May 30, 2024

Welcome to the latest edition of our program newsletter, Community Connections! We are excited to tell you about our free events and resources for the month of June. This is a long list, but if you hang in there you might just find exactly what you were looking for to move your knowledge forward or access some important connections.

This month's issue contains a variety of of events and resources from Autism Connections and Family Empowerment:

• Webinars/trainings
• All ages family activities
• Diverse forums, groups and networking opportunities
• NEW! Resource Provider lists (ABA, Adult and Child Autism Diagnosticians)
• Pathlight Program news
• Advocacy topics/action
• Other community events (housing, employment)

"On the Horizon" issues will appear in your inbox more frequently, since they contain reminders about events coming up within a few days.

Stay connected, get informed, be empowered, and let's build a stronger

community together!

Regards,

Family Empowerment and Autism Connections Teams

Family Empowerment and Autism Connections Trainings

Hello attendees of our 2024 Autism Conference - we've got some great news for you! We have previously sent out emails containing a unique link to access the recording of the Keynote Speech and all the Breakout Sessions. In case you missed it, simply reach out to joanne.luceypathlightgroup.org, and we'll gladly resend the link to you. Remember, this link will remain accessible until April 2025. Don't miss this chance to benefit from all of the valuable insights and knowledge shared during the conference!

Family Empowerment and Autism Connections Family Activities for All Ages!

ALL AGES FAMILY ACTIVITY

Party with Autism Connections!

• Saturday, June 15, 2024
• 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• 450 Banquets
• 450 Memorial Drive, Chicopee
• IN-PERSON (Free, with DJ, snacks, Karaoke, activities)
• For all ages, siblings, friends, parents, and caregivers are invited. Our event is inclusive and open to all community members. Bring your family and friends!

More Information

Register

ALL AGES FAMILY ACTIVITY

Family Empowerment Annual Family Picnic (Hampshire County families)

Saturday, June 11, 2024

If you live in Hampshire County and are currently being supported by Family Empowerment, this picnic is for you! Please call Bianca with questions at 413.585.8010, or email Christy, at christy.castro@pathlightgroup.org. 

ALL AGES FAMILY ACTIVITY

Family Empowerment Annual Family Picnic (Franklin County families)

Saturday, June 29, 2024



If you live in Franklin County and are currently being supported by Family Empowerment, this is a family event for you! Please email Donna at donna.walden@pathlightgroup.org if you have any questions. 

FAMILY EMPOWERMENT AND AUTISM CONNECTIONS FORUMS AND GROUPS

A FORUM FOR ADULTS

Adult Topics on the Spectrum, Ages 26+

Facilitator: Amelia Clark, Autism Connections



• Tuesday, 6/4 and 6/18
• 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Zoom
• For all Autistic community members, 26+

More Information and Register

A FORUM FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Autism Friends and Family Forum

Facilitator: Linda Manning

• Wednesday, June 5
• 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Zoom
• For families and friends of autistic young adults/adults 17+

More Information

Register

A SOLUTIONS GROUP

Charting the LifeCourse: Good Life Group

Facilitator: Donna Kushi, Pathlight's Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador

• Tuesday, June 11
• ZOOM AT NOON
• 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• All who are in project planning stages

More Information and Register

A FORUM FOR ADULTS

Adult Topics on the Spectrum, Ages 18-25

Facilitator: Amelia Clark, Autism Connections



• Tuesday, 6/11 and 6/25
• 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• Zoom
• For all Autistic community members, 18-25 years old

More Information and Register

More information and registration

NEW! RESOURCE PROVIDER LISTS

ABA PROVIDER

ADULT DIAGNOSIS

CHILD DIAGNOSIS

PATHLIGHT PROGRAM NEWS

LEARN MORE AND DONATE!

This year’s June 30 campaign holds particular significance with the Alvin and Estelle Eagle $500,000 Challenge, made possible through the incredible generosity of the Eagle family. Their pledge to donate $60,000 hinges on Pathlight raising $440,000 by midnight on June 30. This remarkable display of support underscores the profound commitment the Eagle family holds to our organization and the individuals we serve.

SUMMER CLASSES

Summer Classes are available online - sign up now for your favorites now!

The summer session runs from July 9, 2024 through August 31, 2024.

Register for Summer Classes!

Whole Children and Milestones

Open House

Monday, June 17 and Tuesday, June 18, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

More information and register



Interested in checking us out? Come tour our Inclusive Community Center in Northampton, meet our teachers, make a craft and have a snack. FREE and open to all ages!

Join in on the Down Syndrome Resource Group special events over the summer and the Buddy Walk in October!

• Family Gathering , Sunday, July 14 at Look Park in Florence. Lean more and register!

• Playgroups in Holyoke and South Hadley, different ages. Learn more and RSVP.

• Buddy Walk, October 5, Stanley Park. Learn more.

ADVOCACY

NICKY'S LAW NEEDS YOU!

Nicky’s Law enactment established a registry of care providers who have been found to have abused clients with intellectual or developmental disabilities. 

The Disabled Person’s Protection Commission (DPPC) maintains the registry which allows employers to screen job applicants to ensure abusers don’t move from job to job. Expansion would strengthen DPPC’s operations as it would fully incorporate the abuser registry throughout the DDS system.

Learn more and take action!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

SIBLINGS

Supporting Siblings

June 6, 2024, 5:30 p.m.

Zoom

(Meets the first Thursday of each month).

This group is a collaboration between UMass Chan Medical School Department of Psychiatry collaborates with Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PPAL) and MCPAP. 

Learn more and register

HOUSING

Family Action Meetups

Hosted by Autism Housing Pathways

June 24, July 22, August 26, September 23

Zoom

Family Action Meetups (FAMS) are a monthly opportunity for families to get together, learn about two housing models per month, and chat in depth. 

Learn more and register

EMPLOYMENT

NextGen Careers Information Sessions

Hosted by Autism Housing Pathways

June 18 and every Tuesday at 12 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Zoom

A weekly Information Session for young adults, their families, and professionals interested in NextGen Careers.

More information and register

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Email Joanne Lucey at joanne.lucey@pathlightgroup.org if you have comments, events or feedback that you would like to share. Thank you!

familyempowerment@pathlightgroup.org

autismconnections@pathlightgroup.org

Family Empowerment and Autism Connections are programs of Pathlight.