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CAMPAIGN 2008 BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
“Relationships are everything – assuring people that they are cared for
and valued in society.”

Campaign 2008 began March 5 - Our goal is $325,000 by June 30, 2008

Relationships are everything – and the allegiances we build among individuals we support, our staff, families and the community intertwine to provide far-reaching opportunities for everyone involved. These partnerships encourage education, support, and community inclusion. Whether two mothers connect at an informational meeting about Asperger’s Syndrome, or a man with a developmental disability is recognized for his valuable contribution to the drug store where he is employed, relationships assure people that they are cared for and valued in society.

Fifty-five years ago, five young mothers founded The Association For Community Living. Filled with vision and optimism, the young mothers created a web of supportive connections for their children with developmental disabilities. Today, The Association honors the mothers’ vision through our dedication to building relationships for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

In order to continue Building Relationships that enhance the lives of those we support, The Association relies on its relationship with you. Your contribution makes possible our continuing efforts to complete the vision of our founding mothers. Because, although the Departments of Mental Retardation, Social Services and Mental Health fund basic services, many other services that enhance the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families are not funded. Thank you!

Last year, with your generous support we raised $294,702 to fund necessary initiatives to improve the lives of children and adults and their families in Western Massachusetts and northern Worcester County. These initiatives are click here>>>

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS CAMPAIGN 2007 IMPROVING LIVES

 

Westfield High School Self Advocacy Group - Better prepared high school students to make important decisions about their futures.

Cross Agency Customized Services Project - Convened teams to develop action plans for improved clinical services and comprehensive autism services for children, adults, and their families.

Berkshire County Expansion - Expanded services in Berkshire County for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Human Rights and Advocacy Training - Established skills training to empower individuals to make sound life decisions and live more independently. Our publication, Human Rights for Individuals, was updated to improve this training.

Asperger’s Education and Training Program Development - Implementing training series for teens and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome and their families to better prepare teens for life after school so they will succeed at work, at home, and in their social lives.

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Best Practices for Children and Adults with Autism Spectrum - Improving the delivery of lifelong services to children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families.

Positive Communications Training - Developing unique communications skills training to ensure provision of customized, flexible, and quality services for the individuals and families we serve.

Expanding Opportunities - Fifty-three individuals became more involved in their communities by taking art, vocal, and skills classes and participating in other opportunities to further their education and independence.

Strengthening Families - Twenty-one families received training.and support to strengthen family relationships.

Respitality - Thirty-three families received respite support, breaks for needy families who care for family members twenty-four hours a day. Energized and refreshed, family members continued quality care and advocacy for their children...

Campaign 2008 Building Relationships - Special Initiatives

The following special initiatives (the cost to fund them noted) will provide needed services to the children, adults and families we serve.  Your contribution will improve their safety, education, and inclusion. 

A New Way to Support Children with Autism $20,000 a year for two consecutive years is needed to implement a futures planning process for each individual to most effectively support the increasing numbers of children with autism and their families.

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Best Practices for Children and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders
$10,000 a year for a second consecutive year is needed to provide resources and skills training to direct support professionals to improve the delivery of lifelong services to children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families

Vocational Training and Employment Supports Program
$7,500 a year for two consecutive years is needed to provide employment training, experience and part-time jobs for adults with developmental disabilities - factors necessary for individuals to gain independent employment

Enhanced Service Capacity for Today and Tomorrow
One time cost of $6,000 is needed to implement a leadership development program to expand opportunities that enhance the quality of service for the individuals we serve


Expanding Opportunities
Scholarships, up to $500 per person, for individuals to further their education and growth.  Two hundred individuals are on the waiting list.

Strengthening Families
Training and assistance, up to $40 per person, to strengthen family relationships is needed for 60 individuals on the waiting list.

Respitality
A stipend, up to $250 per family, to fund respite support, a break for families caring for loved ones twenty-four hours a day for 101 families on the waiting list.

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Thank you for your help!
Please support The Association making your pledge or payment today or by
June 30, 2008.

To make your gift or pledge…
On-line click here
By US mail, download the reply form click here
To learn more about other ways of giving click here
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