I know what Santa Claus feels like! Last Friday, I had the honor of awarding $402,158 to 41 wonderful autism organizations in New England, NY, NJ, FL, CA and Canada. Our support will help these groups continue to offer amazing programs and services for families affected by autism. In addition to awarding the grants, other highlights of the day included:
- Hearing Eve Megargel speak about her experience raising her son Billy. Although Billy is non-verbal, he has become an independent communicator through art, music and yoga. Eve shared personal stories from her book, Learning to Kiss, and reminded us that all behaviors are forms of communication.
- Listening to model organizations, The New England Sports Museum’s Boston vs. Bullies, Camp Shriver and the New York Transit Museum Ready to Ride, talk about how they are using our funding to provide access to services, active lifestyles and adult independence.
- Watching summit attendees build capabilities through grant writing and brand building workshops we offered for the first time this year.
It really was a bow on top of a wonderful year and a celebration of the autism community’s commitment to helping families affected by autism live life to the fullest. To learn more about our grantees and the resources they provide, visit https://flutiefoundation.org/grant-recipients.
We are truly honored to serve you and look forward to helping you live life to the fullest in 2017.
Happy Holidays,
Lisa Borges and the entire DFJF Team