Sunday marked the last day of Autism Acceptance Month, and we want to thank you for joining us during this important time of year! Throughout April, we shared stories from our local autism community, developed new resources, and led autism trainings in the community. THANK YOU to everyone who shared their story, reached out to us with questions, connected people with resources, attended a program or event, and more.
Here’s just a peek at what our community was up to this month:
- We hosted 20 campers for an epic Spring Break Camp with our friends at Beyond Boundaries and TrueTimber Backyard.
- Over 150 individuals attended the Life in the Community Symposium, held in partnership with The Arc of Virginia and the Virginia Down Syndrome Association.
- We hosted our first ever Father/Son Campout
- We connected with over 40 individuals through our Information & Referral services
- Over 50 volunteers came out to support our programs and events
- You all came out and supported us at community events incuding Dine Out for Charity at Sedona Tap House, the Hardywood Bunny Hop, the “You Have No Idea” documentary film screening, and Shop for Good with Kendra Scott.
- And so much more!
While April represents an invaluable opportunity to share stories and resources, educate others about autism and issues within the autism community, drive home the importance of acceptance, and amplify autistic voices, we believe this is important ALL YEAR ROUND. Here are some ways you can get involved with us and promote acceptance all year long:
- Check out the Autism Acceptance Month page on our website, and share it with members of your support network and local community members. There are a number of great resources available, including autism fact sheets for all ages, book and movie lists, and more.
- Form a team for the ASCV 5K & Family Fun Day and fundraise together! The ASCV 5K & Family Fun Day will return to Crump Park on May 20, 2023, with our 5K run/walk, a Resource Fair, family fun, and more! Visit ascv5K.org to register.
- Join the ASCV! Visit https://ascv.org/membership/ to learn more about our membership options, including our new Ally Membership!
- Volunteer at an upcoming program or event! Our volunteers make a tremendous impact in the lives of the individuals and families we serve. From leading activities at our monthly Respite Nights and social groups to cheering on runners at our annual 5K and Family Fun Day, we have a variety of opportunities for individuals and groups!
- Share our Resource Directory! Our directory provides information to connect individuals of all ages and families with local providers and resources to best meet their individual needs. Many of the resources have been provided by families who have utilized these services and supports.
- Create a Facebook fundraiser for the ASCV. Share how the ASCV has helped you grow, and how the funds you raise will provide important programming and resources to local individuals with autism and their families.
- Participate in the Kroger Rewards Program. To register, log into your account, then search for the Autism Society Central Virginia (#LS065) and click “enroll.” After you enroll, anytime you use your Kroger Rewards card, your purchase will count toward the ASCV. (From December 2022 through February of 2023, 67 households donated $330 to the ASCV!)
We could not be prouder to be part of this community, and we look forward to continuing the important work of spreading awareness, promoting acceptance, and igniting change here in Central Virginia all year round!