The Aroostook Autism Support Group, which offers aid and support for families whose loved ones are on the spectrum, has achieved nonprofit status and will now be eligible for additional funding, through grants and other programs.
“A little over a year ago, Lisa Brewer and I (both parents of autistic children) set out to start a support group for parents and caregivers of children diagnosed with autism. We very quickly realized that a much greater needed existed in Aroostook County — a need that included not only support, but resources, education and awareness as well,” said Maeghan Swanson, co-founder.
Thus the Aroostook Autism Support Group was born.
“With a tremendous amount of support, we were able to host our first annual Autism Challenge Weekend, which included a 5K run/walk, dinner event with a guest speaker and auction. From the money raised throughout that weekend, AASG vowed to immediately give back to the community,” she said.
The first major contribution to area communities was a safety seminar last year that saw dozens attend. Attendees, including law enforcement officials and social workers, learned ways to safely deal with those affected by autism.
“We were able to provide the autism safety education training to 20 hundred community members at no cost to them, host numerous social activities, continued to hold monthly support group meetings, host the Fall Kids Safety Fair with The Aroostook Medical Center, and ended the year with the first annual Christmas Celebration,” said Swanson.
To continue these services, Swanson said she and Brewer knew they’d need to find additional ways to raise money. As a nonprofit, AASG would be eligible for grants.
“AASG attained its 501(c)(3) status from the IRS at the end of January. As a nonprofit, we are now able to apply for grants for future programming we hope to bring to the area,” she said.
Efforts are already underway to raise much-needed funds.
“The first grant we are vying for is Bangor Saving’s Community Matters More, which is voted on statewide and the top-voted agency in each region receives $5,000, with other agencies potentially receiving $1,000 each. We are on the ballot as a ‘write-in’ candidate. Voting can be done by visiting www.bangor.com/cmm and by typing in ‘Aroostook Autism Support Group’ under the ‘Aroostook’ category. Voting closes Feb. 28,” said Swanson.
Plans are also taking shape for spring events.
“We’re very excited for upcoming events in April, including the second annual Autism Challenge on April 18. This features a 5K walk/run in the morning and dinner/auction featuring a guest speaker in the evening at the Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center. The guest speaker is Jess Wilson, author of the very popular ‘Diary of a Mom’ blog (she is from the Boston area),” said Swanson.
Tickets for this event will be available beginning in March.
“Also, we’re offering free training in conjunction with Maine Parent Federation on April 24 for ‘Making Friends with the IEP’ at UMPI.” Details for all events can be found on their Facebook page.
Swanson said they’re looking to continue monthly support group meetings.
“We’re also looking to continue to feature local presenters to offer a variety of topics for parents, caregivers and individuals with autism. We want to continue the monthly social group/event and expand to fit the needs of teenagers and adults in the autism community in The County,” said Swanson.
AASG’s ultimate goal for this year is to “bring a national speaker to the area later this summer or early fall,” said Swanson.
“This is a very exciting time for our group as we look to continue our efforts to bring awareness and support to the autism community of northern Maine,” said Swanson.
