2015 Annual Report - Autism Society NWPA

2015 Annual Report
Who We Are
More than 3.5 million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). About 1 in 68 children have
been identified with ASD according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) as of March 2014. The Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania was developed in the mid 1980’s
to improve the quality of life across the lifespan of individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their families in
Erie, Crawford, Venango, and Mercer County. We are part of a team that will assist these families as they
navigate the world of autism.
Through our programs, we promote and deliver:
• Advocacy
• Education
• Service
• Support
• Research
We are who mothers call when their
child has been diagnosed and are
looking for support.
We are where fathers bring their sons
to play in a calm social atmosphere.
We are who parents call when they
are seeking friendships and safe new
experiences for their child.
To Our Donors and Community Partners,
Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States. Efforts to promote early
diagnosis and intervention, supported by the Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania, will reduce
the financial and societal pressures imposed as more individuals are identified with an autism spectrum
disorder. Autism is a disability without a known cause or cure and currently affects 1 in 42 boys and
1 in 189 girls, so offering support to families and individuals in our area is vital. While the number of
children diagnosed continues to rise, there is also a dramatic increase in the number of adults with
autism. In 2005, more than 1,400 Pennsylvania adults were living with an autism diagnosis. That number is expected to increase to more than 36,000 by 2020. As a local organization, we are in the trenches with our families providing support, referrals, mentors,
education, and most importantly a community of understanding. Through the support of our families and
donors, we have successfully created monthly family sensory and social outings, Community Days with
First Responders, Auto Racers for Kids Lego Social Club, and a partnership with Blended Spirits Ranch
for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. The funds raised are also used to support national research,
provide local grants, host conferences and educational seminars, and provide information about
autism through presentations and printed material.
As a family support organization, we are focused on supporting individuals across their lifespan. We have an increasing teen population that is dealing with more pronounced challenges with their
social skills. In response, teens have become more keenly aware of who “fits in” and who “stands out.” Autism Society NWPA has created a Friends & Pals Teen Club. The group will provide an opportunity
for friendship, networking, conversation, and FUN! Individuals who are deprived of the opportunity for
socialization never learn to understand or use the basic tools of human interaction: speech, touch, body
language, etc. Individuals on the autism spectrum experience symptoms of isolation, even though
he/she has not been physically isolated. The isolation, in the case of autism, comes from the inside out. Teenagers need more independent social skills once they leave school for college or the job market. Our group will give teens on the autism spectrum an opportunity to generalize social skills and practice
in a natural comfortable environment.
Our education, support, and social activities are driven by the needs of our families. Our organization relies
100% on fundraising dollars to meet our goals and support the local community. Autism Society NWPA is
a community of support and understanding for all individuals on the autism spectrum. We support families
and individuals across their lifespan.
Thank you for the important part that you played in making our mission possible!
We are the
Tish L. Bartlett
Executive Director
Efforts to promote early diagnosis and intervention, supported
by the Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania, will reduce the
financial and societal pressures imposed as more individuals
are identified with an autism spectrum disorder.
Family Sensory
& Social Opportunities
Throughout 2015, over 14 events were hosted by the
Autism Society NWPA. These events serve as
opportunities for families to receive support and
mentoring while building new relationships. Structured
community events not only provide ASD children a calm
social environment, but also one in which the entire
family may build relationships by including neuro-typical
siblings and encouraging interaction and support.
Local events such as ones held at the Erie Playhouse,
Claytopia, Mount Pleasant and Erie SeaWolves allow
families to socialize safely in an environment which might
typically be overwhelming for the ASD family member.
Blended Spirits Ranch
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
The Equine Assisted Learning program was developed as a pilot program to help teens and young adults
between 11 and 22 years old with autism spectrum disorders develop positive experiences mentally,
emotionally, and physically from the proven methodology of Equine Assisted Learning (EAL). We were
fortunate to be able to partner with the Blended Spirits Ranch, a non-profit organization, whose mission is
to provide a safe and structured environment for using equine therapy to help individuals feel empowered
and build self-esteem.
“Greg really enjoys the Erie SeaWolves and tubing
events. It is also very nice to attend these events with
all of the other families who are very accepting and
supportive. This also helps Greg with his socialization
skills. Thanks and keep up the great work!”
