February 2018
It's Good to be 25!
 

We hope that you're getting in on the fun and celebration of our 25th Anniversary !  Last month we gave away a birthday party at Energy Fitness and Gymnastics to one of our lucky families! This month, we are providing free financial planning for twenty lucky families. In March, we will provide a pizza luncheon and service dog visit to one lucky MetroWest classroom.

We will be celebrating this milestone all year long, by giving back to YOU -- the heart and soul of our agency. Check out all the exciting opportunities and giveaways that will be a part of our 25th Anniversary celebration.  

We are also excited to introduce a new program for ages 21+ -- Glee Club! Check out all the information below and be sure to register for our March session. Space is limited.

Last, but certainly not least, we are honored to be awarded the Jim O'Connor Community Service Award by the Salute to Framingham committee. Serving our community is the foundation of who we are, therefore it is a true honor to receive this community service award. Thank you!

Your Co-Directors,
Upcoming Events
SibShop Event

We are hosting our third, free SibShop event on March 3rd, from 10am-1pm for siblings ages 7-12. Click on the link below for details and registration information.
 
Learn More.

Fun, Friends & Family Bingo!, Ages 16+

February 24th from 12:30-2:30pm. Join us for an afternoon of Bingo at Advocates Main Office in Framingham.

A Full Life Ahead: Adult Family Care & Shared Living - What to Know

February 8th from 6:30-8:30pm in Framingham. Join us for a discussion about Adult Family Care (AFC) and Shared Living. We will discuss the benefits, differences, and eligibility requirements for both options.
 
Learn More.

Kite Day 2018 
Saturday, April 28th
11:00am - 2:00pm
Bose Mountain, Framingham. 
More information coming soon!
On-Going Programs
NEW: Glee Club for Ages 21+

This 6-week program will be a mixture of singing shorts songs, dancing and depending on the production, a little acting. 
 
Learn More.

Sunday Open Gym

Our Sunday Open Gym program operates weekly through the end of March. $5 per family - your first visit is free, come check it out! February dates are 2/4, 2/11, 2/18 and 2/25.
 
Learn More.
Phone Consultations with Area Expert

Free phone consultations, from the privacy of your home or office, with Pam Kaufmann, former Director of Special Education for the Framingham Public Schools. Pam volunteers her time and expertise to our families, answering IEP-related questions and offering advice. Thirty-minute phone consults will take place during the day on Tuesday, February 20th. To register for a time slot, please email Kathy Paquette. 

Family Support Clinics

By appointment, addressing any issues or needs that your family may have relating to supporting a loved one with autism.
 
Learn More.
Support Groups
Just For Dads Support Group

Thursday, February 1st from 7:00-8:30pm. A group for fathers raising children on the autism spectrum. No registration needed - just stop by!
 
Learn More.

Parent Support Group
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Our next Parent Support Group will meet on February 14th from 7:00-8:30pm at the Advocates Main Office, 1881 Worcester Road in Framingham. We will be discussing strategies to support our children in the three core areas of life: communication, behavior and social/emotional. All are welcome, no registration necessary - just drop by. Rumor has it, there will be chocolate for Valentine's Day!
Portuguese Speaking Support Group

February 26th at 6:30pm in Framingham. 
Information and support group for Portuguese speaking families that have children with autism. Come learn about what programs and services are available to you and your child.
 
Learn More.
Quick Resources
Autism Alliance | (508) 652-9900 | AutismAlliance@Advocates.org | www.AutismAlliance.org
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