OMMUNITY RESOURES FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM Community...

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Family Summer Picnic.……...….. 1

Staff Directory…….…………………..2

Achievement Award...…...……….2

Soup & Game Night ………………..2

A Warm Welcome………...…..…...3

Volunteer Help Needed...………..4

Job Opportunities..………………….4

Ask the Specialist…………...……….4

Committed to the Cause………….5

Calendar of Events…………………..6-7

Events & Workshops Listings…...8-9

Support Groups………………………..10-11

CONTACT INFORMATION Easthampton Office 116 Pleasant Street, Suite 366

Easthampton, MA 01027

(413) 529-2428

Berkshire Office 100 North Street, Suite 322

Pittsfield, MA

(413) 443-4780

Our Mission: To help families, schools, professionals, agencies, and

communities understand autism,

promote the well-being of

individuals with autism, and

foster their inclusion in

the community.

Join Us For Some Summer Fun!

COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM

A program of The Association For Community Living

Family Summer Picnic

Break out the sunscreen for some summertime fun with Community Resources for People with Autism during our annual Summer Picnic on Saturday, July 18 from 11am-2pm.

The picnic will be held at Stanley Park in Westfield across from Westfield State University near the playground. Rain or shine we will be gathering together to enjoy a barbeque, good company and fun games.

We ask that families with last names starting A-L bring along a side dish that does not need to be heated, and families with last names M-Z please bring along a dessert. Please keep in mind possible food sensitivities and label your dishes with ingredients.

This is one of our favorite events of the year—please consider joining us!

Community Connection 2015 July Edition

Newsletter

Stanley Park 400 Western Avenue

Westfield, Massachusetts

To RSVP to this free picnic event, go to www.bit.ly/CRPAsummer

http://www.bit.ly/CRPAsummer

25th Annual Conference a success

Achievement Award Presented to Carmelina Slatcher Derocher

Carmelina Slatcher Derocher received an

Achievement Award at The Association For

Community Living’s Annual Awards banquet

held on June 16, 2015 at the Log Cabin.

Carmelina, the daughter of Donna Derocher,

is a very talented young lady. People who

attended Community Resources’ conference

in April might remember her as the artist

selling her beautiful artwork in the exhibit

hall. Carmelina was recognized at the banquet

for her artistic talents and her success at

marketing and selling her paintings.

Congratulations, Lina! We are so proud of

you!

NEWS & UPDATES STAFF DIRECTORY

Jan Doody (x111)

Director

Ben Breton (x123)

Autism Specialist

Kate Cormier (x124)

Autism Support Broker

Carla Doyle-Florence (x119)

Autism Support Broker

Nancy Farnsworth (x113)

Educational Advocate

Kaitlyn Holloway (x116)

Projects Manager

Kimberly LaMothe (x118)

Autism Specialist

Lynn Myers (x 114)

Autism Specialist

Gaby Santiago (x112)

Bilingual Autism Specialist

Sherri Schon (x110)

Office Coordinator

Iris Scott (x115)

Autism Center Coordinator

Rhonda Setkewich (x117)

Autism Specialist

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bill Loomis

President

Rosalie Connelly

Vice President/Treasurer

Paula Fredericks

Secretary

Carrie Lemelin

Betsy Benton

Rick Downey

Pamela Sandler

Jeanne Zobel-Lachiusa

Michael Wilcox

Betsy Ellen Misialek

Lisa Crouser

A Night to Celebrate


Hope & Olive Gives Hope to

Non-Profit Groups

Community Resources for People with Autism would like to extend our gratitude to Hope & Olive in Greenfield for hosting their monthly Free Soup & Game Night in our honor on June 1, 2015. This event is a monthly benefit held at Hope & Olive where folks enjoy a free buffet of soups and breads while playing some fun games with friends. This event strives to raise awareness of local non-profit organizations by inviting the community out for a fun, free event. Funds are raised through raffles, baked goods, and proceeds from drink sales.

