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Just about 6 years ago, two mothers met in
a special needs pre-school program, discovering that not only were both of
their children diagnosed with autism, but that both women felt very alone.
They wanted to learn more about autism and meet other parents like
themselves. In October of 2002 they sat together in a living room
for the very first time, and so it began -- The Salem County Autism
Support Group.
Since that time, through many provisions,
our group has developed into something of a much greater magnitude.
We are now known as the A.N.S.W.E.R. [Autism Needs Support Where
Everyone's Real] Group. Our meetings are facilitated at the Salem County
Center for Autism located in Pennsville, New Jersey. Through the
development of this larger
support system we are able to provide up-to-date resource information on
Legal Services, Healthcare Professionals, Schools and Programs, along with
workshops and events.
With the generosity of many local
businesses, the Salem County Autism Support Group has a meeting place,
group trips throughout the year, and participate in various functions; all
of which allow us to come together as families.
We hope that you will
take
part in the dynamic of this very special group!
Meet our
Board Members...
Nancy,
President of the Salem County Autism Support Group, has been a key
component of the group just short of it's beginning. She is a local
business owner and resident of Pennsville with her husband and two sons.
Nancy is a very strong advocate of families with autism. Although
always ready to lend an ear, her eagerness to share the goodness and
blessings that come from having a child with an autism spectrum disorder
is a hopeful inspiration to so many.
Stephanie,
Vice-President of the SCASG,
has been a dedicated key member of the group for approximately three years
now, along with her husband Rich. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in
Psychology. Steph is also involved with Make-a-Wish along with the Relay
for Life. She is married with four daughters and resides in
Pennsville.
Rick, , our Treasurer, is a faithful supporter of
his son & family and is an esteemed member of the group for several years now,
along with his wife Faye. Although retired from Dupont, he
continues to serve our community as a driver for Salem County.
Carol, Secretary
of the ANSWER Group, continues to be a vital group member and devoted supporter to her
daughter and granddaughters who also attend the ANSWER Group. She is a retired caregiver from "It's My World"
Pre-School, is a Make-a-Wish ambassador, and is involved with Relay for
Life. Carol is married, has three daughters and is a resident of
Pennsville for thirty-nine years now.
Helen, a member
of our advisory board resides in Quinton Township with her husband Scott and
two children.
She is very active in her church as the Founder and Coordinator of the Disabilities Ministry
at Aldine UMC, is a S.S. teacher and Youth Leader. Helen is a
strong advocate for Autism Awareness and has a great passion to
assist other families dealing with the many issues of autism.
Erika, the
support group's Fundraising Coordinator, is also an incredible asset to the group.
Her enthusiasm and hands-on approach to the many functions of our group
has been incredibly vital to its successes. As the Fundraising
Coordinator, she has aided in growth and development. Erika is a
full time student at Wilmington University, is involved with Big
Brothers/Big Sisters, Light the Night and is a family-oriented
person. For twenty years, she has resided in Pennsville.
Gordon, a member
of the advisory board, has been a member of the
group for many years along with his wife, Barbara, who are tremendous support people
for their son & family as well as all of the other families in the group.
He is retired from Dupont and is very active in the Salem County
Sportsman's Club. Gordon resides in Carneys Point.
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