiLemmo /
/ Roe and Jim Gallo / Tyrique Glasgow / Ali Hackett / Deborah Holmes /
/ Kat Kendon / Harry McKay / Jaime Pannone / Juanita Perkins-Qui /
/ Gaetano Piccirilli / Megan Rosenbach / Ted Scairato Sr /
/ Rich Sisman / Dan Stevenson / Paula Terreri / Lynn Oakes West / Lawrence Whitaker / Robert Wilbowe / Ilene Wilder /
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