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Help support families caring for loved ones with autism. 

Framingham, MA (February 11, 2022) – The Autism Alliance, a program of Advocates, is pleased to announce it has received a $12,000 grant from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism.

Through this funding, the Autism Alliance will continue to provide high-quality recreational programming for families and their loved ones with autism which help foster a sense of community and decrease feelings of isolation.

“Our engaging virtual or in-person activities benefit the entire family by providing opportunities to connect with other families and watch their children have positive experiences,” say Allison Daigle and Pam McKillop, Executive Co-Directors of the Autism Alliance.

For Brain and Meredith Lively, whose ten-year-old son Joey has autism, programs offered by the Autism Alliance have helped their family try new things. “The Autism Alliance is doing a lot of creative things to get kids out there,” said Brian.

Joey has participated in many grant-funded Autism Alliance activities, before and during the pandemic, including Southwick’s Zoo Club, Build-a-Bear Workshop, a painting event, and more. Brian and Meredith enjoy watching Joey form new friendships and achieve new goals.

The grant funding also helps the Autism Alliance to provide a bilingual Autism Support Specialist to help Brazilian and Latino families feel welcome and included in all the community events.

“The Flutie Foundation Signature Grants help our partner agencies address a variety of significant needs in the autism community,” says Nick Savarese, Executive Director of The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. “Programs like these are helping people on the autism spectrum live life to the fullest and we are proud to support their efforts.”

 

About the Autism Alliance

The Autism Alliance is a program of Advocates offering events, support and resources for individuals with autism and their families.  The Autism Alliance is made up of more than 2,000 families and more than 200 specialists in the field – a community of people sharing information and experiences, and offering support in a variety of ways.  To learn more about the Autism Alliance or to make a donation, please visit www.autismalliance.org.

About Advocates

Advocates provides a broad range of services for people facing life challenges such as addiction, aging, autism, brain injury, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and mental health conditions.  With Advocates’ help, thousands of individuals and families living in Massachusetts are finding the supports they need to lead healthy, productive, and rewarding lives.  For more information about Advocates, please visit www.advocates.org

About the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism

The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, based in Framingham, MA, awards grants annually through a competitive application and review process. The signature grants that the Flutie Foundation distributed this year support traditionally under-served, under-funded, culturally diverse communities reflected in the Foundation's areas of interest; providing a path for educational and vocational skills, supporting recreational and active lifestyles, and ensuring people with autism are safe, supported, and informed.

Source: 
Autism Alliance