Consider an End of Year Gift to ASBC! | |
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2023: Our Year In Review
Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the US, with 1 in 36 children diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder. Knowing this, the Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake creates connections for Autistic individuals of all ages and needs, their families, and caregivers to create a collaborative community where everyone is integrated into society without barriers or exceptions. As we reflect on the past year, please consider donating to ASBC this holiday season so we can continue providing valuable programming. In 2023, we:
- ... hosted 15 social events with over 550 people in attendance, which included our very active "For Autistics, By Autistics" adult group (see some highlights later in the newsletter!).
- ... made over 1,175 impressions with our community members during our monthly virtual group sessions, 67 sessions in total!
- Participated and served in 8 community outreach opportunities to raise awareness in our community
- Making a difference in our members lives through funding opportunities, like the Burger King Financial Assistance Fund and Avery Berman Scholarship Fund, for various services. We are working to build more partnerships with businesses and connect them with philanthropic opportunities in the community.
All of this is made possible through our donors and members... please consider making a donation so we can make an even greater impact in 2024 and beyond!
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ASBC's Business Repository and Financial
Support Fund
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Are you a Maryland business that provides Autism related services?
The ASBC is establishing a repository of trusted, legitimate businesses who provide support to Autistics. Please use the following link to submit business information for consideration: Submit your business using this form!
You will be notified within 30 business days if your business is officially added.
Are you a Baltimore City resident who receives services and would like to be considered for up to $500 in reimbursement? Please use the following link to submit your information: Apply for funding now!
The ASBC is here for you!
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Become an ASBC Member for $15 a Year! | |
The ASBC Membership Fee is only $15 a year!
Don't miss out to enjoy the membership benefits below - become a member TODAY for only $15 a year, sign up here: ASBC's Membership Page
Family membership includes:
- Access to member-only social events
- Up to $100 per family per year to attend Autism related workshops and conferences provided by the Charles J. Fowler, Jr. Memorial Fund
- Access to ASBC grants and funding opportunities (for families living in Baltimore City and County)
Your membership helps the Autism Society of Baltimore Chesapeake:
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Connect people to valuable information and resources through our phone line, website, calendar and info@baltimoreautismsociety.org email
- Provide monthly groups like our virtual discussion groups for adults with Autism, and parents/caregivers
- Provide monthly socials for those in the Autism community
Not a member yet? Don't miss out - become a member TODAY, sign up here: ASBC's Membership Page
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RISE Champions of Change Shoe Fundraiser: There's Still Time to Bid! | |
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RISE is a national nonprofit that educates and empowers the sports community to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations.
RISE has partnered with Daryl Worley of the Baltimore Ravens to champion social justice and raise awareness and support for Autism and social justice. They are auctioning an exclusive one-of-a-kind cleat to raise funds with 50% of the proceeds being donated to the Autism Society of Baltimore-Chesapeake. Bidding ends December 10th! Bid here: Auction Link
Check out Daryl Worley's video about why these causes are important to him here: Video Link
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Autistic Joy Mini Zine Making: Advocacy Through Creativity! | |
Thank you again to Jen White-Johnson for facilitating another incredible workshop for our November social, and to one of our many partners, Art with a Heart, for providing workshop space! Families enjoyed exercising their creativity while celebrating Autistic Joy!
Jen White-Johnson is a Afro-Latina, disabled artist, designer, educator, and activist, whose visual work explores the intersection of content and caregiving with an emphasis on redesigning ableist visual culture. When her son was diagnosed as Autistic at age 3, she began to examine the absence of black disabled children in digital and literary media, this motivated the release of an advocacy photo zine entitled "KnoxRoxs" dedicated to her Autistic son. To see more of her work and activism, check out here site here: https://jenwhitejohnson.com/
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Thank You to Towson University for Our Successful Fall Family Photo Event! | |
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Another Great "Leaf" Your Worries Behind Family Photo Event with Towson University!
We are eternally grateful to all of the volunteers who made this event possible. A giant special thank you to our talented photographers, Deborah Payne and Tricia Simmons, who provided each of our families with gorgeous, edited family portraits! They turned out beautifully. The event would not have been possible without the heartfelt efforts of the Towson University student volunteers, Dr. Kay Holman, the wonderful staff at the Childcare Center, and the generosity of Towson University's Department of Special Education. It is an honor and a privilege to collaborate with such a genuine and compassionate group of people. And of course, our gratitude abounds for the best Santa ever! Thank you for spending the day with our families! It is hard to put into words how much this event means to our community. There were smiles upon smiles and we all left with full hearts!
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Celebrating Community: Highlighting the Successes of "By Autistics, For Autistics" | |
We had such a great time at ASBC sponsored events in 2023! Our "By Autistics, for Autistic" events for adult members continue to be a smashing success! Events this year included bowling in February, dinner and a movie in May, the Maryland Renaissance Festival in September, and Dave & Buster's in November. Please consider donating to the ASBC to keep these fantastic programs running via the link above! | |
Sensory-Friendly Santa Visits (via Pathfinders)! | |
Our friends at Pathfinders for Autism have created a resource page for local sensory-friendly Santa visits for early December. You can see the locations, schedule, and reserve a time at this link: Sensory-friendly Santa Visits! Perfect for holiday photos and cards (walk-ins also allowed, note that there are fees for photos)!
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Virtual Groups, Meetings, Workshops
& Other Resources
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PLEASE NOTE: We are taking a break for the month of December! The links below are for our January 2024 sessions. | | |
Upcoming ASBC Virtual Groups
Click the group name to register and receive the email reminders and login information.
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General Session
An inclusive space for all adults to learn and grow in their understanding
Tuesday, January 30th, 2024, at 7:00pm
*Be on the lookout for our Spotlight Series guest announcement!
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Parent / Caregiver Discussion Group
A supportive environment to meet other parents and share
Tuesday, January 16th, 2024, at 7:00 pm
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Autistic Adult Discussion Group
Every Thursday @ 9:00pm
For Autistic Adults (18+) Only
A casual, neurodiverse space to connect and share
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Check Out Our Resources Directory
(A Work in Progress)!
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In an effort to support our community even more, ASBC has created a searchable resource directory for both local and national organizations and businesses serving the Autism community! We are still testing out some of the features, so please pardon our dust while we continue to improve the directory. Check it out here: ASBC's Resources Directory
Have an organization you would like to recommend? Contact James Orman jorman@baltimoreautismsociety.org to make a suggestion!
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Grupo De Apoyo Para Padres Latinos (Virtual - hosted by Autism Society of Maryland)
18 de Diciembre, 7:00-8:30pm​​​​​​​
Para más informatión llame o envie un correo-e a:
Marianela Estrada, emailnella22@gmail.com, 973-223-1024
Alex Arevalo, ax.areval1@gmail.com, 240-374-3368
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US AT ASBC! | | | | |
