Autism Support & Resource Center
5284 Fenton Rd
Flint, MI 48507
VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITIES
The Autism Support Group of Genesee County is a charitable 501c3 organization providing support, assistance and advocacy for area families of children living with Autism.
Membership is free.
The ASGGC has no paid staff and no administrative expenses. Our work is done entirely by volunteers dedicated to creating a better future for area children with autism.
2012 Walk the Walk for Autism
BiCentennial Park - Click here for details
www.firstgiving.com/asggc
To enhance the quality of life and provide support and empowerment to families and individuals with autism through all phases of life.
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF AUTISM
If you would like to volunteer to help at the Autism Support Group of Genesee County. We are in need of volunteers for the following:
Please send us your name and how you would like to volunteer your time.
Swimming at YMCA Flint
Starting November 20th, 3:00 - 4:30 pm. Grab your suit & towel
Discounted prices to ASGGC members: $2.00 per swimmer or $5.00 per family. (regular price is $5 per person) YMCA also offer financial assitance to families with low income. Financial applications are available at the Autism Support & Resource Center during normal meeting times or at the YMCA.
• November 20
• December 4
• December 18
• January 1 - CANCELED
• January 15
• January 29
• February 12
• February 26
• March 11
• March 25
• April 8
• April 22
• May 6
• May 20
DOWNTOWN YMCA
(810) 232-9622
411 E. 3rd St.
Flint, MI 48503
Special Needs Basketball Program
$50.00 Registration Fee
Coach Bill Nason
8 weeks, Wednesdays starting Jan 11th - Feb 29th
Ages 6-11 play from 6-7 p.m.
Ages 12 and up play from 7-8 p.m.
Location:
Grand Blanc Academy
5135 E Hill Rd
Grand Blanc, MI 48439
billnason_yahoo.com
Participants receive a medal the last day
Sensory Sensitive Movies
First Saturday of every month.
•Doors will open at 9:15am to allow extra time to get seated for a 10am movie.
•Lights will be up. Sound will be lowered. No worries.
•Bring your family, bring your friends, and enjoy a movie that best fits your needs.
•Watch a movie in a safe and accepting environment. Patrons are free to talk, sing or move around the theatre during the show.
•Cost will be $5.50 for everyone.
Ravecinemas, Flint West 14
810-732-6668
1591 S. Graham Rd.
Flint Township, MI 48152
WHAT IS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER?
15,000 individuals with autism live in Michigan. 1,000 live in Genesee County.
Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and is the result of a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain, impacting development in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Both children and adults with autism typically show difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. Autism is a spectrum disorder and it affects each individual differently and at varying degrees. Early diagnosis is crucial.
Spectrum of autism:
* Autistic Disorder
* Asperger's Syndrome
* Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD)
* Rett's Disorder
* PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
Autism is the most common of the Pervasive Developmental Disorders, affecting an estimated 1 in 93 births. As many as 1.5 million Americans today are believed to have some form of autism.
Autism knows no racial, ethnic, social boundaries, family income, lifestyle, or educational levels and can affect any family, and any child. Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than in girls.
Persons with autism may also exhibit some of the following traits:
1. Insistence on sameness; resistance to change
2. Difficulty in expressing needs; uses gestures or pointing instead of words
3. Repeating words or phrases in place of normal, responsive language
4. Prefers to be alone; aloof manner
5. Tantrums
6. Difficulty in mixing with others
7. May not want to cuddle or be cuddled
8. Little or no eye contact
9. Unresponsive to normal teaching methods
10. Sustained odd play
11. Spins objects
12. Inappropriate attachment to objects
13. Apparent over-sensitivity or under-sensitivity to pain
14. No real fears or danger
15. Noticeable physical over-activity or extreme under-activity
16. Uneven gross/fine motor skills
17. Not responsive to verbal cues; acts as if deaf although hearing tests in normal range
18. Limited diet
For most of us, the integration of our senses helps us to understand what we are experiencing. For example, our senses of touch, smell, and taste work together in the experience of eating a ripe peach: the feel of the peach fuzz as we pick it up, its sweet smell as we bring it to our mouth, and the juices running down our face as we take a bite. For children with autism, sensory integration problems are common. Their senses may be over- or under-active. The fuzz on the peach may actually be experienced as painful; the smell may make the child gag. Some children with autism are particularly sensitive to sound, finding even the most ordinary daily noises painful.
