CCARC Earns $10,000 Catalyst Grant to Address Autism

Workshop Series for Families of Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder Earns Community Foundation of Greater New Britain Group’s Support

New Britain, Conn., December 5, 2018 – Managing the day-to-day needs of a child or young adult with autism can be overwhelming for families, and planning for that child’s future is often a daunting task. More often than not, according to New Britain-based CCARC, what a family in such circumstances seeks most is hope and encouragement.

For New Britain-area families, such hope and encouragement are on the way.

Thanks to a recent $10,000 grant approved by members of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain’s Catalyst Fund, CCARC will offer a series of nine workshops targeted to local families with adolescents or young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is CCARC’s hope that the workshops provide families from Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington with the kind of information and support needed to connect them with vital services now and in the future, and to begin planning for their child’s adult years.

“While young people with ASD are able to attend public school until age 21, the big question is what happens next?” said CCARC Senior Vice President Julie Erickson. “Some students with ASD will be able to attend college and live independently, while others will need more ongoing oversight and vocational direction.

“These workshops will be designed to empower families with knowledge of the considerations they will need to address in coming years, what services are available to help them, and how to access the most appropriate services for their situation,” Erickson continued. “We are thrilled that the Catalyst Fund membership has chosen to generously support this vital initiative.”

A schedule of workshops has yet to be determined. CCARC plans to enlist the expertise of professionals who can take part in the workshops and offer the most comprehensive and pertinent overview of services. For additional information, contact Julie Erickson, Senior Vice President, CCARC, at 860-229-6665, ext. 173.

The Catalyst Fund is comprised of a group of community-minded citizens interested in improving the quality of life in Greater New Britain.  Members gather three times a year to learn about a member-chosen issue facing the community, and to consider funding requests from charitable organizations addressing the issue.  The year concludes with a grant award of up to $10,000.

Anyone can become a member of Catalyst. A “Discovery” membership is available for first-time members (and their families) for a gift of $50; a “Business” membership offers local businesses the opportunity to engage their employees in local philanthropy.  Regular annual membership in the Catalyst Fund is $250 per voting unit, which can be an individual, a couple, group or family.

In its 16 years of existence, Catalyst Fund members have awarded more than $160,000 to a variety of programs meeting important needs and addressing difficult challenges in the community including alleviating homelessness for area families with children, repairing the homes of veterans in need, expanding services for senior citizens and, now, helping families living with ASD. For information on joining Catalyst, contact Joeline Wruck at jwruck@cfgnb.org or 860-229-6018, ext. 307.

Established in 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is “Where Good Begins” in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. Located at The Foundation Center at 74A Vine Street, New Britain, the Foundation works to inspire philanthropy, responsibly manage permanent charitable assets effectively, and partner to address key community issues through strategic leadership. For more information, visit www.cfgnb.org.