We would also like to thank the businesses that donated food for the evening including Hope & Olive, Wagon Wheel, Mesa Verde, Rendezvous, People’s Pint, Diemand Farm,

Taylor’s Tavern, Franklin County Tech Apprentice Restaurant, Bread Euphoria, Foster’s Supermarket, Riff’s Joint, and Black Sheep Deli.

We had a great time and raised over $800 for our families in Western Massachusetts. We appreciate everyone who volunteered for the event and attended this fun evening with us.

Soup & Game Night Raises Funds

2015 July Edition

Carmelina posing with one

of her paintings

W W W . C O M M U N I T Y R E S O U R C E S F O R A U T I S M . O R G

A Warm Welcome to Ben Breton

Community Resources is pleased to announce the

newest member of our team, Ben Breton! Ben was hired

as an Autism Specialist working with our families in the

Berkshires. He has professional experience supporting

families and young people with autism, most recently at

J. Lynn Enterprises in Tolland, Connecticut. Ben has a

Bachelor and a Master’s degree in history from Southern

Connecticut University. He is busy getting settled into

our Pittsfield office and has begun meeting families. We

are very happy to welcome him to our team!

NEWS & UPDATES


Seeking Caring & Motivated Volunteers

Community Resources for People with Autism is a non-profit organization relying heavily on the support of its community members. Currently, we have several projects that we are recruiting volunteer help with.

iCan Bike Camp

Summary: This camp teaches children with disabilities how to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle throughout the course of one week. The camp will be held at Hoosac Valley High School in Cheshire, MA.

Key Responsibilities: Support and encourage the rider you are paired up with, as well as walk and/or jog alongside them as they learn to ride a two-wheel bicycle.

Qualifications: Volunteers must be 16 years or older and in good enough physical condition to walk and jog alongside a bicycle for short distances.

Commitment: Volunteer orientation Sunday, July 26th 4pm-5pm & daily camp sessions Monday, July 27th-Friday, July 31st 10am-1pm. For more information please email [email protected]

Resource Assistant

Summary: Perform a variety of duties to update resource files, assist in gathering resource information and update online resource directory.

Key Responsibilities: Validate and update information with current resource list, input resource information into online directory, and research new resources for families in Western Massachusetts.

Qualifications: Excellent organizational skills, works well independently and as part of a team, experienced with researching information online, professional phone skills and comfortable updating information on a computer.

Commitment: 6 month commitment. A regular weekly or

bi-weekly schedule preferred. This opportunity is based out of our Easthampton office. For additional information and a full volunteer job description please send an email to [email protected]

Stepping Out for Autism Committee Members Summary: This committee helps organize and promote our premier gala event seeking sponsorships, promoting attendance and soliciting silent auction items.

Key Responsibilities: Assist in the logistics of the event, seek sponsorships, solicit silent and live auction items, promote event.

Qualifications: Excellent organizational skills, works well independently and as part of a team, motivated, enthusiastic and ready to help plan a fun event!

Commitment: Committee members will be planning for the January 30, 2016 event. Committee meets regularly once a month for the first several months, and then more frequently as the event approaches. For more information please email

Volunteer Help Needed

2015 July Edition

Ask the Specialist

Have a question you’d like answered by an autism specialist?

Maybe a situation you’d like some guidance with? Email

[email protected] with the subject line

“Newsletter—Ask the Specialist”. We will filter through the

inquiries and include one or more, along with the specialist’s

advice, in the next edition of the newsletter.

Part-Time Job Opportunity

A young man with autism living in Agawam is seeking a support

person to work 20 hours a week (M-F 9am-1pm) to assist him in

finding volunteer work in the community and to pursue

community interests. For more information, call Angela at

413.786.5994.



9th Annual Buddy’s

Sunshine Angels Run

For the past nine years, Joe and Jennie

Clark from Becket, Massachusetts have

run in marathons and half marathons

around the country from Key West to

Vermont to Orlando and beyond. Joe

and Jennie run to raise awareness about

autism and to raise funds for the

Berkshire Autism Projects Committee

which helps families served by

Community Resources for People with

Autism. They also run in honor of their

son Buddy Clark, a fourteen year old

young man with autism.