MEMBERSHIP & REASONS TO JOIN:
There is no cost to join ASGGC
Joining is easy. Just attend a meeting or click here: Contact Us
Send us your Name, Address, Phone #, Childs name & age
Free "New Member Folder" full of resources
Access to Members Only private message board
Monthly support group meetings
Access to Lending Library
Special Members Only family activities such as Bowling, Swimming, Family Picnic and Christmas Parties
MEMBERS ONLY CALENDAR :
Bowling for ASGGC members in March. More details to follow
February 20th
Flint Childrens Museum
http://www.flintchildrensmuseum.org/
1602 W. University Ave.
Flint, MI 48504
You MUST RSVP for this event by February 14th. Please follow this link to RSVP or email: asggc_yahoo.com
http://geneseeautism.proboards.com/index....ents&thread=237
SPECIAL NEEDS SPORTS,
SWIMMING & MOVIES
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5284 Fenton Road
1/4 mile North of Hill Rd
Next to US-23 Drive In Theater
ASGGC_yahoo.com
Sponsor PDF Form.pdf
2011 Walk the Walk for Autism
Saturday, September 10th, 2011 from 10am - 3pm
Free Registration from 10am - 11am
Autism Angel Awards 11:00 am
Walk starts at 12:00 pm
Poster Contest 2:00 pm
Lucky Buckets 2:15
Raffle 2:30 pm
ASGGC is hosting the 2011 'Walk the Walk for Autism' on Saturday, September 10th, 10:00 a.m. at BiCentennial Park, 1505 E Grand Blanc Road, Grand Blanc, MI. 1/2 mi. w. of Dort Hwy and I75, exit #109 off I75
To pre-register or form a team click here: www.firstgiving.com/asggc
There will be the following:
Darth Vader will be leading the Walk. This is a fun casual walk, not a race. Food & drinks available. Bake sale and cake walk too. Come join us for a fun day to help out a great cause!
Proceeds go toward our Residental Project for people living with Autism. We will have "Autism Merchandise" for sale and TShirts available for purchase.
We are having an amazing raffle with tickets available to buy for $1.00 each.
HOW CAN I HELP?
Please download our "Walk Brochure" and follow the instructions.
Download the "Sponsor Form" and take it to businesses to get sponsors for the walk.
Nominate someone that has gone above and beyond for Autism in the community.
ASGGC Walk 6 2011.pdf
2011 Autism Angel Award Form.doc
Sponsors & Donors
Vendors
Pending Donations
2012 Angel Award.doc
2012 Poster Contest.doc
Saturday, September 8th, 2011 from 10am - 3pm
Lucky Buckets starts at 2:15
Raffle Drawing at 2:30 pm
Located at BiCentennial Park , 1505 E Grand Blanc Road, Grand Blanc, MI.
Darth Vader will be leading the Walk. This is a fun casual walk, not a race. Come join us for a fun day to help out a great cause!
If you are interested in hosting a vendor table, we have spaces available for a $75.00 donation. Non profits $50.00.
You will receive a 10' x 10' area. Provide your own table, tents, signage, etc.
Please contact ASGGC by using the form below with your information and the type of Vendor / Merchandise you will have in your area.
Donation / Sponsor Requests / Pending
Please check this list before going out to solicit donations. This list shows where we have already gone and need to follow up as needed.
Kroger Community Cares
If you shop at Kroger you can participate in the Kroger Community Rewards Program and help area children with autism by designating the Autism Support Group of Genesee County as your designated charity. Kroger will donate a percentage of your purchases to our Autism charity. It will mean so much to area children with autism. Have your Kroger Plus Card handy when you go online to enroll or re-enroll. ASGGC helps local families of children with autism through mini-grants for autism related expenses not covered by insurance, monthly family activities, autism educational programs, and much more.
Instructions: Go to www.krogercommunityrewards.com
Register online and sign in to your accout.
Under Kroger Community Rewards Section at right, click " Edit Kroger Community Rewards Information".
Find the Autism Support Group of Genesee County NPO # by typing in NPO# 83365
Click on `Autism Support Group of Genesee County". Click on the circle to the left to highlight. Click on "Save Changes"
Celebrity Big Boy Dinner - April 16th
Kroger.pdf
We have a variety of fundraising events and social activities. Below are a few photos from our past events.