- Mike, Meg, and Greg Eisert
Structured community events not only provide
ASD children a calm social environment, but also
one in which the entire family may build
relationships by including neuro-typical siblings
and encouraging interaction and support.
Auto Racers for Kids LEGO Social Club
Launched in February of 2014, with funding secured from
Auto Racers for Kids Charities Inc., LEGO Social Club was
designed to create a safe and social environment where
K-8 children and teens on the spectrum can improve
social interactions. The LEGO Social Club meets
monthly and is an effective way for children and teens
to participate in a preferred activity while improving
their communication skills. The club is facilitated by
a Special Education teacher, OT, LSPT, and BSC
providing a safe and comfortable environment
for Building Friendships Brick by Brick. Registration has increased since inception,
with Fall 2015 hosting 42 members.
The program’s success means that
it will continue in 2016 and beyond.
Our program was designed with 5 main objectives:
1 Build self-esteem and confidence
2 Develop self-awareness, control and an
understanding of appropriate boundaries
3 Provide companionship, unconditional love,
and acceptance
4 Teach responsibility, empathy, and how to care
for others
5 Offer good physical exercise outdoors and
improve balance and coordination
The program successfully completed three 8-week sessions in 2015 with 15 participants. With the help and
generosity of a local foundation, the Autism Society NWPA is able to continue the program with 50% tuition
coverage for every participant.
Hi, My name is Michelle Breter and we have a 12-year-old son named
Zach who has Autism and many health issues. We are so thankful for
finding Blended Spirits Ranch and their Assisted Learning/Equine Assisted
Psychotherapy Program. This program and Ms. Sandy have changed our
son so much for the better. Zach was only on a horse once before coming
to the Ranch. Zach has had issues with being bullied in school and in Boy Scouts. Had
no self-esteem at all and big issues with trust. After being at the ranch a
short time Zach has learned to stand up for himself and what his space is.
He has more trust in himself in being able to do things on his own. Gus the
Horse has taught him how to relax and just chill. This program is hands on
with the horse - not all about riding, which we just loved. Zach knows all
the horses at the ranch are special in their own way just like him. Thank you so much Autism Society NWPA and Blended Spirits Ranch.
This program is Awesome. Please visit www.nwpa-asa.org/events
for more information.
Zach has learned to
stand up for himself
and what his space
is. He has more
trust in himself in
being able to do
things on his own.
–Michelle and Kevin Breter
Autism in Our Community Event (A.C.E.)
Each year we host an educational conference for families, individuals on the autism spectrum,
professionals, and members of the community to meet with and learn from nationally recognized authors
and local organizations. In 2015, the annual Autism in Our Community Event was held in October at
Penn State Behrend and featured Dr. Peter Gerhardt, the Executive Director of the EPIC School in NJ.
Dr. Gerhardt also serves as the chairman for the Scientific Council for the Organization for Autism Research,
and on the professional advisory boards for the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies, the Association of
Professional Behavior Analysts, and the Autism Society of America. Participation has grown each year with
over 200 in attendance in 2015. We are currently making plans for the 2016 conference, which will take
place on Saturday, October 15, 2016.
If you would like to volunteer or learn more about this event please
contact Tish Bartlett, Executive Director at (814) 455-3540.
Grant Program
In 2015, seven local organizations received Autism
Society NWPA grants. We awarded $16,172 in grant
money to organizations which serve individuals on
the autism spectrum in our area.
Autism Society NWPA also offers one nationwide
$5,000 Research Grant annually. The 2015 Research
Grant was awarded to Yale School of Medicine
for the Virtual Reality-Social Cognition Training
(VR-SCT) research for adults.
Nonprofit organizations that are defined as
tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal
Revenue Code are eligible to receive grants.
Organizations must be located in the Northwestern Region of Pennsylvania and demonstrate that the
majority of the population served falls on the autism spectrum. Applications are currently being accepted
for Summer 2016 deadline consideration.
Please visit www.nwpa-asa.org/grant-application/ for more information.
Knowing the “Next Steps”
When parents receive the news that their child is on the autism spectrum they can quickly begin to feel
overwhelmed. Or maybe a parent suspects their child has autism, but isn’t sure what to do. We developed
the Next Step Guide in 2014 as a resource to inform families of what autism is, how it’s diagnosed,
medical and insurance options and programs, and ways to care for loved ones at every age. This online
resource promotes the active and informed involvement of family members and individuals with autism
with the planning of appropriate support programs and services.