On May 16, the Clarks were joined by

their daughter Ellie who ran her first

half marathon, the Steel Rail Half

Marathon in Lanesboro, MA. The trio

raised $1,200 for the Berkshire Autism

Projects Committee. The funds raised

will help cover the costs of family

stipends and activities for Berkshire

families, such as swimming lessons and

activity days during February vacation.

We are very grateful to the Clarks for

their generosity and commitment to

Committed to the Cause

our mission. Thanks also to everyone

who sponsored them and cheered

them on as they conquered yet another

half marathon. Thank you and

congratulations!

SUN MON TUES WEDS 1

SEE OUR FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS AT WWW.COMMUNITYRESOURCESFORAUTISM.ORG

6 7 8 5

13 14 15 12

20 21 22 19

27 28 29

26 iCan Bike Camp Parent & Volunteer Orientation

Cheshire, MA

iCan Bike Camp

Cheshire, MA

Yoga for Autism

4pm-4:45pm

Easthampton, MA

iCan Bike Camp

Cheshire, MA

iCan Bike Camp

Cheshire, MA

Insight Into Autism

5:30pm-8:30pm

Springfield, MA

Yoga for Autism

4pm-4:45pm

Easthampton, MA

Yoga for Autism

4pm-4:45pm

Easthampton, MA

THURS FRI SAT 2 3 4 A Look Ahead

Upcoming CRPA Events

August 12, 2015

Asperger’s 101

Easthampton, MA

August 29, 2015

Buddy’s Sunshine Angels Golf Tournament For Autism

Hinsdale, MA

October 30, 2015

Halloween Party

Easthampton, MA

December 4, 2015

Holiday Celebration

Easthampton, MA

January 30, 2016

Stepping Out For Autism

Holyoke, MA

April 15, 2016

26th Annual Conference

Agawam, MA

SEE OUR FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS AT WWW.COMMUNITYRESOURCESFORAUTISM.ORG

9 10 11

16 17 18

23 24 25

30

Independence Day (Observed)

Pizza & Game Night

6:30pm-8:30pm

Amherst, MA

Summer Picnic

11am-2pm

Westfield, MA

Jericho Summer Pool Party

12pm-2pm

Holyoke, MA

iCan Bike Camp

Cheshire, MA

Adult Dance

6:30pm-8:30pm

Holyoke, MA

31 iCan Bike Camp

Cheshire, MA

Free Fun Friday, 10am-4pm

Hadley, MA

Housing Pathways Workshop

Easthampton, MA

Jericho Summer Pool Party

12pm-2pm

Holyoke, MA

Free Fun Friday

10am-4pm

Holyoke, MA

COMMUNITY/FAMILY EVENTS

AANE Pizza and Game Night Thursday, July 2 6:30pm-8:30pm

UMass Amherst, Herter Hall Room 117

161 Presidents Drive, Amherst, MA

Join other post-high school adults who meet up for pizza and beverages, and to socialize and play games. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends! For cost of attendance and to register, please contact Tonya White at 617.393.3824 x44 or [email protected].

Summer Picnic Saturday, July 18 11am-2pm

Stanley Park, Westfield

Come on out and join Community Resources for People with Autism for our summer picnic! This is a free, fun family event. Families with last names A-L, please bring a side dish that doesn’t need to be heated. Families with last names M-Z, please bring a dessert to share. RSVP at www.bit.ly/CRPAsummer

Jericho Summer Pool Parties July 18, July 25, August 8, 2015 12pm-2pm

537 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA

All individuals of all abilities and ages, along with their families, are invited. Enjoy a BBQ lunch, meet new friends and enjoy the in-ground 3’ deep pool. Our pool includes changing rooms with fully accessible restrooms and a certified lifeguard and we will have an air conditioned area for those who need to take a break from the fun. You must RSVP for this free event by calling 413.538.7450.

EVENTS & WORKSHOPS

Adult Dance for Adults of All Abilities Thursday, July 30 6:30pm-8:30pm

Summit View Pavilion

555 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA

Put on by Jericho. Each participant is $3, staff and families are free. Included in the evening of dance is a light dinner and a party favor. Please RSVP to 413.538.7450.

