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The Resource Connection
Weekly Update January 2, 2019
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And just like that it's 2019! I'm hoping for a better year, 2018 was particularly challenging for our family. So often with challenges you become isolated, but then I'm preaching to the choir here.
Every last one of us who have autism in the family know what it is like to have family and friends withdraw or become distant and to have invitations stop coming. So after months of social isolation and care giving, I was more than happy to be able to spend Friday night with my extended Autism Center Family ringing in the New Year.
The community we've created and share together is the cure for the insular life circumstances forced upon us. The kindness born of shared experience creates an atmosphere where college graduates with ASD and others like my son, who struggles to communicate, can share an enjoyable evening together dancing, singing karaoke and laughing. The support and understanding allows everyone to feel connected and a part of a group.
This is the miracle that happens when we come together at events and activities. It never ceases to amaze me or fill me with gratitude. Many participants of this particular event have been part of the magic for years, first as children at the holiday party and then as the pioneers of the Holiday Dinner Dance for Teens and Young Adults.
As we celebrated the New Year with a count down and noise makers I thought of many who were once part of the celebration as Auld Lang Syne played. Some have moved away to warmer climes, others have taken their place in the world, and perhaps were working on Friday night. But their spirits remain as part of the magic that is the Center. It has been such a privilege to be a small part of the lives of so many amazing families, to watch the kids grow up, continue to confront challenges and to succeed. I'd like to think that the understanding and support they experience at the Center plays a part in their success.
Here's to another year of succeeding together!
Sue
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As part of our mission we try to keep you informed of relevant meetings, hearings, recreational opportunities in our community.
Check out the
Bulletin Board this week for information about upcoming activities in the community.
The Bulletin Board is a place to have events that would be of interest to the families of HMEA's Autism Resource Central posted. Sped PAC meetings with speakers, recreational opportunities, classes and more.
To have an event considered for posting please send information to
Sloring@hmea.org
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Camp Havvago is a "try it" camp with a 1:1 staff-to-camper ratio designed especially for youth and teens ages 7-17 on the Autism Spectrum. Campers are invited to "have a go" at experiencing the fun and excitement of overnight camp within a structured, safe, nurturing environment designed to set youth on the Spectrum up for success. Campers enjoy all the fun of camp - swimming, boating, crafts, nature exploration, campfires, cabin life, and more - all while building their social skills, independence, and self-confidence. The camp is 5 days and 4 nights long, and operates in conjunction with HMEA's
Autism Resource Central
IMPORTANT DATES
January 17, 2019 Camp Havvago Information Night 7-9 PM
For Parents who'd like to learn more about the Havvago Program
January 18, 2019
Registration for Camp Opens
Check the Registration Page on our Website
First Payment ( $85.00) Due
( Two more $85.00 payments due in March and June )
CAMP HAVVAGO PROGRAM
& BEACHCOMBERS PROGRAM
JULY 8 - 12, 2019
Camp Starfish
12 Camp Mononomoc Rd
Ringe, New Hampshire
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Repeatedly studies have been released linking obesity and autism. To address this we are partnering again with Adaptive
Exercise LLC to provide a six week group exercise program this winter. David Crowley, is a special
educator and personal trainer. Adaptive Exercise was formed in accordance with the American Council on Exercise using Applied Behavior Analysis based strategies. Programming is individualized and developed based on assessments, to ensure client success, and establish positive exercise experiences. And it is fun! David provides the adaptive PE at The Darnell school. Classes will take place on Monday evenings from
6:00-7:00 PM beginning on January 7th and ending on February 25th. There will be no class on MLK Day and Monday of February Vacation. Classes will take place at the Center, 712 Plantation Street in Worcester. Fee $30.00/pp Register here.
In case of snow we will reschedule in March
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JANUARY CALENDAR
or call 508-298-1610
Fees for Events are as stated on site
FAMILY FUN
January 7, 2019
Family Fun & Fitness
6:00 - 7:00PM
January 21, 2019
MLK Day
CENTER IS CLOSED
BUT WE HAVE
Family Fun for Kids
Teens & Young Adults
Urban Air
189 Mechanic St
Bellingham, MA
10 AM Fee: $12.00/per participant
EDUCATION
January 8, 2019
CANDO /HARC Series
Puberty & ASD
Jim Ingalls
6:30 - 8 PM
January 17, 2019
Camp Havvago
Information Night
7-9 PM
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SUPPORT
January 9, 2019
Parents of Adults
Support Group
Workshop
Becoming Person Centered:For Families
Cheryl Chan
7-9 PM
January 12, 2019
Sibshop
United Parish Church
Mass Ave Lunenburg MA
For Siblings ages 7 and older
$10.00/pp $15.00 cap
10AM- 1:30 PM
January 14, 2019
Parents & Tots
Sing-a-Long with Lindsay
4:30- 5:30 PM
January 16, 2019
Parents of School Aged Kids
& Tweens Support Group
7 -9 PM
January 23, 2019
Parents of Teens
Support Group & Teen Group
7-9 PM
January 30, 2019
Parents of Girls Support Group
& Girl's Social Group
6:30-8:30 PM
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Sincerely,
Sue Loring -Director
HMEA's Autism Resource Central 508-298-1605
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