MARCH 23, 2020
These are indeed trying times. We at the Autism Society of Greater Akron are walking this journey with you (some of us literally) and for these reasons and from listening to you, have immediately reprioritized our budget and programs to respond to the urgent needs of families and individuals we care about. Our mission is needed now more than ever, as our nation and community face one of the most trying periods of our lifetime. We know that supporting individuals with autism is that much more stressful when routines are broken, therapists aren’t accessible, and community supports are closed.
We’ll get through it…together! We are proud to announce the following programs that are available immediately to support you!
Take a Break on ASGA
New Program Offering Respite and Food Support
Take A Break on ASGA is a new program that offers funding for respite for parents/guardians who need to go to the store, pharmacy, or for a walk without risking taking their child (of any age) with them. We are also offering a gift card to Giant Eagle or Walmart for carry-out to take a break from cooking. You can fill out the forms and learn more on our website. READ MORE ….
ASGA has opened a Coffee, Tea & Autism Closed Facebook Group. Facilitated by our staff, it is only for parents/guardians of individuals with disabilities. We hope it can be a safe place for all of us to support, share, and encourage each other through this time. JOIN HERE …
YOGA with Nicole! On ASGA’s Facebook page will be a Facebook Live yoga class! We hope to keep this program going, but for now it’s 3pm on Mondays and 7pm on Thursdays. Nicole has been a long-time ASGA volunteer and swim instructor, but her day job is a yoga teacher and behaviorist. So join us for some yoga! WATCH HERE …
Our Website has a lot of added support information. Not to overwhelm you, we organized it into areas we thought would be most beneficial at this time, including mental health information and activities for the kids. READ MORE ...
You can also read the Autism Society of America’s COVID-19 Tool Kit.
Operation Cheer
Sends Support to Isolated Individuals with Disabilities
Finally, we need your help with Operation Cheer! Wouldn’t it be nice to involve your children in delivering some much needed happiness to individuals with disabilities who are isolated right now from friends and families in intermediate care facilities and residential group homes? ASGA presents Operation Cheer, a simple gesture that involves making cards, drawing a picture, or creating a fun craft and sending them to ASGA. We’ll send them along to participating residential locations in our five county service area.
So dig out those craft supplies and spread some cheer to a lucky person who would love to get some mail! If you need a card as a pick-me-up, let us know that too! LEARN MORE …
We are really excited about these new initiatives and hope you are, too! And as always, if you just need someone kind to talk to, please call Wendy, our support specialist and social worker, at 330-940-1441 x1. She’s there to help…and we are, too!
Stay safe and well friends,
Laurie Cramer
Executive Director
Autism Society of Greater Akron
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