New Teen Program in Queens, NY

Good Morning All -

I had posted messages on several Meetup and Yahoo Groups boards a few months ago looking for a teen group in Queens County, NY. My 18-year-old daughter attends the AHANY teen support group in Bethpage and a social group at the SJJCC in East Hills (both in Nassau County) but we had been searching for something closer to home, to give her an opportunity to meet teens that don't live so far away. Although she communicates with the teens she has met in Bethpage, it is difficult for her to see them outside of the monthly meetings.

Eventually, I contacted a number of local organizations here in Queens with the hope that one of them may start a teen program. There are so many opportunities in Nassau County for teens to meet
others on the spectrum, but we could not find ONE in Queens geared towards teens. Every group was either a play group for youngsters or a parent support group. Several weeks ago, my daughter and I met
with Andrew Baumann of NY Families for Autistic Children and discussed our vision. And now... NYFAC has offered to start a teen program!

Below is the announcement pertaining to their Open House. I truly feel there is a huge need for this program, and I am so excited that it is being offered by a reputable family-oriented organization! I
will be there on September 20th with my daughter, and hope to see many of you from the NYC area as well.

Love to All,
-Diane

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NEW TEEN PROGRAM FOR SOCIALIZATION, NETWORKING, AND FRIENDSHIP

This is a new venture for us... With guidance and assistance from
Michael John Carley from GRASP, NYFAC is seeking to provide a place
for 13-21 year olds to build their social skills, make friendships
and network with each other. This program is specifically designed to
meet the needs of individuals on the spectrum who are finding it hard
to build connections. The program has three main goals:

1) Provide a place where teens and young adults can feel safe and
secure.

2) Provide opportunities via socialization to develop and expand a
social network.

3) Provide a support network.

We plan to host outings, trips, and social events to promote this
program. All with appropriate Chaperones and Staffing.

There is also a parent component to the program.. When we host events
for the kids we will also host support groups and networking sessions
for the parents. This is an important area to us because we at NYFAC
need to continue promoting healthy families . We plan on providing
guest speakers and opportunities for the parents to talk about what's
on their mind.

BUT WITH ALL NEW VENTURES WE NEED YOUR HELP!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

IF YOU THINK THAT THIS PROGRAM WOULD BE GOOD FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
PLEASE JOIN US AT OUR FIRST OPEN HOUSE

Saturday evening September 20, 2008 at 6 p.m.
At the Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Queens
110-04 Atlantic Avenue
Richmond Hill, NY 11419

Please RSVP to this by calling Andrea at NYFAC 718-641-3441 ext 104
or email ANDREA@NYFAC.ORG

RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST