Ontario ARC received a $10,000 donation from the New York Bird Dog Series for its autism center, located within its facility at 3071 County Complex Drive.
The funds will help send children with autism and other developmental disabilities to 4-H Camp Bristol Hills’ summer camp. The Autism Center at Ontario ARC partnered with the camp last year at the request of parents and families. Held during weekdays in July, the camp gives children with autism and other developmental disabilities the opportunity to connect with their peers while building upon their communication and social skills.
“The support we received from the New York Bird Dog Series is very much appreciated by The Autism Center as well as families who will benefit from their contribution,” says Noreen Quinn, Ontario ARC’s senior associate executive director. “Thanks to them, children with autism and other developmental disabilities will get to attend summer camp with their more typical friends and classmates and experience the fun that camp offers.”
The New York Bird Dog Series is an organization that promotes timed, tournament-style hunting with dogs. The organization’s president and founder is Canandaigua resident Tom Glynn.
The Autism Center at Ontario ARC will offer two presentations about autism spectrum disorders for parents, families and educators at its 3071 County Complex Drive location.
College Success & Autism Spectrum Disorders
Thomas Hamed, college graduate diagnosed with Asperger syndrome Maggi Sullivan, Ontario ARC’s autism coordinator
Saturday, February 25 9 – 11 am
Geared towards families and education professionals, this special presentation will cover what young adults with autism-related diagnoses can expect in a collegiate environment. This round table discussion will include tips and guidance about available resources.
Tools & Tips For Your Child’s New Autism Diagnosis
Cindy Mattoon, Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCES’ coordinator of special education support services
Saturday, March 3 9:30 – 11:30 am
This workshop will help families dealing with their child’s recent autism diagnosis. Parents will get a broad overview of available supports and tips on how to advocate for their child. In addition, the program will feature a panel of parents, relatives, individuals with autism and educators.
For more information about these presentations or to register, please contact The Autism Center at (585) 919-2125 or theautismcenter@ontarioarc.org. Respite is available upon request. Information is also available on the agency's Facebook page.
Ontario ARC raised more than $30,000 at its annual Holiday Gift Wrapping Booths located at center court and Macy’s in Eastview Mall – a record breaking amount in the booth’s history.
“The booth’s success is strongly rooted in the energy of our volunteers, the commitment of our sponsors and the tremendous support we receive from the community,” says Donna Auria, Ontario ARC’s director of community relations. “Thanks to their encouragement as well as the support we received from Eastview Mall and Macy’s, this year was record breaking.”
All of the proceeds go towards the agency’s newest program, Pet Connections, an innovative, multi-faceted program connecting animals and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Ontario County. Some of the program’s highlights include people receiving animal assisted therapy – also known as “pet therapy” – and learning how to administer this creative form of therapy.
In its quest to keep the community information about the latest supports available to people with developmental disabilities, Ontario ARC has released a schedule of upcoming presentations and seminars. All events will be hosted at its Main Facility within the County Complex in Canandaigua.
In October, the agency will host UNYFEAT Ontario Connections (Oct. 5 at 4:30 p.m.), The Father Factor: Understanding the Special Needs of Fathers (Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.) and Children with Special Needs & Family Life: Taking Care of Everyone's Needs (Oct. 22 at 8:30 p.m.). For November, Ontario ARC has lined up Teens & Sexuality: The What, The Why, The When, The Where and The How (Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. and another meeting of its iUNYFEAT Ontario Connections (Nov. 9 at 4:30 p.m.).
More information about these presentations and seminars is available on the agency's Facebook page.
To
morrow, the United Way of Greater Rochester and Ontario County will host ROC the Day, a 24-hour period of onling commuity giving. The website -- roctheday.org -- has listings of more than 500 local, non-profit organizations that visitors can select and make a donation towards their cause.
During the December 8 event, 24 individuals will be given an extra $500 to use towards the charity of their choice. In addition, the Rochester Area Community Fund will give an extra $500 to the organization with the most donors in one of these categories: Arts & Culture, Community Benefit & Economic Development, Human Services or Environment.
Ontario ARC is one of the many organizations participating in ROC the Day. We hope you'll consider making a donation to Ontario ARC and the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities we serve everyday. Make a contribution on December 8 and make a difference in your community!