APRIL 2018 | ISSUE 128
Abbett Family Foundation Increases Investment in AZA

Arizona Autism United would like to extend our greatest appreciation to the Abbett Family Foundation for their recent generous donation of $150,000! The Abbett Family Foundation has donated a total of $350,000 to date and has continued to support AZA United as we initiate our valleywide expansion plans. These funds will help us further our mission of helping as many families as possible with individualized supports!  More announcements will be coming out later this year about how we plan to expand our footprint throughout the valley and eventually the state, with a goal of having an AZA United office within reach of every neighborhood.  Contact us if you would like to learn more about how to support the funding needs for this project.
Trainings for Parents and Professionals

Arizona Autism United recently partnered with MHC Healthcare in Marana, Arizona to provide an autism community training for parents and professionals. Over 60 individuals participated in the event. Olivia Fryer, Outreach Coordinator, presented
Navigating the Systems of Care. This presentation helped participants learn about the different systems of care, services available and how to advocate for their loved one affected by autism. Information was also presented regarding how individuals with autism can receive services from different funding sources at various stages of their lives. Olivia Fryer also presented Preparing for Individual Support Plan (ISP) Meetings. Participants learned about the Annual and 90 day reviews with the Division of Developmental Disabilities and how to prepare for meetings to ensure services meet the needs of the child.
 
Ehren Werntz, Director of Behavioral Health Services at AZA United, presented
Behavior Intervention for Kids On and Off the Autism Spectrum. Parents and professionals received an introduction to understanding why challenging behaviors occur, as well as, evidence based strategies to improve certain behavioral challenges. Participants were introduced to new concepts, strategies and common reasons that interventions fall apart.
 
AZA United believes that knowledge is power. The more we understand about the systems of care and educate ourselves about autism and its many elements, the more successful our loved ones will be. To receive these or other trainings in your area, please contact us at Familyoutreach@AZAunited.org or (480) 302-5152.
Meet our Newest Management Team Member

We are very pleased to welcome Chris DeRusha to our team as the organization's first Information Technology Director!

Chris joins us with over 13 years of IT management experience. His career path in IT started at a young age while helping a neighborhood computer shop build new PC's. This led to his desire to pursue his bachelor's degree in Computer Science. Since completing his degree, Chris has worked for manufacturing, engineering, and medical organizations. He now has extensive experience designing and leading in the implementation of robust corporate networks with the security and redundancy required to maintain business stability. Maximizing interdepartmental collaboration, efficiencies and productivity through thoughtful and smart use of IT resources is a passion of his. Chris recognized early on in his career that IT was not just a service, but a provider of tools and ideas to help company departments work better, together.

Welcome to the AZA United family Chris!
Fix your windshield and support AZA United!

Are you driving around town with a chip or crack in your windshield? Our friends over at Jacksons Car Wash can help! Jacksons Car Wash is a proud supporter of AZA United. Through the Jackson Cares program, for every windshield replaced, they will donate $50 to AZA United! Simply schedule an appointment and use the referral code: AUTISM! Most replacements are covered by insurance. Jacksons Car Wash has 11 Valley locations and they are a mobile company, so they will come to you!
Announcements

Thank you to the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Rattlers for providing AZA United with tickets for our clients to attend various sporting events!

Thank you to the Maricopa County Fair for providing AZA United families 75 tickets to enjoy the fair!

Stay tuned to our social media for future free ticket offers!


Upcoming Events

Join us on Saturday, May 5th for our next Sibshops event! The event will take place from 10am to noon at the offices of AZA United. Sibshops are intended for sibs 7-14 years old. Registration is required.    
For more information contact  familyoutreach@azaunited.org or call 480-302-5152 
   
Link of the Month

The Kansas City Royals recently signed the first player with Autism! Tarik El-Abour will without a doubt make history and inspire many. This just goes to show that your dreams are never too big!

Click here for more details!
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Arizona Autism United | info@azaunited.org | 602.773.5773 | AZAunited.org