SUMMER pushing beyond limitations.

Transcription

1 SUMMER 2017 pushing beyond limitations.

2 pushing beyond limitations. There s a word that people often associate with autism: limitations. Indeed, it s easy to imagine the many restrictions that autism creates for those on the spectrum. But rather than viewing autism s limitations as immovable roadblocks, we at Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism prefer to see them as mere obstacles to move aside. Hence, our tagline: Pushing beyond limitations. You might wonder why GCLA needs a tagline. Well, to be honest, we ve always struggled a bit to describe what we do. But the term Pushing beyond limitations makes our role easier to explain. For example, our advocacy initiatives expand awareness and dispel myths about autism s limiting effects. What s more, partnering with area autism providers helps us identify program and service limitations. And our fundraising and donation efforts lessen financial limitations on our partner agencies and our families. All those endeavors help those with autism overcome limitations placed on them. Here s a case in point: Students with cognitive or social challenges often face limitations transitioning from school to work. So GCLA partnered with Bittersweet Farms and Perrysburg Schools to create Venture Bound, an interactive and inclusive program that removes employment limitations for its participants. Venture Bound just completed its inaugural year. We want you to know more about GLCA, its work, its partners, and its supporters. That s why we hope you ll take a few moments to explore our summer newsletter. Ours is a story about pushing beyond limitations one that our tagline helps us relate, and one that you can confidently believe. Catina Harding Executive Director Meg Ressner President

3 new board members Lindsey Ohlman Lindsey Ohlman is a labor and employment attorney with the Eastman & Smith law firm. She is a two-time graduate of The Ohio State University, where she obtained an undergraduate degree in business and a law degree. Lindsey says she joined the GLCA Board because, I have a strong interest in raising awareness about and funds for autism, and to connect different groups of people to support a great cause. Blake Pilgrim Blake Pilgrim is the operations manager for Wurtec, a manufacturer of products for the passenger elevator industry. Blake studied Accounting and Finance at the University of Dayton, prior to earning his MBA at the University of Toledo. His eagerness to give back with the limited time he has brought Blake to the GLCA Board. I wanted to focus on one cause, says Blake, while also incorporating my passion for business. Sara Swisher Sara Swisher is the Director for EPIC Toledo a Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce program that helps engage young people within their communities. Sara joined the EPIC staff after earning a Bachelor s degree at Bowling Green State University. She joined the GLCA Board in hopes of inspiring positive growth within the Toledo area. I am looking to serve the community and connect with others, says Sara. Janna Waltz Janna Waltz is a busy woman, what with balancing a dual career as a family law attorney and a financial professional at the same time that she and husband Mike are raising three young daughters. Janna joined the GLCA Board to feed her passion for promoting positive change. My desire to help others, to become informed, and to strengthen my community brought me to the GLCA Board, says Janna.

4 new community assessment announced The Toledo Regional Autism Network is a strategic partnership between sixteen community service providers all working together to benefit individuals with autism. Member organizations help identify needs and initiatives to ensure that area families receive the best possible care, services, support, and opportunities. Catina Harding, GCLA s executive director and facilitator for the Toledo Regional Autism Network, has announced a new research undertaking that includes a service-provider audit and an updated needs assessment. Local research firm Great Lakes Marketing will perform the audit, working with area families and community organizations to gather data and collect program feedback. We will be working with Toledo Regional Autism Network members, families, and other providers to schedule interviews and focus groups, says Harding. Great Lakes Marketing conducted the most recent community assessment in The company is known for its creativity in designing data collection methods that obtain as much information as possible from each study. If you would like more information, or if you would like to be a part of this important community project, please contact Catina Harding at catina@bex.net or

5 glass city marathon On April 23, the Toledo Roadrunners Club held its annual signature event, the Mercy Health Glass City Marathon and Owens Corning Half Marathon. The Roadrunners Club selects area nonprofit organizations as the race s charity partners, and GLCA was among this year s chosen agencies. GLCA board president, Meg Ressner, and new board member, Lindsey Ohlman, put together relay teams to participate in the race. Team members collected financial pledges from family and friends, resulting in 151 donations totaling $2,765 for GLCA. Having access to autism services made all the difference for my brother, Peter, says Meg. Peter is able to live independently, and he recently celebrated his 35th work anniversary. Running in the relay provided me a perfect opportunity to give back to those who supported my brother and our family.

6 2 EVENTS, 1 EXCITING EVENING 4:00pm $150/person - 9 holes of golf - wine tasting - appetizers - The Party IS ticket followed by Stone Oak Country Club 100 Stone Oak Blvd. Holland, OH Proceeds Benefit:

7 FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 2017 The Party IS 6:30pm $75/person - heavy grazing & 2 drink tickets - cash bar - silent auction - photo booth - music ENTER NOW HAWAII RAFFLE Enter to win a one-week stay in Hawaii + $1,000 for airfare Enjoy 7 days in a 2 br / 2.5 bath deluxe ocean view condominium at Poipu Kai Resort on Kauai. Located on sunny Poipu Beach, it s one of Kauai s most prestigious beachfront resorts. Purchase tickets at: 1 for $25 5 for $100 Winning ticket will be drawn at: The Party Is (Do not have to be present to win.)

