A Message From the Executive Director
Dear friends, families, and community partners,
As we cross the finish line of Developmental Disability Awareness Month and hit the on-ramp to Autism Acceptance Month, I am struck by the sheer number of people we’ve already impacted this spring. I am more than pleased that we were able to offer quality events that served so many across the Autism lifespan.
What a March it has been! From our Mom’s Night Out, ASMV Book Club and Caregiver Support Group to sponsoring a guest speaker, Eric Garcia, an autistic author and journalist who spoke to the Youngstown Press Club. We’ve engaged in transparent, real conversations regarding Autism and the many pillars of society that shape the journey.
Our Social Connections Group also had a huge celebration at the Salem Fun Center, which was generously made possible by a micro-grant from the Community Fund Ohio. Additionally, our families took part in a time-honored tradition: our Special Bunny event at the Eastwood Mall, sponsored by the Cafaro Foundation.
We had such a generous outpouring of donations to assist with the goodies and giveaways at these events. Every day, the Amazon driver delivered packages to the front door of the Youngstown Business Incubator, where our office is housed, and I was blown away by the generosity of our donors.
Looking to April
As we move into Autism Acceptance Month, the momentum isn’t slowing down! Please make sure to mark your calendars for two of our favorite annual traditions:
- Sensory Night at OH! WOW: A wonderful, accessible evening of hands-on exploration.
- The Family Dance: Hosted by our amazing friends at UAW 1112, it’s always a night to remember!
Growth and Connection
I truly feel the Autism Society is going to have an outstanding year. Having our donors, volunteers, and families involved is such an important part of what we are going to do. As your Director, please know my phone is always ready to receive your calls, and my email, jodi@autismmv.org, is open for your suggestions.
It is so important to me that we continue to offer relevant programming and build on the programs we already have. While some things may change from how we have always done it, rest assured that we are painstakingly planning for a future of growth and programming that will better serve our tri-county area.
To our volunteers, you make a difference. Please reach out to us. You can serve in ways that fit your availability and also the areas of our organization that matter most to you.
Finally, I want to share that fundraising is a big part of ASMV being able to offer quality programming We are asking partners to join The Change Challenge.
Our Social Connections groups have officially kicked off The Change Challenge for the next 30 days! They will be collecting change from friends and family members to help support their programming. You are welcome to join in the challenge!
- For Individuals: If you or your family would like to grab a change jar to collect coins, let us know!
- For Businesses: We are looking for local partners to host a donation lockbox at their business during the month of April for Autism Acceptance Month.
Thank you for being the heart of this organization.
Warmly,
Jodi Glass
Executive Director