Dear Autism Connections and Family Empowerment families and friends,
 
We have been very busy packing up the Hadley Office and moving into our new Center in Northampton! We look forward to seeing you there, as we continue to open in-person center activities. We plan an Open House for early September, so stay tuned for more information.
 
We continue to carefully transition to in-person activities when possible and safe, and to listen to your preferences about how to engage with learning opportunities and activity options. Currently Autism Connections' Pioneer Valley Autism Support Group meets in person in Holyoke, and the family picnics for Family Empowerment were in-person in Greenfield and Florence. Our colleagues at Whole Children and Milestones Recreation will be starting up summer activities soon, scheduled to run from July 11-August 20. Learn more about those activities here.
 
The Special Education Forum with Pathlight's Education Advocate Nancy Farnsworth is remote for tonight's (June 29) Zoom meeting at 8pm. The group is on summer break after tonight's meeting until September. The popular forum is for parents whose children are experiencing challenges in school, especially as they relate to the IEP. Members meet to share information, experiences and receive insight and resources from Nancy and each other.
 
We have had questions recently about how our service programs are related to each other. Autism Connections, Family Empowerment, Whole Children and Milestones are all programs of Pathlight, whose central office is in Springfield. We collaborate with each other and strengthen all programming through our internal connections and varied experiences. All the Pathlight programs support people with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, autism, and their families. Learn more about additional Pathlight services.
 
We hope you have a wonderful summer filled with family, friends, adventure and rest & recreation! Contact us if we can help you with any of that.
 
Your Family Empowerment and Autism Connections teams
Topics this issue:
  • Our move to Northampton
  • John Robison, Pathlight's new CEO
  • Autism Conference content still available to new, and previous registrants
  • Family Empowerment and Autism Connections' upcoming webinars, activities, support and discussion groups
  • Links to previous Family Empowerment and Autism Connections' webinars with recordings and handouts
  • Summertime!
  • Regional information
  • Financial Resources
  • A special thank you!
  • Additional Webinars
A new home for Family Empowerment and Autism Connections!

Pathlight finalized the purchase of 11 Village Hill Road, Northampton, in January and we have been working with architects and builders to get it ready to house Family Empowerment and Autism Connections, Whole Children, Milestones, and some Pathlight administration offices. Our move from 41 Russell Street in Hadley is scheduled for June 28, 2022.

In-person recreational programs for Whole Children and Milestones will take place at the new location this summer, from July 11 - August 20 (more about the summer program along with registration links).

This is a gorgeous new building on the campus of the former Northampton State Hospital. It has big windows, lovely light, trees and a view of the mountains. It is two stories but completely accessible with an elevator. We plan an Open House for early September, so stay tuned for more information!
THE 2022 AUTISM CONFERENCE
The Virtual Edition of the 31st Annual Autism Conference held on April 28, 2022, was a resounding success!

On April 28, Autism Connections hosted the second virtual Autism Conference and was again uplifted by the positive experiences shared by attendees. Most often we heard that the pace of the Conference day was engaging and interesting (never boring), the Breakout Session topics were relevant, the very few technical issues were resolved quickly and attendees appreciated the number of autistic presenters.

We are now offering a discounted rate for Agency Professionals/Educators and Family members/caregivers/people with autism. Join in on the fun and learning opportunities of the Conference and view all of the Keynotes, Breakout Session recordings and Exhibitor Resources until July 28, 2022. Learn more about the Conference and recorded sessions, and email us with any questions.

The 2023 Autism Conference is scheduled for April 27, 2023! We are planning a great day with a few surprises, so mark your calendar.
Pathlight News
John Roberson takes the reins of Pathlight
Pathlight has named human services leader John Roberson as our new Executive Director.

Throughout his career, Roberson has designed and implemented programs tailored to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families. He brings an extensive background in leadership and operations for community-based residential programs and a passion for improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Upcoming groups from Family Empowerment and Autism Connections
Special Education Forum: Remote
with Nancy Farnsworth, Pathlight's Education Advocate
Zoom Meeting
The last Wednesday of every month (no meeting in July or August this summer)
June 29, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m
This popular forum is for parents whose children are experiencing challenges in school. Members meet to share information, experiences and receive insight and resources from Nancy and each other.
Autism Friends and Family Forum: Remote
Zoom Meeting
The first Wednesday of every month, 7:30-8:30 p.m
July 6, 2022; August 3, 2022
The Autism Friends & Family Forum meets to support family members and friends who provide care and guidance to adults (17+) with an autism/asperger profile. Discussion topics include helping to manage care as needed while supporting the independent life of an adult with autism.

Autism Connections' Pioneer Valley Support Group: In-person, with remote option if requested
Meets in-person at MCS, Holyoke, the second Wednesday of every month, 5:30-7:00 p.m.,
continuing through summer: July 13, 2022; August 10, 2022
This Support Group is facilitated by Linda Manning and is for parents, caregivers, friends, and extended family in western Massachusetts, who is caring for someone with autism at any age.