SENSORY-FRIENDLY EVENTS

Yoga for Autism and Special Needs Monday, July 13, 20, 27 4pm-4:45pm

Yoga at Eastworks

116 Pleasant Street, Suite 111, Easthampton, MA

This class is specifically designed to help children access the benefits of yoga through the use of picture schedules, repetition, and clear, simple language. Children will learn poses and breathing techniques that can be practiced at home. Adults are encouraged to participate with their children in the class so they can follow through at home with strategies learned. Pre-registration is required. Class is limited to 4 fami-lies.

Please email Karen at [email protected] to register or for more information.

Sensory Friendly Movies at Cinemark Ongoing

367 Russell Street, Hadley, MA

Cinemark Theaters in Hadley often hosts sensory-friendly G-rated movies for families that have sensory needs. This is a judgment-free, comfortable space where volume is lowered and lights are left on so fami-lies who might not be able to get to the movies can do so. Call Cinemark at 413.587.4237 for their monthly schedule.

2015 July Edition

TRAININGS/WORKSHOPS

Insight Into Autism Wednesday, July 15 5:30pm-8:30pm

Shriners Hospital

516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA

During this workshop we will discuss the strengths and challenges that are often experienced by individuals with autism. Areas covered include: diagnostic criteria, communication, sensory challenges, and also positive behavioral supports. We will also talk about practical strategies to facilitate growth and development, including social competencies. Friends, family members, and support persons are all encouraged to attend this valuable workshop. Please RSVP to Iris Scott at [email protected] or 413.529.2428 x115.

= CRPA EVENT


Autism Housing Pathways Full Day Workshop Friday, July 31 8:30am-4:30pm

CRPA Easthampton Office

116 Pleasant Street, Suite 366, Easthampton, MA

Come prepared to roll up your sleeves and work! The goal is to end the day with an idea of what benefits your family member may be eligible for, what you can afford, and what models might be applicable to your situation. We will be completing questionnaires and worksheets, as well as Section 8 applications. You will not need to share this information with anyone; it is for your own personal use. Attendance will be capped at 15 participants. Light refreshments will be provided but you will need to bring your lunch. Please RSVP by sending and email to Cathy Boyle at [email protected]. There is a suggested donation of $35 which will also give you a one year membership to AHP.

Asperger’s 101 Wednesday, August 12 6pm-8pm

CRPA Easthampton Office

116 Pleasant Street, Suite 366

Easthampton, MA

This workshop is intended to introduce families and caretakers to Asperger’s Syndrome. Characteristics and strategies to help individuals are discussed, as well as some of the social difficulties that people with Asperger’s experience. The workshop will also provide an opportunity to meet other parents of children and young adults with Asperger’s. We encourage friends, family members, and support persons to attend this valuable workshop. Please RSVP to Iris Scott at [email protected] or 413.529.2428 x115.

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Life’s A Treasure Tag Sale Saturday, September 12 8am-4pm

Eastworks Parking Lot (Picnic Area)

116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton, MA

Join us at our first annual Life’s A Treasure Tag Sale! All proceeds from the tag sale will benefit Community Resources for People with Autism. Please consider a donation of items to our tag sale. We will be collecting items from August 1st—September 12th at our office in Easthampton. Please call ahead at 413.529.2428.

SUPPORT GROUPS GROUP NAME GROUP DESCRIPTION MEETING DETAILS CONTACT/MORE INFO

HOLYOKE

Mom’s Night Out Moms of people with different abilities are invited to bring their problems, triumphs and their need to laugh to Mom’s Night Out. Jericho will supply drinks and refreshments. Participants are welcome to bring something to share.

Thursday, July 30

6:30pm-8:30pm

Jericho

537 Northampton Street

Holyoke, MA

Must RSVP to Linda LaPointe at [email protected] or calling 413.538.7450

Group meets on the last Thursday of every month.

Rainbow Support Group of

Western

Massachusetts

This group provides support and info to individuals with intellectual challenges who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or those who are questioning.

