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May 20, 2011
Jackson EMC Foundation
Awards $58k in Grants to Area Organizations
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| Photo: (left to right) Jackson EMC Foundation board member Jim Puckett, Spectrum Autism Support Group parent Cindy Pike, Jackson EMC Gwinnett District Manager Randy Dellinger, Spectrum Autism President Claire Dees, and Spectrum Autism parent David Pike. |
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The Jackson EMC Foundation, a charity funded by members of the electric cooperative through their contributions to the Operation Round Up program, has awarded $58,000 in grants to area organizations.
$15,000 to Computers for Youth to help fund the “Take It Home” program at Sweetwater Middle School in Lawrenceville where about 465 sixth graders, 86 percent of whom are disadvantaged, will receive free refurbished computers pre-loaded with a suite of educational and word processing software to improve home learning, involve parents and help students stay engaged in school.
$12,000 to Hope Clinic in Lawrenceville, a primary care internal medicine clinic founded to provide the uninsured working poor with affordable care, to help purchase a BVI 9600 Patient Assessment Kit, a 3-D ultrasound instrument which can provide preventative and lifesaving diagnoses of urinary system disorders and abdominal aortic aneurysms.
$10,000 to Exodus Outreach a Buford non-profit organization serving people in all walks of life who are hurting and in need of support, for a summer program that offers at-risk students in Kindergarten through eighth grade with a summer learning and development curriculum that provides supervision and readies the students to succeed in school in the fall.
$10,000 to Spectrum Autism Support Group, a parent-run non-profit group in Suwanee that provides support, education and resources for the entire spectrum of autism disorders, to enable disadvantaged autistic individuals ages four to 22 to attend the organization’s weeklong summer camp program where daily activities are used to teach social skills lessons.
$7,500 to Nspire Outreach in Lawrenceville, an outreach effort providing homeless men and women in Gwinnett County with skills and tools that will help them leave the streets and become independent, to provide continuing education through GED courses, online courses, career training, or courses at local colleges or technical schools.
$3,500 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association to help children and young adults with neuromuscular diseases from the counties served by Jackson EMC attend Camp Walk N’ Roll, a week-long summer program with no boundaries for physical disabilities where campers can build confidence and independence while their caregivers have a break from the demands of constant care.
Jackson EMC members fund Foundation grants by having their monthly electric bills rounded up to the next dollar amount through the Operation Round Up program. Since the program began, this “spare change” has funded 526 grants to organizations and 194 grants to individuals, putting more than $5.4 million back into local communities.
Any individual or charitable organization in the ten counties served by Jackson EMC (Clarke, Banks, Barrow, Franklin, Gwinnett, Hall, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison and Oglethorpe) may apply for a Foundation grant by completing an application, available online at http://www.jacksonemc.com/Guidelines-for-Funding.106.0.html or at local Jackson EMC offices. Applicants do not need to be a member of Jackson EMC.
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| (L to R) Julia Massey, Claire Dees (Spectrum Co-Presidents); Sarah O’Leary; John McDonald; Peggy Vanover (far right) |
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May 2011
“Digital Energy: Across the Business and Around the World”
GE Energy Services Employee Makes Leadership Award Donation to
Spectrum Autism Support Group of Gwinnett County, Georgia
John D. McDonald, Director, Technical Strategy and Policy Development, for GE Energy’s Digital Energy business was recognized with an Energy Services Leadership Award by Dan Heintzelman, President & CEO of GE Energy Services, on January 26, 2011. McDonald was one of 22 leaders who received this new award that recognizes those who go above and beyond to deliver for GE’s customers, shareholders, and employees. Leadership Award recipients received $10,000 to be given to the non-profit(s) of their choice. McDonald donated $5,000 to the Spectrum Autism Support Group in Gwinnett County, Georgia.
Spectrum Autism Support Group (SPECTRUM) was established in the fall of 1998 for families, friends and teachers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) within Gwinnett County, Georgia and the surrounding areas. It is a parent-operated group whose mission is to provide support, education and resources encompassing the entire spectrum of ASD for children and adults. Summer camps, respite programs, and social skills training are the areas given most emphasis due to the high need in the community for these services. Spectrum works to raise funds to supplement the costs for families.
McDonald’s daughter, Sarah O’Leary, has taught elementary school age autistic children in Gwinnett County for eight years. McDonald was introduced to Spectrum, and the important work that the organization does, through his daughter, Sarah, and her teaching colleague, Peggy Vanover, who works with Spectrum.The $5,000 donation will be used to support the organization's summer camp program for children with autism ages 4-22 in Gwinnett and surrounding counties. Kids enjoy interactive, safe, and fun activities that focus on social skills. “This grant will go a long way toward helping make a real difference for children and families in our community who struggle with the challenges of autism 24/7. With the rate of autism continuing to increase so do the needs in our community,” said Claire Dees, Spectrum President.
