APRIL 2022
A More Inclusive World for All
Welcome to our new monthly digital publication! We are launching it this month, during Autism Acceptance Month, because we know how important communication is in helping those with autism reach their full potential and in increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorder here and around the globe.
 
Every month, we will bring you news and updates from Potential while recognizing those who work so hard every day to create a more caring, compassionate, inclusive and accepting world for those living with autism. We will share their stories along with our knowledge to keep you informed, inspired and engaged. And we will continue to publish our quarterly newsletter as well.
 
Join us in nurturing acceptance, creating advocacy and giving a voice to those with autism spectrum disorder, so that they can live a life of value and we can help end the waitlist for quality autism services in our region.

Sincerely,
Kristine Quinby, President and CEO
Potential
EVENTS
April 27, 2022
Bucks County Community College
Doors open at 6:00 pm
Screening at 6:30 pm
Panel discussion to follow the film
Please join us for a sneak preview of an extraordinary film that follows the journey of one mother’s quest to ensure her son’s future happiness and safety in a world that doesn't always understand people on the autism spectrum.

Following the film, there will be a discussion led by an inspiring and knowledgeable group of panelists including: Ben Hartranft, CEO, President and Chairman at Benergy1 Presentations; Amy S.F. Lutz, Mother, Author and Founding Board Member of the National Council on Severe Autism (NCSA); Nina Wall, Director, Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services; Ernest Dianastasis, CEO, The Precisionists, Inc. (TPI); Jeff Selman, PsyD, BCBA-D, Chief Operating Officer, First Children Services; and Jules Ferraro, Newtown Township Police Officer.

“I am excited to share my story as part of an event with the awesome autism nonprofit Potential. In A Different Key is a documentary about life on the autism spectrum and the importance of kindness, belonging and inclusion in our world.”
—Ben Hartranft

We encourage you to attend and bring a friend who is outside the autism community as your “plus one” to share the evening with you. Through this film and discussion, we can all learn to embrace the values of acceptance and respect we hold so dear at Potential.
The Power of Community
Throughout the month of April, Potential and other autism organizations across the country will be out and about promoting awareness and education about autism and acceptance of those living with autism spectrum disorder. 

On Saturday, April 9, Potential was proud to be a water bottle sponsor at the Autism Cares Foundation’s Race for Resources at Bucks County Community College. It was a great event that brought many people together to raise critical funds for autism services in our region.

Couldn't make it? Join us on Sunday, April 24, for Autism Awareness Day at the Philadelphia Zoo. It will be another wonderful opportunity to meet others in our community. The event will feature autism awareness and acceptance merchandise, sensory stations, a craft area, entertainment and more. Hope to see you there! See more here.
Save the Date for the
6th Annual Car Show for Autism
Saturday, September 24, 2022
Our 6th Annual Car Show for Autism will return this September! Join us for a fun-filled day for families, car owners, and auto aficionados. Proceeds will help us end the waitlist for adults and children in our community seeking quality autism services. Car and bike registration is now open.
We are seeking vendors, volunteers, and sponsors for the event. Email Hillary Sawyer using the link below to learn more.
NEWS
Potential’s Spring Gala Raised Nearly $25,000
Potential kicked off the spring season of giving by hosting a Kentucky Derby-themed fundraiser on Saturday, March 12, at Rafters in Newtown. “A Night at the Derby” raised nearly $25,000 and succeeded in securing a record number of special appeal pledges, which will help the organization expand its resources and get closer to its goal of ending the waitlist for autism services. 

“These funds will enable us to hire 10 additional behavior therapists and take 20 children off the waiting list,” says Kristine Quinby, CEO of Potential. “But there is so much more we can do to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorder. It is crucial that we continue to build on that awareness by encouraging a compassionate understanding and acceptance of individuals with autism.”

During the event, families whose lives have been impacted by autism came out not only to support Potential’s efforts to help end the waitlist for quality autism services, but also to share their stories and inspire others. “Their stories of triumph over adversity remind us what is possible with the right support and care,” she adds. “It is so important that we encourage a greater understanding of the challenges our clients and their families face every day. And to nurture greater acceptance of those who are ‘different, not less.’”
FEATURED BLOG
Spring is in the air
Springtime brings many joys—as well as a unique set of challenges—to children with autism and their families and caregivers. The warmer weather and longer days beckon children to come out and play. It offers the chance to burn off some energy, get more exercise, interact with other kids in a fun, casual environment and just have fun. At the same time, outdoor play exposes children with allergies to all kinds of environmental triggers. Plus, any kind of change in routine with new sensory experiences can be stressful for children with autism.

Karen Yosmanovich, M.Ed., BCBA, LBS, Clinical Manager, Potential, reminds parents that spring is a wonderful time to engage your child with autism in new activities. All it takes is a little extra planning, education and awareness.

Three ways to prepare your child with autism for spring:

  1. Identify and manage seasonal allergies
  2. Incorporate safe outdoor recreational activities
  3. Plan for changes in schedules/routines

“I personally think that the longer days allow more opportunities for social interactions,” Yosmanovich says. “If your child has communication gaps, consider how you might provide support, such as incorporating visuals or coaching them before the event. If your child experiences allergy symptoms, consider getting him or her tested so you can be aware of the specific triggers and how to best combat them.”
QUESTION OF THE MONTH
What Is Autism Acceptance?
In 2021, the Autism Society of America announced a shift in perspective by renaming “Autism Awareness Month” as “Autism Acceptance Month.” Why the change?

While there is a greater awareness of autism than ever before—and continued education is very important—on a personal level, individuals with autism experience the most support when they are truly accepted and included in our communities. 
Accepting people with autism and their unique skills and characteristics is foundational to our work at Potential. We are committed to ensuring that each individual can realize their full potential and helping to build a more inclusive world that celebrates those on the autism spectrum FOR their differences, not in spite of them. Follow us on our social media channels as we share more content about Potential’s mission and the importance of autism education, acceptance and advocacy!
NEW HIRES & PROMOTIONS
Join us in welcoming the following professionals to our team!

Andrew Philips
School Paraprofessional 

Kristen Flade
Registered Behavior Technician

Please congratulate the following individuals on their promotions:
Savannah Hersch 
Teacher, The Springtime School

Jordyn Gaber
Center Administrator, Warminster site
A Career at Potential
We strive to provide a stable, nurturing, and fun environment that allows our staff to grow personally and professionally through training, supervision, and support, while earning a good living.
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Lyndsay Coloracci – April 3
Karen Yosmanovich – April 7
Nancy Halpin – April 17
Nancy Hourmouzis – April 25
Jordyn Gaber – April 26
Our Birthdays This Month
​We wish these team members a very happy birthday this April. Here’s to another year of health and happiness!

Theresa Chancey
Lyndsay Coloracci
Evan Ravkin
Gabby McCoy
Alexa O'Brien
Catch up with People of Potential on social media.

We’ll be featuring new members of our community and staff who are making an impact on the lives of people with autism. Look for #PeopleofPotentialInc on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn on Wednesdays, starting in May.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Your support changes lives
At Potential, our vision is to create a world where every person with autism can live a successful life of value. Achieving that goal doesn’t happen easily or overnight. Helping adults and children with autism gain the skills they need to learn and succeed requires hard work, evidence-based treatments, and a committed support network. Since our founding in 2006, Potential has set itself apart by providing all these things and more.

Potential has almost 200 children on its waitlist. With your support, we can hire the staff we need to provide the services and personalized programs that help children and adults with autism realize their full potential.
Help us end the waitlist.