GRUPO DE AUTISMO ANGELES - Laserfiche WebLink

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Describe the For 19 years up until the pandemic, we had been having our yearly community benefits picnic for our parents and children at the Santa Ana zoo. This event of this event Is of great benefit for us since this Is one of the biggest fundralser events for us. We are a volunteer run organization that relies on donations of our members, supportive individuals in the community, and corporate donors who provide in -kind donations. Each year this event Is attended by over 400 parents, children, and family members. However, the greatest benefit Is for our membership. The event entrance Is FREE for our members, their children with autism and siblings, and families. It Is a unique event because many times parents with children with autism cannot find a place where they can feel comfortable. Children with autism tend to bolt away from their parents at any given moment and could get easily be lost or even be run over by a car in many cars, since many don't perceive danger. Since the picnic area at the zoo is enclosed, it allows parents to rest easy and enjoy various activities that we provide. This Includes purchasing delicious food, drinks, and snacks provided by our volunteers, visit local nonprofit booths offering information on relevant services, watch a performance by a clown or singer at the auditorium area, organize a soccer or volleyball game, take their kids to the bounce house or the arts and crafts section, or just lay in the grass and relax. Taking care of a child with autism or any differently abled child a unique experience. it is truly a labor of love. However, many times taking care of our children with autism is more stressful and challenging than normal parenting, Our parents lovingly care for their children, all while also having full time jobs and taking care of the needs of their other children not on the spectrum. But they cannot do it alone. They need emotional and economic support and education on parenting skills needed for their children to succeed, which is why they turn to us. One of Grupo Angeles's focus is to create activities, like the picnic at the zoo, that allows parents and families time for recreation and respite without having to worry for the safety of their children. In past years we have partnered with non -profits, governmental health and public safety agencies, and corporate sponsors such as: Home Depot, Northgate, 211 Orange County, Santa Ana Police Department, OC Fire Authority, the Regional Center of Orange County, CHOC hospital, CalOptima, Help Me Grow OC as wall as local immigrant and legal services that offer free or low-cost services. We hope to receive this funding to continue to be able to do this event and provide this community benefit to the residents of Santa Ana while also raising awareness for the need for funding and support for Spanish-speaking parents of children with autism who live in Santa Ana and throughout Orange County. Amount Requested 3500.0