Western Mass Training

Consortium

187 High Street, Suite 202

Holyoke, MA

For questions or to find out meeting

times contact Tammy Nothe-Hebert

at 413.536.2401 x3036

NORTHAMPTON

Western Mass

Discussion and

Support Group for Women with AS/ASD

Support group for women with Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism

Meets quarterly in

Northampton, MA.

To join this group, contact Trish at [email protected] for group intake prior to group attendance.

Western Mass Adult Discussion Group

For adults (25 years+) with Asperger’s

Syndrome.

Meets twice a month in the Northampton-area.

To join this group, please contact Trish at [email protected] for group intake prior to group attendance.

PITTSFIELD

Autism Family Support Group

This group is put on by the Berkshire County Arc as a casual support group to talk with other families and caregivers affected by autism.

Wednesday, July 22

5pm-6pm

BCArc Main Office

395 South Street

Pittsfield, MA

For more information or to RSVP, please call Michelle Dawson at 413.464.7262 x23

SHELBURNE FALLS

Shadow & Light– A Support Group for Mothers of Children with Autism

Our mission is to create a space where each mother’s truth can be spoken, be heard and be held– without judgement and with

compassion.

Sunday, July 19

2pm-4pm

Trinity Church of Shelburne Falls

17 Severance Street

Shelburne Falls, MA

For more info, please contact Juli Levine at 413.834.4791 or

[email protected]. Group will

continue to meet every 3rd Sunday of the month.

SPRINGFIELD

Grupo de Apoyo en Espanol/Spanish Support Group

Grupo de Apoyo en Espanol Taking the summer off.

Will return in September.

Por favor responda a Gaby Santiago 413.529.2428 x 112 o

[email protected]

WARM – Women Autism Relief Meetings

The mission of WARM is to provide support to women with children on the spectrum, as well as their family and friends. Our group exists for the sole purpose of providing support in a safe and friendly environment.

Saturday, July 18

1pm-3pm

MLK Family Service Center

3 Rutland Street

Springfield, MA

For more information email

[email protected]. Group meets 3rd Saturday of every month.

2015 July Edition

GROUP NAME GROUP DESCRIPTION MEETING DETAILS CONTACT/MORE INFO

WESTFIELD

Westfield

Support Group for Adults with Asperger’s

Syndrome

This group is an opportunity for support and discussion among adults on the autism spectrum. We provide a “safe space” for our community and as such are not recommended for friends and family members except in a support role.

Tuesday, July 7th

6:15pm-7:45pm

Saturday, July 18th

2pm-4pm

Building Autistic Community, Inc

507 Southampton Road #1

Westfield, MA

For more information, contact the group at [email protected]

Group meets 1st Tuesday & 3rd Saturday of every month.

WILBRAHAM

Moms In Motion Special Needs Support & Fitness Groups

Moms in Motion’s Goal is to help mothers of special needs children get the support they need from other moms while getting fit with a personal trainer, and learning some new coping tricks along the way.

Group meets once a week at a different time and location. Meets in the Wilbraham area.

Must RSVP to attend this group,

either email

[email protected]

or call 860.514.7630

WINDSOR, CT

ASRC Northern CT Ladies Group

This group is designed for young women, ages 16-25, identified with Asperger’s, PDD-NOS or Social Communication Disorders. Participants must have the safety and independence to participate in community based activities without 1:1 supervision. The group allows young women who are ready and interested in making social connections the opportunity to engage in typical activities with the guidance and support of an ASRC trained mentor.

Group is based out of Windsor, CT and meets once a month on

Sunday afternoons from

3pm-5pm.

For more information or to arrange an introductory meeting please

contact Carol Barans at [email protected]


Riff’s Joint Gives Back

On Tuesday, June 23 and Wednesday, June 24, Riff’s Joint in Easthampton hosted the second Give-Back Event on behalf of Community Resources for People with Autism (CRPA). During those two days, 5% of every diner’s bill was donated to our organization.

On behalf of everyone here at CRPA, we would like to extend our gratitude to Riff’s Joint. And, thank you to everyone who came out for this delicious way to give back!

COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE WITH AUTISM

A program of The Association For Community Living

Community Connection Newsletter

2015 July Edition

116 Pleasant St. Ste. 366 Easthampton, MA 01027

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