* Hot Air Balloon Fundraiser raised approx $1,200
* Autism Walk 2010 raised approx $17,000
* Mongolian BBQ Fundraiser raised approx $1,000
* Aspergers Halloween Party, over 60 people attended the event
* 2010 ASGGC Christmas Party, over 100 members attended
* Nuevo Vallarta Fundraiser April 2011 raised approx $1,200
* 2011 Walk the Walk for Autism raised approx $25,000
2010 - 2011 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Amy Daleo, President - Amy has led ASGGC through the lease/purchase of Phase I, Autism Support & Resource Center. Amy co-chaired the 2011 Walk the Walk for Autism which raised $30,000 and cut expenses to half of previous years. She has also been actively involved with ASGGC for several years. Amy is active with the fundraising and activities of the ASGGC. She has helped form a partnership with YMCA Camp Copneconic and serves on the committee for POWER Camp. Amy has revamped the ASGGC website to make it more user friendly with up to date information at the users fingertips. Amy has served as the past Secretary and on the Board of Directors. She has created Social Networking for ASGGC on the internet. Amy joined the Rotary Club of Grand Blanc to represent the ASGGC.
Amy has 2 children, Austin 17 and Andrew 11, both diagnosed with Aspergers. She has been a resident of Grand Blanc for 13 years. Amy has spent the last several years learning and helping others understand Aspergers. Amy operates a home-based business selling handmade bath and body products. She owns a website and sells items on ebay. Amy created a fundrasing tool for ASGGC to sell donated items on ebay. Amy coordinates the monthly Asperger Teen Nights. Amy also volunteers her time with the Boy Scouts as well.
Amys' goal for the group is to bring the community together, focus on the mission of the group and spread the word about ASGGC
Kathy Johnson, Vice President - - Kathy and her husband, Jim, have four daughters,(19,19,18,17) all on the spectrum. Kathy and Jim have been active members of ASGGC since 2005. Kathy has served for two years each as Secretary, Vice President and on the Nominating Committee. She has been actively involved in various activities including monthly support group and transitional planning meetings. Kathy advocates for our group through awareness events including the Farmers Market in Grand Blanc and manning the Awareness Tent at the Annual Autism Walk in 2010 and 2011. She has advocated for insurance reform, interviewed on TV 12, her and her family were featured in a two part series in the Flint Journal, When Autism Wears Pink. Kathy works full-time as a design leader at General Motors Technical Center. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University. Her Goals for the Group: To see the establishment of the Resource Center and Residential Project into fruition and the continued community awareness about Autism, about our group and the fulfillment of our kids dreams.
P at Spohn, Treasurer - : Pat is one of the founding members of the ASGGC. She has served in various capacities including Board Member, Treasure and Vice President. Pat and her husband Tim have been involved in or spearheaded many of our activities and events. Pat coordinated our Palace Grant Program, Raffle fundraisers, started our childcare program among many other accomplishments. Pat and Tim are adoptive grandparents of a grandson on the spectrum. Pat was a bookkeeper for 15 years at Kroger and owned and operated her own craft business for many years before retiring to become a full time caregiver to her grandson.
Ka thy Czykyski, Secretary - Kathy and her husband, Bill, are grandparents to Rileigh, who is diagnosed with autism. Along with being very involved with Rileigh's school and extracurricular activities, they are involved in every aspect of the ASGGC. This also includes working for the Palace Grant Program, planning and implementing fundraisers, coordinating the monthly child activities and attending our Educational Programs. Kathy has served on our Board as a Director in the past. Bill and Kathy have a catering business and donated their talents to several of our events including taking responsibility for all the food at our 2008-2011 Autism Walk and Festival.
Audra Novak, Director - Audra Novak, Director Audra and her husband, Jerry, have resided in Grand Blanc for 10 years and have 2 children. Logan is 16 and Trevor is 13 and has been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome. Audra and her family have been members of ASGGC for numerous years. She is active in the Aspergers Teen Group. Audra has helped in a variety of ways by co-hosting, setting up and cleanup of the monthly teen nights. Audra has helped with fund-raising events. Her family has attended the family outings which have been a great social opportunity for Trevor. Audra works part-time in the Grand Blanc Community School district. She is looking forward to her continued involvement with the group.
Camille Greenway, Director - Camille is mother to a 12 year old son on the spectrum. Camille has enjoyed working with families and the current Board members, making a difference in their lives and the community. She has 19 years of accounting experience, including non-profit accounting. Camilles goal is to help with fundraising/grant opportunities and to start a vocational training program through our Resource Center and to be a future officer for the group. Camille believes in our mission and the need for our community to have a Resource Center and Residential Program for people on the spectrum and is committed to making it happen.
Bill Nason, Director - Bill is a limited license psychologist and autism specialist with over 30 years experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and severe behavioral challenges. He superviises the Consultant Services Dapartment at Genesee County Community Mental Health. He has been actively involved with ASGGC for the four years, including serving on the Board of Directors, attending events and activities, and providing educational seminars and running support groups for our families. He has provided invaluable guidance and support to many of our families. Bill was named Autism Angel of the Year at our 2008 Autism Walk.