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9 partnering for success In 2016, the Great Lakes Collaborative for Autism partnered with Bittersweet to create Venture Bound, an interactive and inclusive program that helps young people with cognitive challenges transition from school to work. Perrysburg Schools became the first district to offer the Venture Bound opportunity to its students, with the program running concurrently with the school year. By helping participants acquire relevant job skills and experience and by empowering them with self-awareness and respect Venture Bound prepares young people for successful and sustainable employment. Training includes both classroom and on-the-job instruction, along with authentic community-based experiences. Too often, our students with cognitive challenges are participating in a general education curriculum and graduating without the much needed life and employability skills to successfully enter the workforce and remain gainfully employed, explains Meg Ressner, GLCA s board president. We believe our kids should have opportunities for employment upon graduation and into the future. Venture Bound is a three-tiered training program offering exploration and classroom assessment, community volunteering and job trainings, and employment with local businesses. The multitiered approach provides young people with the skills, confidence, and support necessary to obtain relevant and rewarding employment. Our students deserve the best chance at attaining meaningful post-school employment, says Sara Stockwell, Executive Director of Pupil Services at Perrysburg Schools. By helping students develop skills and independence early on, we can help them break through barriers to employment. Venture Bound s first year exceeded GCLA and Bittersweet s expectations. The program builds on each student s interests and strengths to create individualized life-skills training, volunteer experiences, and employment opportunities. Best of all, Venture Bound helps participants become recognized as valuable contributors to the community. If you would like more information about Venture Bound, visit venturebound.org.

10 one family s story Chris and Theresa Zugo s son, Danny, has autism. Danny is a loving and caring young man, and he always makes his parents proud. It has been heartbreaking for the Zugos to watch Danny trying hard to keep pace with his classmates while, through no fault of his own, finding himself one step behind. But that changed when Chris and Theresa enrolled Danny in the inaugural Venture Bound program at Perrysburg High School. Venture Bound has exceeded their wildest hopes for the program. It has brought tears to our eyes watching Danny grow more selfconfident, says Theresa. His improved ability to communicate thoughts and ideas has been remarkable. In Venture Bound, Danny learns basic life skills in ways that he can understand and retain. Such skills include personal hygiene methods, completing job applications, and how to properly cook a meal. Venture Bound has helped Danny gain a better understanding about the importance of being a self-advocate, says Chris. Simply put, he is learning to become more independent. Chris and Theresa now shed tears of joy rather than heartbreak as they watch their son flourish. Venture Bound, they say, has allowed Danny to become aware of the possibilities the world has to offer him. Venture Bound has meant new hope hope that our son will be able to find his way in a world that isn t always tolerant and understanding of people on the autism spectrum.

11 partner spotlight: Kelly Elton Kelly Elton has dedicated her career to helping adults and adolescents with autism. As Director of Educational Services for Bittersweet Inc., Kelly currently works with young people with autism and their families. In that role, she has witnessed firsthand how individuals with autism struggle to find and maintain employment. With those experiences as motivation, Kelly helped launch Venture Bound, a joint program between GLCA and Bittersweet that helps students with cognitive or social challenges transition from school to work. Venture Bound students build skills that they can use throughout their careers. My job connects me to young people with autism, says Kelly. Through those connections, I ve seen how individualized support helps people reach their potential. A mother of three, Kelly holds a Master s degree in Special Education, as well as a graduate certificate in Autism Spectrum Disorders, from Bowling Green State University. Kelly has also been involved in developing and implementing Social Living Clubs in Whitehouse and Lima, Ohio. She also participates in the Toledo Regional Autism Network. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to work and become a valued contributor to the community, explains Kelly. Thanks to her dedicated efforts, Venture Bound participants are getting that opportunity.

12 upcoming events: Tips For Autism Thursday, June 22nd 5pm-8pm LaScola Italian Grill 5375 Airport Highway Wednesday, June 28th 5pm-8pm The Pub at The Paula Brown Shop 912 Monroe Street Red, White, & Brew for Autism Monday, July 3rd 6pm Home of Catina and Jon Harding Drinks Traditional 4th of July Food Fireworks for more details visit: greatlakesautism.org / The Party Is Friday, August 25th 4pm / 6:30pm Stone Oak County Club 100 Stone Oak Blvd. LEARN MORE: 2040 W. Central Avenue Toledo, OH greatlakesautism.org...and don t forget to purchase your HAWAII RAFFLE tickets.