Make Your End of Year Gift Today

Posted on: Tuesday, 11.6.2018

Thank you for your steadfast support of the Center for Autism. During this past year, we worked diligently to provide quality services to more than 1,500 individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. More than 70% of those families live below the federal poverty level and 81% identify as ethnic minority. This vulnerable, underserved population that we care for needs your support now more than ever.

After responding to a 45% Medicaid rate reduction to our early childhood treatment programs and a 50% rate reduction to the after-school program, the Center restructured its services and internal operations. The changes made ensure that we can continue to deliver the high-quality programs that have earned the praise and trust of the community for over 60 years. Our clinicians, support staff, leadership, and Board of Directors remain steadfast in the mission to improve the quality of life for people with autism and their families.

The Center’s treatment programs are grounded in building relationships, a philosophy that been a hallmark of our services since we were founded by Dr. Ruttenberg in 1955. At our Center, children learn to say their first words, they begin to use pictures to communicate their needs, they gain the tools to help make friends, and acquire the skills that enable them have a first conversation about a shared interest. All of these milestones are great steps towards success for an individual on the spectrum, and proud moments for each person that helped them get there.

As challenging as funding has been, the Center is looking ahead to the future. We are expanding our outpatient clinic by serving more individuals of all ages through one-on-one and small group therapy, and we continue to provide timely comprehensive evaluations so that early intervention can be most successful. We are also growing awareness and knowledge of autism in the community through our training programs— all while staying committed to realizing Dr. Ruttenberg’s vision of people with autism successfully living in inclusive communities.

Your gift today will make all of this possible for the future of the Center and for the lives that we change. I thank you in advance for your year-end contribution.

Sincerely,
David M. Maola, Esq.
Chief Executive Officer
*In addition to gifts of cash/credit card/check, the Center also accepts gifts through donor advised funds, gifts of stocks & securities, matching contributions, gifts in kind, and more.