Lisa Sain, Director - Lisa joined the ASGGC in 2002 and served as Treasurer for 2 years. Lisa played a pivotal role in making our group a non-profit. She has been a chairperson for the fund raising committee, she planned the first candlelight vigil and Walk for Autism, has helped with child care, was assistant director in 2009 for Camp Care, has volunteered with GBP&R for special needs programs including Sportsapoolooza, hockey, dances, basketball and co chair for the annual special needs golf outing. Lisa co-chaired the 2011 Walk. Lisa is a substitute paraprofessional with the Genesee Intermediate School District and is continuing her education in Elementary and Special Education with the intent of opening a daycare for special needs children. Lisa has an 11 year old son, Preston, with severe autism and looks forward to continued involvement within our group.
Tanja Scalf, Director - Tanja is the founding organizer of ASGGC. She started the group by bringing together parents and caregivers of children with autism with the common goal of helping and supporting one another and sharing information. She served as President from the Groups startup through October 2006. Tanja created our online message boards and with her husband, Chris, created our original website. Tanja and Chris have three children, including Sarah who is 12 years old and diagnosed with autism. Tanja has a degree in elementary education.
Keith Pizzo, Director - Keith Pizzo and his wife Aimee were married in 1999. They have two boys, Dante' (9) and Dimitri (4). Dante' was diagnosed with Autism when he was around 2 1/2 years old. After the diagnosis, the search was on for way to cope and they found the Autism Support Group of Genesee County. The group has been a great support system for them, and Keith decided last year that he'd like to take a more active role in the group, by running for a position on the board. He's well known to the group and has emceed a couple of the annual Autism Walks. He has worked in radio for 23 years and currently is the program director of WRSR, 103.9 The Fox. His goal is to be a voice for other members of the group and to help promote the group and its events. He also hopes to help the group continue to grow and expand so that we can not only help each other, but more importantly help our children both today and in the future.
DIAPER BANK BY ASGGC
The Diaper Bank is a project created in 2006 to help families with older autistic children who are still in diapers get free diapers. This program is designed to help families with the expense of diapers for their non-toilet trained autistic children over the age of three . Send in your receipts for $20 or more in diapers every month, and ASGGC will send you a $20 Kroger or Walmart gift card.
If you or someone you know can use this service, please contact Meredith for more information.
MESSAGE BOARDS:
* ASGGC Message Forum Board , apply for membership, private / restricted message board for parents and caregivers, public can not view
* Online Asperger Syndrome Information & Support OASIS
* Facebook Aspergers Social Page, request membership, private for members only
* Facebook Autism Support Group of Genesee County , public page
LOCAL GENESEE COUNTY RESOURCES:
* Community Mental Health - CMH, variety of services available including respite.
* Genesee Intermediate School District - GISD - c omprised of 414 professional and support staff members that provide services to students with disabilities, their families, and local districts throughout Genesee County - www.geneseeisd.org
* Family Support Subsidy - FSS The Family Support Subsidy (FSS) Program provides financial assistance to families that include a child with severe developmental disabilities. The intent is to help make it possible for children with developmental disabilities to remain with or return to their birth or adoptive families. The program provides a monthly payment of $222.11.
* Mott Childrens Health Center: Play Project - (MCHC)
* Facebook - ASGGC , public CAUSE page for information about our group to assist in fundraising and awareness
* Freedom Works - is a Non profit 501 c 3 Vocational Training Program serving the needs of developmentally disabled adults in the Oakland, Livingston, and Genesee County areas.
* Michigan Rehab Services (MRS) - helps Michigan residents with disabilities achieve employment and self-sufficiency.
OTHER AREA RESOURCES:
* Autism Society of Michigan (ASM)
* Autism Society of America (ASA)
* Autism Speaks
* Aspergers Society of Michigan (APSM)
* Homes for Autism
* Judson Center - Oakland County
* American Sign Language Browser (ASLB)
* ABA Resources for Recovery from Autism/PDD/Hyperlexia (Resources)
* Community Housing Network - FREE Getting My Own Address Guide for individuals with ASD and other Developmental Disabilities that are transitioning .
* Michigan Alliance for Families - http://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/ For information, support and education for all Disabilities
* Bridges 4 Kids - http://www.bridges4kids.org/ Building partnerships between families, schools and communities.
* We Connect Now - Information for college students with disabilities, resources and law
ASGGC Diaper Program SMALL.pdf
Yellow Autism Lanyard
Has autism ribbons on them along with the words "Autism Awareness". Ring at the bottom so you can use this as a key chain as well.
