Below is a list of the seed award recipients and a description of the groups they are creating or expanding. Please feel free to contact these individuals to learn more about the group, and to get involved!
2018 Seed Funding
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Coalition of African Communities
The Coalition of African Communities (Africom) will use the funding to design short animation videos to continue its Autism Awareness & Education Campaign for African and Caribbean immigrant communities. The videos will be shared through social media.
Contact: Eric Edi Email: eedi@africom-philly.org
Peace of Mind Social Services
Peace of Mind Social Services (POMSS) will use funds to create a community cooking class geared towards individuals with autism ages 9-13. Participants will learn the basics of food preparation, with a final presentation of a learned dish of their choice at the end of the program.
Contact: Tisa Coleman Email: helpinghand@pomss.org
The Rose Ball
The Rose Ball will use funds to support their Rose Ball dance. The Rose Ball is a night for children and adults with autism and other intellectual/ developmental disabilities to enjoy spending time dancing and eating dinner with their family and friends.
Contact: Noelle Pawlowski Email: roseballphila@gmail.com
Autism First of Philadelphia/Youth Adult Group
Autism First of Philadelphia/Youth Adult Group will use funds to continue its support and self-advocacy group for adults with autism. Their goal is to engage new participants and for travel to events and community organizations.
Contact: Bill Krebs Email: billkrebs@libertyresources.org
Community Autism Network Center (CAN)
The Community Autism Network Center (CAN) will use funds to create and host support groups for families and caregivers of individuals with autism. The group will provide support, advice, guidance, and assistance to caregivers and families.
Contact: Kharrin Sadler Email: communityautismnetwork@gmail.com
Pennsylvania Sibling Support Network Inc. (PSSN)
The Pennsylvania Sibling Support Network will use funds to continue their support and self-advocacy group, as well as an online mentorship program. The mentorship program will be for youth who have siblings with autism, accessible through social media and webinars.
Contact: Lynne Mack Email: elynn627@yahoo.com
Child Guidance Resource Center Southwest Family Support Group
Child Guidance Resource Center (CGRC) will use funds to host support group meetings in the community, instead of the office setting. CGRC aims to accomplish helping families build independence and exploration of resources in the community as well as a connection with those in the group.
Contact: Brianna Matey Email: bmatey@cgrc.org
Bowties and Butterflies
Bowties and Butterflies will use funds to go towards the creation of a community art program for individuals with autism. The goal is to provide access to art to those who may be under-exposed to it.
Contact: Crystal El Email: cmecreations1@gmail.com
The Moving Brain
The Moving Brain will use funds to go towards the creation of a support group for individuals with autism and their family members.
Contact: Kcee Horne Email: kceethorne@gmail.com
Gifts to Gab
Gift to Gab will use funds to increase awareness of its support group and community events. Groups and events are for all ages and families living with autism.
Contact: Joan Nelson Email: gifttogab121@gmail.com
Dancing Our Difference
Dancing our Difference will use funds to increase awareness and education on autism, and to plan for a dance theater workshop at the Cook Wissahickon School or other local organizations. The program is geared towards school age children with autism.
Contact: Victoria McGuigan Email: urbandance28@gmail.com
Logan Branch Library – Free Library of Philadelphia
The Logan Branch Library will use funds to go towards speakers and educational programs for individuals with autism and their families, as well as the general community.
Contact: Mary Kachline Email: kachlinem@freelibrary.org
University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology
The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology will use funds to expand their programming for individuals with autism and their families. The program’s intended audience is transition-age youth (aged 16-24) on the spectrum from across Philadelphia.
Contact: Megan Becker Email: meganbe@upenn.edu