Learn more at www.nwpa-asa.org/help-for-families/next-step-guide.
Annual Walk for Autism
The Annual Walk for Autism is held each April at Presque Isle State Park for Autism Awareness Month
and is the largest fundraiser for the organization. The 2015 walk included approximately 2,500 participants,
125 volunteers, 71 teams and 46 sponsors. Approximately $120,000 was raised from registrations and
sponsor donations, including three Platinum-level Sponsors.
Platinum Sponsors
EMTA
WJET-TV
BOB-FM
Gold Sponsors
Bensur Creative Marketing Group
Klein Plating Works, Inc
Lake Erie Speedway
LAMAR
Panera Bread
Ricardo’s Restaurant
The Barber National Institute
Team Marko – Kristy & George Klapsinos
Wm T Spaeder Company
Von Rollen Photography
Silver Sponsors
Community Care Behavioral Health
Erie County Care Management Inc.
Eriez Magnetics
F & S Tool, Inc
Jay and Mary Spaeder
Keystone Insurers Group, Inc
Niagara Therapy
Pete’s Pub
Silk Screen Specialties Unlimited, Inc
Stafford Dairy Farm
Starbucks
Tim Horton’s
2016 Walk:
Saturday, April 23, 2016
To register, volunteer, or become
a vendor or sponsor please visit
www.nwpa-asa.org/events/walk-information/
Bronze Sponsors
Achievement Center
Appraisal Institute of Northwest PA
Baer Appraisal LLC
Contemporary Motorcar
Erie Community Foundation
Erie Homes for Children & Adults, Inc.
First National Bank of Pennsylvania
Great Lakes Case & Cabinet
Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Sennett PC
Lesko Enterprises
Pfeffer Insurance Agency, Inc
Presque Isle Rehabilitation Service LLC
Quinn Law Firm
Tri-Medical Rehab Supply
UTZ
Wegmans
2,500
125
71
46
$120,000
participants
volunteers
teams
sponsors
raised
A Special Thank You
Community Partners
Auto Racers for Kids Charities Inc.
Erie Sports Commission
Erie Community Foundation
First National Bank
Penn State Erie
–The Behrend College
Erie Downtown Partnership
Grainger Foundation
The Achievement Center
The Nonprofit Partnership
Erie SeaWolves
Volunteer Relationships
Cathedral Prep & Villa Maria
General Electric
Niagara Therapy
Edinboro University
Get Connected–United Way
Penn State Alumni
Gannon University
service groups
Mercyhurst University
Wal-Mart
Fundraising Support
Covelli Enterprises
– Panera Bread
Erie Construction Council
Plymouth Tavern
General Electric
Employee Community Service
Fund of General Electric
Hermitage VFW
Share the Love–
Subaru–New Motors
Erie Charity Quarter Raffle
Insane Inflatable 5K
Our families and
local community
Join Us or Join In!
Are you, or someone you know, interested in joining the
Autism Society NWPA? Add your voice to the growing number of
families and professionals helping those with autism. As part of your
annual membership, you will enjoy free or discounted family sensory and
social opportunities as well as invitations to special members-only events. The benefits of attending begin with sharing from parent to parent—
often times, just talking to someone who has “been there” can really help. The monthly outings are designed to develop community awareness
and interaction through structured community-based experiences.
Participants also develop and maintain recreation and leisure skills. The outings are open to all families living with an autism spectrum disorder. http://nwpa-asa.org/join-autism-society-nwpa/
The Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania depends 100% on
fundraising dollars to provide support to individuals and families living
with an autism spectrum disorder. We welcome the community’s
willingness to help promote autism awareness and funding for our
mission. One of the ways to support the Autism Society Northwestern
Pennsylvania is planning and/or sponsoring an event to raise funds for the
charity. Support the Autism Society NWPA at your next event or become
a volunteer!
Visit www.nwpa-asa.org/how-to-help/3rd-party-fundraisers/
Join the
Autism Society NWPA
- Free or discounted family
sensory and social opportunities
- Invitations to special
member-only events
- Parent to parent help
and support
To learn more:
www.nwpa-asa.org/join-autism-society-nwpa/