Jennifer O’Brien Named 2018 New York Mother of the Year ®

American Mothers, Inc.® names Jennifer O’Brien of Binghamton, the 2018 New York Mother of the Year. Nominees qualify for this honor by having one or more children and being inspirational in their role as a mom.  

O’Brien is a proud advocate for families with special needs. Through her work as Executive Director of Life Is Washable, Inc. (createABLE/The Magic Paintbrush Project) she has served over 50,000 participants in creative family engagement programming.  

O’Brien has developed other innovative programs such as “Friendly Access Safety Kits” and “Fair Play” adaptive sports, which encourages families to be a part of community events.  

O’Brien continually advocates for the special needs community, and she served as the project coordinator for the “OurSpace at Rec Park” project. This now completed four-acre park project welcomes families of all needs to the largest fully accessible playground in the State of New York.   

O’Brien also serves as the Executive Director of the American Special Hockey Association, supporting nearly 70 special hockey teams nationwide with 3,400 registered members. She was also a volunteer coordinator for hospice.  

Having her family involved in her work has been especially wonderful. Her daughters, Paige and Maggie, are her inspiration and her husband, Paul, is her greatest cheerleader. She is most proud of her family, and their extended “kids”.

“Mrs. O’Brien is the founding Executive Director of Life is Washable, Inc., also known as the Magic Paintbrush Project (MPP),” stated Senator Fred Akshar.

He added, “MPP is the first program of its kind in the nation, providing innovative workshops and programs designed to improve mobility, communication, socialization, and community involvement for individuals and families with special needs. Jennifer has dedicated her life to serving others in our community, all while taking great care and pride in her loving husband and two daughters.” 

“Jen has a true passion for making our community better for all families and individuals,” said Binghamton Mayor Richard David, adding, “OurSpace and her other endeavors, such as the Magic Paintbrush Project, are evidence of her unconditional love, inner strength, and courage, In setting out to make life better for her children, Jen has made our community better and more inclusive for everyone.”

“American mothers are true American heroes,” said Connell Branan, president of American Mothers, Inc. 

Branan added, “For over eight decades our organization has honored mothers who work tirelessly and serve greatly. It is inspiring to see so many women who embody the selfless, caring spirit of motherhood and who are using that maternal energy to make the world a better place.”