$5.00 each
Autism Keychain
Symbolic autism awareness ribbon along with vibrantly colored beads and puzzle pieces. This stylish keychain makes it easy to carry a wonderful token of awareness with you wherever you go. 3 1/2" x 1"
$7.00 each
Autism Bracelet
Our autism awareness stretch bracelet features dangling puzzle pieces and puzzle ribbons.
$10.00 each
Walk Tshirts
Sizes available
Youth Medium
Medium
Large
XL, XXL, XXXL, XXXXL
Autism Awareness Magnet
measures 4" x 8"
Our Vision for a Residential Facility for Persons with Autism
Description of the Problem
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States. Ten years ago the rate of autism was 1 in 10,000. Today, Autism Spectrum Disorder occurs in 1 per 93 births. People with autism live a normal lifespan and most will not be able to live independently. While some progress has been made in providing services to children diagnosed with autism, little has been done to prepare for the care that will be necessary when these children reach adulthood. Parents of children with autism struggle every day to manage their care, ensure their safety, and help them to develop the skills necessary to achieve their full potential and level of independence. What keeps these parents awake at night is one question: What happens after Im gone?
(Statistic Source: Autism Society of Northwest Ohio- www.asno.org )
MISSION
To provide residential, employment and general life supports for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) so that they can lead involved and valued lives and achieve their maximum level of functioning and independence. To provide families with peace of mind, answering what happens after Im gone? with a happy, full, productive life.
OVERVIEW:
Autism is a spectrum disorder meaning that an individual may be mildly, moderately, or severely impaired in one or more of the characteristic areas, resulting in a unique profile for each individual. Any plan for adult services will need to address the unique needs and capabilities of individuals across the spectrum. It is not one size fits all. We propose three models of residential programming that will meet varying needs, provide the maximum level of independence that can be achieved by each individual, with services customized to meet the needs of each individual participant. The three residential programs will include:
* A Residential Community: A safe and secure family style environment for participants not ready for independent living. Live-in, well-trained direct care aides/life skill coaches 24/7. The farmstead setting offers supported working opportunities that are meaningful to participants.
* Transitional Living Home: A family style environment designed for participants who have demonstrated the ability to transition to more independent living. Emphasis is on training and support for job acquisition and retention and advanced life and social skills training/coaching. Live-in, well-trained direct care aides/life skills coaches 24/7. Access to all farm activities and social events.
* Off-Site Housing: For higher functioning participants able to achieve independent living with support. Designed like senior citizen apartments with 24 hour on-site security, support, and opportunities for social engagement.
Funding:
Our initial funding will be through a combination of (a) state and federal dollars, (b) grants, and (c) fundraising and private donations. The ongoing operations and programming will be funded through (a) participant government assistance, (b) participant family financial support, (c) donations and fundraising activities (d) grants and (e) net revenues generated from for-profit subsidiaries. The state and federal dollars available only cover the basics and sometimes not even that. Medicaid continues to cutback on funding and now, for example, no longer pays for dental services. In order to provide top quality services and programming, we need to develop compatible for-profit businesses to help fund ongoing operations.
The Bittersweet Farm Model:
Our proposed residential community program is based on the successful Bittersweet Farm model. Bittersweet Farm is a farm-based homestead for individuals with autism. Bittersweet Farm is located on 80 acres near Toledo, Ohio. It has been providing state of the art services to people with autism for over 20 years. The expertise of the staff and the outcomes of the programs stand out as innovative and effective. Bittersweet is one of only a few programs around the country dedicated to adults with autism. According to the Bittersweet Farms model a farm setting offers rich, varied and abundant opportunities for self-paced, distraction-free activities that are perceived as immediately meaningful by our individuals. It is a bucolic, secure and safe environment in which individuals with challenging behaviors and limited social and communication skills can grow and develop into their fullest potential. www.bittersweetfarms.org
How You Can Help:
You can help by donating your time, talent, skills, materials, printing, and most of all, much needed financial support to the Autism Support Group of Genesee County. The Autism Support Group of Genesee County is a charitable, 501c3 organization. We have no paid staff, only dedicated volunteer families who donate their time and efforts to make this project a reality. We have established a Residential Community Fund for this project and all donations are tax deductible.
To donate any amount, please make checks out to:
The Autism Support Group of Genesee County
P.O. Box 217
Grand Blanc, Mi. 48480-0217
(on the memo line, please write Adult Residential Community)
CONTACT US
(810) 655-5752
ASGGC_YAHOO.COM
SPONSORS / BUSINESS DONATIONS
Lucky Bucket's Gift Certificates
Donate