Family Support Group: In-person
Meets twice per month in the Greenfield Family Empowerment Support Center, with a morning and evening option. This group is currently on summer break, returning in September.
Contact Caroline at caroline.wenck@pathlightgroup.org if you would like to be put on the email list for information about September's meeting.
Recent webinar recordings from Autism Connections and Family Empowerment
PLAN of MA/RI
with Joan McGrath, Executive Director and Kathy Vitello, Director of Operations, January 2022

SSI Review: SSI and SSDI Understanding and successfully applying for benefits
with Caitlyn Thomas, January 2022

Creating a sensory space at home for both children and adults, Part 1
with Sarah Weirich, January 2022

Creating a sensory space at home for both children and adults, Part 2: Embracing the spectrum
with Sarah Weirich, February 2022

Self Direction with DDS
with Pam Hickey, February 2022

Community Action's Resources
with Pam Hickey, March 2022

Coming of Age - Turning 18 in Massachusetts
with Frederick M. Misilo Jr., Esq., Fletcher Tilton PC, March 2022

Bullying Prevention Training
with Johanne Pino, MA Advocates for Children, March 2022

Turning 18: Making Sense of MassHealth and Private Insurance Options
with Pat Nemia of The Federation for Children with Special Needs, April 2022

Special Needs Financial Planning
with Alexandria Dunn of Special Needs Financial Planning, a specialty practice of Affinia Financial Group, April 2022

IEPs and 504 Plans: Eligibility, Processes and Parent Rights
with Education Advocate Robert Terreden, May 2022

Exercise and Physical Activity for Autism Families
with David Crowley of Adaptive Exericise and Keila Torres of Conexiones Latinx-MA, May 2022

Ejercicio y Actividad Física para las Familias
Keila Torres de Conexiones Latinx-MA/David Crowley - Adaptive Exercise, June 2022

Thinking About Housing
with Cathy Boyle, President of Autism Housing Pathways, June 2022
Summertime
  • Highland Street Foundation August Adventures, info
  • "Lots of People Apply Sunscreen Wrong. Here’s How to Do It Right", Article from "The New York Times"
  • Accessible pools, beaches and park event in Massachusetts, info
Education
Massachusetts Launches MassLinks, a Virtual School Option for Adult Education and English Language Instruction, June 29 Press Release from Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
County specific information
Berkshire County
  • Buddy's Sunshine Angels Golf Tournament, August 21, 2022, Bas Ridge Golf Course
  • This is the 8th year of the tournament organized by Joe and Jennie Clark in honor of their children. All proceeds benefit families and individuals connected to Autism Connections in Berkshire County. Come on out to play, or sponsor this wonderful event! More
  • Berkshire Theatre Group Sensory Friendly Summer 2022 Performances: More
  • Great Barrington Resource Center Activities: More
  • Northern Berkhsire Community Coalition Calendar
  • Art for All Community Day (free), The Clark Art Institute, July 16 More

***
Franklin County
  • Wildlflower Alliance and Wild Ivy Social Network Groups (Greenfield Office) Info
  • Greenfield SummerEats Program: Info (starts June 27)

***
Hampden County
Autism Connections' Pioneer Valley Support Group: In-person, with remote option if needed
Meets in-person at MCS, Holyoke, the second Wednesday of every month, 5:30-7:00 p.m.,
continuing through summer: July 13, 2022; August 10, 2022
This Support Group is facilitated by Linda Manning and is for parents, caregivers, friends, and extended family in western Massachusetts, who is caring for someone with autism at any age. FLYER, REGISTER

***
Hampshire County
The Bridge Center Activities, Amherst, Info
Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress Western MA Family Gathering, July 23, Look Park, Florence. More
Financial resources and family supports
FINANCIAL HELP
  • Summer Eats Programs - Find a location near you!!!!!
  • The free Summer Eats program provides free meals to all kids and teens, ages 18 and under, Monday through Friday at locations all across Massachusetts during the summer months.
  • Find a food bank or food distribution site near you HERE, or contact the Food Bank of Western MA at 413- 247-9738. 
  • Affordable Connectivity Program
  • The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet. You are likely eligible if you or someone you live with currently receives a government benefit like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, or Free and Reduced-Price Lunch. The program can offer up to a $30/month discount on your internet service, plus discounts on equipment. More
A Special Thank you!
Spring Shootout Golf Tournament
A huge shout out to Mike Lynch who recently visited the Pathlight office to deliver a donation to Autism Connections from his third Spring Shootout Golf Tournament at the Chicopee Country Club to benefit Autism Connections. "My goal is to give back to non-profits that serve individuals and families in our community," said Mike, who has a nephew with autism.

Mike is also an recipient of the Forty Under Forty Award Program at Business West - congratulations Mike! We are so grateful for our community, which supports our work and the people and families we serve.

Community webinars
Recorded and upcoming Massachusetts workshops and webinars

Recorded and upcoming webinars from across the country
Autism Connections and Family Empowerment Centers
FAMILY EMPOWERMENT is the DDS funded Family Support Center for Franklin and Hampshire Counties.
Franklin County
Family Empowerment Support Center
110 Munson Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone: 413.585.8010

Hampshire County
Family Empowerment Support Center
41 Russell Street
Hadley, MA 01035
Phone: 413.585.8010
As of July 1, 2022
11 Village Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Phone: 413.585.8010
AUTISM CONNECTIONS is the DDS funded Autism Support Center for all four counties in western Massachusetts.
Berkshire County
Autism Connections Support Center
75 South Church Street, Suite 402
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Phone: 413.443.4780

Franklin County
Autism Connections support Center
110 Munson Street
Greenfield, MA 01301
Phone: 413.585.8010
Hampden County
Autism Connections Support Center
220 Brookdale Drive
Springfield, MA 01104
413.732.0531

Hampshire County
Autism Connections Support Center
41 Russell Street
Hadley, MA 01035
Phone: 413.585.8010
As of July 1, 2022
11 Village Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Phone: 413.585.8010