Autism Cares Foundation offers a variety of activities to children with social and cognitive disabilities including this one at Helping Friendly Farm (Source: Autism Cares Foundation).
The Autism Cares Foundation in Southampton has strived since its founding in 2007 to offer enriching activities, support, and other resources to those living with autism and other social and cognitive disabilities.
The foundation was started by Linda and Frank Kuepper, parents of a child with autism. Their initial goal was to create fun activities for children with disabilities to enjoy in a safe and secure environment.
That first year the foundation offered six activities and now there are more than 200 to choose from each year, including arts & crafts, bowling, bounce events, movies, physical fitness, dances and more.
Since 2016 the foundation also has added an Adult Services Division which includes a Personal Enrichment Program, an Adult Day Program, and a Home and Community Program.
The Personal Enrichment Program is designed to help adults with autism and other intellectual disabilities explore new educational experiences like taking an art class or visiting a local park or museum.
The foundation’s Community Participation Support Day Program assists with life skills development and socialization to increase independence. Activities include shopping, money management, cooking and volunteer work.
The Home & Community Program provides one-on-one support for those interested in building skills both at home and in the community.
Kim Smith, chief operations officer of Autism Cares Foundation, told Access Network that in August they will be launching employment services, including job training and development, as part of its Adult Services Division.
In the Home and Community Program, she explained that they help participants learn how live more independently through skills like how to do laundry or make a meal.
Autism Cares Foundation also offers free monthly parent and caregiver seminars on different topics like financial planning.
“There is more to do though,” Smith said. “We are always looking for more partners to help us fulfill our mission. We are privately funded so we rely on partnerships and fundraising.”
She added, “Our biggest challenges are spreading the word of our services to those newly diagnosed, raising money and finding volunteers. We are a small staff, so we rely on our volunteers.”
An important fundraiser Race 4 Resources, a superhero-themed 5K and 1 Mile Walk, is coming up on September 20 at Bucks County Community College. On the day of the race, the foundation also invites its closest partners to set up tables with information and additional resources.
Volunteers are needed for the day of the race as well.
For more information about Autism Cares Foundation, click here.