To recognize this GE Energy Services donation, Spectrum has placed the GE logo on their web site, and the GE logo will be included on summer camp literature and the summer camp t-shirts. For more information on Spectrum Autism Support Group, visit: www.atl-spectrum.com
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SPECTRUM Autism Support Group, Inc. Receives Gwinnett Braves December Grant
Team’s Grant Will Help Deliver Social Skills Curriculum for Local Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
The Gwinnett Braves announced today that Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc. is the recipient of the Gwinnett Braves December grant. The $1,000 grant will be used to support the organization’s Social Skills Program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders ages 4-22.
“When the economy suffers, small non-profits like ours suffer, because people and organizations have less to give. But autism doesn’t take a break for the economy or anything else. This grant will go a long way toward helping make a real difference for children and families in our community who struggle with the challenges of autism 24/7,” said Claire Dees, Spectrum President.
Jenny Stebbins, whose son benefits from Spectrum programs, said “We’re so grateful to the Gwinnett Braves for their support of Spectrum. Children on the autism spectrum struggle with even basic social skills, and this program provides an opportunity for our son to interact with other kids while receiving social facilitation from trained professionals.”
Spectrum provides support, education and resources encompassing the entire spectrum of autistic disorders in Gwinnett County and surrounding areas. The Social Skills Program is for children functioning at all levels of the autism spectrum. The program is free of charge and it takes place during Spectrum’s monthly meetings. Kids enjoy interactive, safe, and fun activities that focus on a social skills lesson for the evening. Spectrum serves 50-80 children each month in the Social Skills Program.
Organizations interested in applying for a Gwinnett Braves grant can visit the Community page on gwinnettbraves.com for more information.
The Gwinnett Braves are the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Full and partial season tickets for the 2011 campaign are available at gwinnettbraves.com/2011, the Coolray Field Box Office and by calling (678) 277-0340. Follow the G-Braves at gwinnettbraves.com, facebook.com/GwinnettBraves1, and twitter.com/GwinnettBraves1.
About Spectrum Autism Support Group, Inc.
Spectrum is an autism support group based out of Gwinnett County affiliated with the Autism Society of America, Greater Georgia Chapter. Gwinnett is one of five Atlanta metro counties identified by the CDC for statistical significance in autism cases. Today 1 out of 110 children in Gwinnett County is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Spectrum was established in 1998 and currently serves over 600 families and 1000 children residing not only in Gwinnett County but also in at least seven surrounding counties.
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SPECTRUM Honored by Gift from Wells Fargo at
Days of Giving Event
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| Stacy Rhine and Claire Dees |
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SPECTRUM was honored by Wells Fargo with a $1,000 grant at the company’s Days of Giving ceremony at the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce in Marietta on November 8th.
The donation to SPECTRUM is among contributions to 240 non-profit groups, each for $1,000, to organizations across Atlanta made at five community breakfasts. The company began the program in Atlanta last year and in 2010 expanded it by more than a third. Wells Fargo will make a total of $5 million in contributions to some 500 groups across Georgia in 2010.
SPECTRUM was nominated for the grant by Stacy Rhine and was selected by frontline employees of the company for the honor.
“These unrestricted dollars will allow us to continue to help the community,” said Spectrum President, Claire Dees. “With the economy still suffering, the money couldn’t come at a better time.”
“A hallmark of Wells Fargo is local decision-making and local involvement,” said Scott Asher, community bank president. “Through Days of Giving we’re connecting with local communities in a whole new way.”
Across Atlanta Wells Fargo has 5,000 employees and serves half of all Atlanta households. It has nearly 200 bank locations.
Added Asher, “We know the needs continue to be great across our area, especially now. This is a new way to help more people and more groups that we haven’t been able to reach in the past.”
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Spectrum Welcomes New Sponsor:
Thank You, Mountain View Bears!
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| Mountain View HS Football Program |
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| The Mountain View High School Football Program has partnered with Spectrum Support Group to raise awareness of Autism in the Mountain View community. Mountain View dedicated the week of October 11th as a week of service. After hearing a presentation from Spectrum Co-President Claire Dees, the young men in the program distributed educational materials to students in the school and collected money in the lunchroom and at the week's games. Through personal donations of players, other students, and fans, Mountain View was able to raise $1400 for Spectrum. The Bears look forward to growing their partnership with Spectrum and working together to serve the families of Gwinnett County.
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From Gwinnett Daily Post: Camp teaches social skills, independence to children with autism
July 2, 2010
WINDER — It’s Monday night, and the kids at Camp Journey are getting ready for the dance.
After donning skirts and dresses and spraying themselves with glitter and body spray, the girls leave their cabin and walk up the path to the dining hall. Within a few minutes, the boys file in wearing polos and button-up shirts.
But before the music begins, the kids sit through a short lesson on dance etiquette.
The campers, who have autism, learn the appropriate way to ask someone to dance. Emily Becker, 10, volunteers to come to the stage and model the proper behavior.
