one by one®: Sooke Autism Support Society
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and Sooke Autism Support Society (SASS) holds a few events annually to raise funds and increase awareness. This year, its founder was
excited to display a nonprofit banner and table runner, both purchased with a one by one grant.
“We were inspired by signage other nonprofits used at the annual community event, but we didn’t want to take any funds away from our core services. So, we were delighted to receive the grant to elevate our look and expand awareness of how we help families in our community,” said Sherri Palle, founder and president. “Last year we had more than 250 parents and grandparents stop by wanting to learn more about us. We expect even more this year because of the new signs.”
Nonprofit banners suitable for outdoor events too
SASS holds an annual bottle drive at a well-known busy intersection in the town’s center. It has found that nonprofit banners draw more attention to its fundraiser and the organization in general.
Palle started SASS in 2017, when her autistic son was 16. She described it as a group of proactive parents, working collaboratively with family, neighbours, community, education and autism professionals, school districts, government and private associations, to create happiness and success for their children with autism.
“My son was diagnosed with autism when he was three years old,” Palle said. “I wished there was a group like this to help me not feel alone and that could have provided information needed to navigate the various stages of the autism journey, which so many families now experience. I’m deeply grateful to be in a position to support and help others with their autism journey.”
Group offers unique services, including scholarships
SASS provides support for children and families impacted by autism in many ways, some of which include:
- Monthly educational and support meetings for parents and caregivers, with guest speakers about topics they want to know more about. They also have an opportunity to share whatever is on their minds and support one another.
- Family events like the Festival of Trees, where it provides a kit with holiday crafts and care packages for families to decorate the SASS-sponsored tree. It also hosts a Sensory Santa Family Photo session plus the first SASS Family Easter Egg Hunt.
- Summer camp grants to support families with providing their child with disabilities the opportunity to attend summer camps. This is an important aspect of providing necessary structure and fun-filled opportunities during school down time.
- Social groups for people aged 18+ with autism that create opportunities for individuals to meet monthly virtually to decide what in-person activity they’d like to do later that month together, including things like laser tag, bowling, board games and video games.
- “Sib shops” or workshops tailored for siblings, are particularly helpful as siblings often have a lifelong impact on the lives of their autistic brothers and sisters, extending beyond parental care.
Sooke Autism Society also sponsors two annual scholarships at the local high school. One is open to any graduate who has demonstrated commitment to promoting the positive inclusion of those with varying abilities at home, at school and within the community. The second scholarship is awarded to a graduate who has been identified as requiring additional support while demonstrating a positive attitude and effort toward school. Recipients must have also created a plan for their future to help them transition from youth to adult after high school.
A note from Cheryl
The variety of events and support that SASS provides is impressive, as it goes beyond helping autistic children and their parents. We hope the nonprofit banners helped raise awareness and expand on its activities or start even more of them. To learn more about a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.ca.