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Families for Autistic Children Education and Support or FACES for short, is a non-profit organization created by parents of children with autism.
Autism is a developmental brain disorder which causes impairments in a person's ability to communicate, socially interact, and results in repetitive and unusual behaviors.
FACES Autism Support Groups welcome all parents, teachers, grandparents and professionals dedicated to furthering autism awareness, support and education of their communities.
Founded in 2002, FACES Board of Directors serve the families of children with ASD in the area covered by our five chapters in Southern New Jersey. Support group meetings, guest speakers, workshops, play groups and social opportunities are available with the help of volunteers. There are now over 250 families in the South Jersey area who are dedicated to our mission to serve the ASD children of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Ocean Counties.
Family Support
We offer monthly meetings and events for families touched by autism. All family members, friends, educators and professionals are most welcome to attend our events. We are always looking for those who would like to offer their support (1) as tutors with the children, (2) fundraisers, (3) event coordinators, and (4) peer counselors, who can lend an ear those who need help with autism issues in their families.
Sibling Support
Our siblings group has blossomed into a genuinely caring group of friends. We offer them chance to share their feelings of frustration associated with being the sibling of a child with autism. This monthly activity is free to FACES members, and includes field trips like bowling, BBQ's, ball games, ceramics, and more.
Annual Conferences and FACES Education Series
Our autism issues conference each spring offers exhibitors, speakers and workshops. Our monthly autism educational series in Atlantic County continues to be a huge success, and we will continue to offer these workshops on issues of concern to educators and parents during the school year at a low cost to all.
FACES Blow Bubbles for Autism
Our annual FACES Blow Bubbles for Autism Event brings about both support and awareness for our families. It is scheduled for April, which is Autism Awareness Month across the country. We are looking for volunteers to help us make the 2009 event the best ever. We plan to go for the world record, and blow millions of bubbles of support and hope for families affected by autism.
Some schools and churches have raised money for FACES during this event by conducting Dress Down Days, selling autism pins and ribbons, and by selling soft pretzels. Contact us if you or your organization would like to help out.
Future Fundraisers
Future FACES fundraising events include a spring golf tournament, a walk-a-thon, and bounce-athon to alert the public and involve the community in our efforts.
Please note: The information provided by FACES is for informational purposes and is not an endorsement or recommendation for treatment. We embrace all possibilities for a cure to autism spectrum disorders explored by families, but we are not intended to be a replacement for services or legal advice.
FACES logo designed by Jackie Seeger, and copyrighted by FACES
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