It’s just one example of how instruction blended together with the activities at the weeklong overnight camp. Whether the campers were having fun or sitting down for a meal, they were also learning social skills and engaging in activities designed to increase their independence and self-confidence.
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Autism, a disorder of neural development, is characterized by impaired social interaction and communication and by restricted and repetitive behavior. Camp Journey is staffed by certified teachers and paraprofessionals who understand autism and know how to handle problematic behaviors.
“During the summertime, this is probably the only time (the children) socialize,” said camp leader Mary O’Connell, adding that many of the children would be content to sit on the couch and play video games all day. “They also struggle with independent skills. .... We’re trying to work on some of those kinds of things.”
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Camp Journey, which began Sunday and ends today, is one program offered by Spectrum Camps and Clubs. During the summer, Spectrum also offers day camps.
Spectrum has been organizing overnight weekend camps for a few years, but last year was the first time the group planned a weeklong overnight camp. Camp Journey is held at Camp Twin Lakes — Will-A-Way in Fort Yargo State Park in Winder.
The activities — including swimming, biking, using paddleboats, navigating the ropes course, playing group games and more — were facilitated by Camp Twin Lakes, a nonprofit organization that runs the camp operations and facilities designed for children with serious illnesses, disabilities and other challenges.
While a few children had to be reminded to put away their books during meals or encouraged to join the group, most of the campers approached each activity with enthusiasm.
Charlie Grove, 16, said one of his favorite activities was nature crafts. “I made a necklace,” he said. Charlie wore the necklace throughout the week, proudly displaying the string of brightly colored foam beads and leather band which bore his name.
Hull Middle School student James Kilgore said he was most looking forward to fishing, but he was enjoying the whole experience. “Well, it’s a lot of fun, and it’s a great way to make friends,” James said. “They have plenty of activities and a really nice schedule.”
Shiloh High School student Kyle Kulasiewicz, 15, said he thinks the camp improved in its second year. Camp Twin Lakes programs at Will-A-Way began in May 2009, and renovations at Will-A-Way were completed this year. “I think it’s really fun, because there are tons of activities,” Kyle said. “The one thing I don’t understand is why some people don’t think it’s fun. Overall, I think that this camp is awesome.”
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Autism Awareness Month…Recognizing Talents and Abilities
April 29 – May 28, 2010
In an effort to raise awareness about autism, the Global Health Odyssey Museum is pleased to present an art exhibition by young people affected by autism and related disorders. The young artists have created colorful acrylic and resin floor tiles under the supervision of David E. Petersen, Coordinator of the Artists-In- Residence program at Marcus Autism Center. Displayed as a collaborative work, the project is a joint effort of the Marcus School, the Early Intervention program, the SPECTRUM Autism Support Group, and the Georgia Chapter of the Autism Society of America.
In recent years, the quest to understand the cause and the nature of autism has increased along with the numbers of children being identified and diagnosed. Communities have come together in inspiring ways to try to meet the growing needs of families affected by autism. With this exhibit, we celebrate the growing talents, and abilities of children and adults with autism. This work serves as testimony to the talents of a group of remarkable community members and brings us into their world through the universal language of art.
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| About the Art: Artist David E. Petersen guided student artists in creating 8X8 ceramic tiles, encouraging them to select their own colors and techniques. Once complete, Petersen installed the tiles across two floor level platforms in a color spectrum, representing the spectrum of conditions that make up autism spectrum disorders and creating a breathtaking view from above. All of the tiles are unique and memorable, inspiring thought and conversation. The exhibit will remain on display in the Global Health Odyssey Museum until May 28th.
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Modern Healthcare Magazine
Beautiful minds on display
Posted: May 17, 2010 - 12:01 am ET
Scientists still don't quite know what goes on inside the mind of an autistic child despite a growing amount of attention being focused on the condition and funding being funneled toward research. A new exhibit at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Global Health Odyssey Museum in Atlanta is attempting to provide a few answers, however, even if they are of the nonscientific sort.
Conceived by three Atlanta-area autism advocacy groups “Recognizing Talents and Abilities” is a month long exhibit of painted tiles created by autistic artists ages 4 to 22. The 64 ceramic canvases include works that range from impressionism and abstract to bright and vibrant and dark and moody, says Melody Stevens, a public health analyst with the CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities.
The exhibit was conceived by artist David Peterson, who installed the tiles like a color spectrum, which, Stevens says, is intended to represent the autism spectrum. While Peterson came up with the idea for painted tiles and created the installation, the artists were 100% responsible for the themes they chose, Stevens says.
The ceramic tiles will be on display until May 28, after which they will be available for purchase by the public at $150 each. The funds will go to support the Marcus Autism Center's artist-in-residence program, the Spectrum Autism Support Group and the Greater Georgia Chapter of the Autism Society of America—the three groups that collaborated on the exhibit.
http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20100517/MAGAZINE/305179989/1151
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