Austin Adults with Autism Celebrate Grand Opening of ‘An Independent
Me’ (AIM) Residence and Summer Camp that Aims to Empower and Inspire
Community-funded and job-focused residence creates opportunities for
developmentally challenged adults ...
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We hope you can make it!Cheers,Autism Trust USA
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Event Summary:
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Event: An Independent Me Grand Opening
Date: Saturday, June 30, 2012 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM (CT)
Location: 4350 E Whitestone Blvd<br />Cedar Park, TX 78613<br />
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Event Details:
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Austin Adults with Autism
Celebrate Grand Opening of ‘An Independent Me’ (AIM) Residence and Summer Camp
that Aims to Empower and Inspire </strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>Community-funded and job-focused
residence creates opportunities for developmentally challenged
adults</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">AUSTIN, Texas June 25, 2012 - <a
href="http://www.livingwithmeaning.org/">An Independent Me
(AIM),</a> a full-time residence and summer camp for adults (18 and
older) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Round Rock celebrates the grand
opening on <strong>Saturday, June 30<sup>th</sup> from 4-8
p.m</strong>. AIM kicked off its first session on June 11, 2012 and the
first two weeks have been a major success. Adults at AIM have learned how to
sew, build a picnic table from wood planks, care for livestock on the
ranch-style property, and plant the seeds for an on-site vegetable garden. The
grand opening is open to the public and will include bar-b-que, horseback
riding, a petting zoo, games, and a silent auction featuring camper-made art
and picnic tables.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">AIM exceeds standard expectations of group
homes for individuals with development disabilities, providing:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">personalized care, attention and support
with a 3:1 ratio (three campers/residents to one staff member);</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">working with specialists to create
developmental plans for each camper; and</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">partnering with local community
organizations to offer unique job and volunteer opportunities for
them.</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;
mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace:
none;"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Last week, one animal-loving camper
shadowed a veterinary technician for two days at nearby Block House Creek
Animal Hospital. Angela Day, AIM founder and mother to son with autism beams
with pride, <span style="color: #1a1a1a;">"In developing
An Independent Me, my heart is full as I spend time with the smiling faces of
these innocent souls, teaching them to become as independent as possible, and
providing rewarding and individually challenging activities for them on a daily
basis."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The opportunities created at AIM open
doors and help residents and campers uncover new skills and aspirations.
“<span style="color: #1a1a1a;">The AIM camp pushed my
17-year-old to do things he might never have done before by understanding him,
encouraging him and cheering him on,” </span>according to Trina Sherman,
mother of a current AIM camper. “<span style="color:
#1a1a1a;">He comes home with a new confidence and new social
opportunities that will enrich his life far beyond what just two short weeks
can do.”</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:
#1a1a1a;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:
#1a1a1a;">As AIM continues to build on its strong start, it plans to
partner with the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
(DARS), who has already expressed its support. Jennifer Kaut, DARS Autism
Program Specialist states, </span>"I encourage the efforts of AIM
ranch to enlist campers in the DARS process and to focus on increased
independence through work. I love that AIM is trying to honor and promote their
strengths.”</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Austin, Round Rock, and Cedar Park
communities are invited to attend the grand opening event on
<strong>Saturday, June 30<sup>th</sup> from 4-8
p.m.</strong> at</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">4350 E Whitestone Blvd<br />Cedar
Park, TX 78613 </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">AIM is parent and community-funded, and
continues to seek donations of art supplies, toiletries, food and drink, and
monetary donations as part of its Sponsor-a-Camper program. To learn more about
this year’s campers, visit the <a
href="http://www.livingwithmeaning.org/sponsor-a-camper/">Sponsor
a Camper page</a> on the AIM website. Camp registration costs $400/week
for day campers and $800/week for full-time resident campers. Any donation
amount is graciously accepted at <a
href="http://www.anindependentmecamp.eventbrite.com/">www.anindependentmecamp.eventbrite.com</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To partner with AIM to provide job and
volunteer opportunities to campers and residents, please contact Angela at
<a
href="mailto:akc...@yahoo.com">akc...@yahoo.com</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:
11.0pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Connect with us:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a
href="http://www.facebook.com/AnIndependentMe">http://www.facebook.com/AnIndependentMe</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a
href="http://www.livingwithmeaning.org/">www.livingwithmeaning.org</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>For more information or to
schedule an interview please contact: Rebecca Otis at 512-981-5625, <a
href="mailto:rebe...@localizeaustin.com">rebe...@localizeaustin.com</a>.
</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
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Register Online:
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More information and online registration are available here:
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3548059341/?ref=enivtefor&invite=MjE4ODExNi9tYXYtdXNlckBsaXN0cy5zb3VyY2Vmb3JnZS5uZXQvMA%3D%3D
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