The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism is funding Jowonio’s Family Foundations program for a second year (see below). This multi-facetted support program, primarily designed for families who have children on the autism spectrum, has significantly enhanced the activities that Jowonio is able is provide to the school community. The Foundation’s support has made it possible to provide school break outings to Highland Forest, Strong Museum and the Zoo; Family Fun Nights; family respite for Mother’s Day; scholarships for therapy classes; a lending library for adaptive equipment; and parent training events. New for 2008 is funding for targeted families to attend a camping retreat in Bath NY specifically designed for families with special needs.

The primary goal of the Doug Flutie Jr, Foundation for Autism is to promote awareness and support families affected by autism spectrum disorders. For ten years the Foundation has funded organizations that provide direct services, family support grants, education, advocacy and recreational opportunities with the purpose of improving the quality of life for individuals with autism and their families. Please view their website at www.dougflutiejrfoundation.org/ for useful information and links regarding autism spectrum disorders.

Jowonio’s Family Foundations Program was developed to address the particular challenges faced by the families of children with autism, including those on limited incomes. It recognizes that life for parents in such circumstances is so often overwhelming. For many it is difficult to carve out time to take care of themselves, to get a break from exhausting daily routines, and to learn about advances in autism research and interventions. At Jowonio, we also hear these parents’ frustration in finding sitters they feel comfortable with, and in finding group activities in which their children can easily be included and accepted. Financially disadvantaged families face the additional frustrations of being unable to access therapies, equipment, classes and breaks away from home that may result in significant positive outcomes for their children.

The goals of the Family Foundations Program are:

1. Social Access: providing families with recreational opportunities in environments that are welcoming and safe for all children, regardless of their unique behaviors and varying abilities;

2. Financial Access: enabling financially disadvantaged families to participate in learning, recreational, therapy and respite activities that they would otherwise be unable to do;

3. Parent Support: ensuring families have information about current autism-related research, practice and community resources, as well as an occasional break;

4. Community Connections: providing opportunities to connect with other parents whose children have similar issues, and to find parts of the community that they can comfortably access with their family.