MILESTONES AUTISM RESOURCES
2 0 1 7 A N N UA L B E N E F I T
The Spectrum of honoring Adam Berebitsky Rochelle Nyer
Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square | OCTOBER 28
Meet the Milestones Team
Our professionals are ready to help you today.
Here's how: AUTISM HELPDESK
216.464.7600
CONSULTATION & TRAINING
AUTISM CONFERENCE
Milestones AUTISM Resources
ONLINE RESOURCES
milestones.org
The Spectrum of Honorary Co-Chairs
Host Committee
Lara & Gary Isakov Rebecca Lieb Suzi & Martin Mandel Patty Rubin Mary Ann & Gary Shamis
Linda Blumenthal Allison McMeechan Nicole Crews Carrie Rosenfelt Ric Eickhoff Steve Rudolph Phillip Irvin
Tribute Committee (in formation)
Daryn & Kevin Adelstein Loran & Steve Ansberry Nancy & Jaye Benjamin Stacey Berebitsky Robyn & Tony Berni Mary & David Betsill Ronna Kaplan & David Biegel Barb & Gary Bleiweiss Debbra & James Brown Carol & Scott Burg Lynn & Barry Chesler Nicole & Guy Crews Anne & Larry Davalla Lois Joan Davis Sharon & Bruce Epstein Marc Estafanous Mary Ellen & Frank Fecser Wendy & Steven Fox Stacy & Bruce Friedman Linda Blumenthal & Michael Friedman Phyllis & Avrum Froimson Joyce Goldberg Fromson Cheryl & Stuart Garson Mia & Joe Buchwald Gelles Nancy & Ira Goffman Cathy & Larry Goldberg
Allison & James McMeechan Deena Nyer Mendlowitz Harriet & Mel Morris Dana & Scott Morris Jill & Jeff Muencz Mark Nyer Sharon & Joel Peerless Deborah & Sam Pines Elisa & Howard Rabb Lori Linden & Michael Rabovsky Audrey & Albert Ratner Ilana & Charles Horowitz Ratner Susan & James Ratner Nancy & Mark Ratner Deborah & Ronald Ratner Carrie & Brian Rosenfelt Leslie & Jay Rotsky Eric Rubin Julie & Marc Rubin Patty Rubin Michelle & Steve Rudolph Heather & Tim Ryan Aliki & Peter Rzepka Tina & Scott Salminen Teri & Jim Schaffer
Pam & Mark Goldfarb Mayor Merle S. Gorden Debra Greene Andrea Kanter Grodin & Bill Grodin Rochelle & Harley Gross Jill & Bradley Helfman JoAnn & Larry Hirsh Jamie & Jason Hughes Wendy & Phillip Irvin Lara & Gary Isakov Suellen & Larry Kadis Michele Kay Jacki & Joe Kraft Betsy & David Krantz Scott Kuhn Carol & Marv Lader Rabbi Shana Nyer & Stephen Langel Penny & Bret Lashner Nancy & Adam Levin Leslie & Ken Levine Tammy & Steve Levy Rebecca Lieb Leslie & Bob Littman Suzi & Martin Mandel Tracy & Chris Masterson 1
Maria & Ray Schmitt Cheryl & David Senkfor Leonard Senkfor Mary Ann & Gary Shamis Marcy Schwartz & Daniel Simon Aletta & Clive Sinoff Ilana & Rabbi Joshua Hoffer Skoff Julie & David Soble Lori & Scott Soble Jill & Joseph Stram Jan & Will Sukenik Tanya & Cliff Sussman Robyn & Brian Taylor Rachel & Gideon Torrance Edie Ungar-Shafron Shea & Richard Waldron Gretchen & Michael Walsh Penni & Stephen Weinberg Sally & Stanley Wertheim Anita Rothschild & Steve Wexberg Debbie & Max Wiznitzer Donna Yanowitz Ellen & Dan Zelman Lisa & Rob Zimmerman
Milestones Autism Benefit
Congratulations to the Adam Berebitsky You’ll never find Adam Berebitsky on the sidelines. Adam’s friendships and family mean the world to him, so having seen the challenges of friends and colleagues who are affected by autism, he was inspired to give back through Milestones. Adam is the ultimate self-less community volunteer who is engaged because he is here to help others. The Solon resident and father of two has been an active participant of the Milestones board since 2011, serving in various roles ranging from Board Member to Vice Chair, Strike it Big Co-Chair and currently as Chairman. Adam has taken an active role in fostering the expansion of Milestones and increased awareness within the community, and beyond. “Looking back, we’ve come a long way and it’s very exciting where we are going,” he says. Adam wants the community to know that Milestones provides a family atmosphere, one that is knowledgeable about the challenges families experience. “You are not alone,” he says. “We have a small staff but a staff that really cares about you and your family member.” Adam’s steadfast leadership has been integral to the organization’s growth and its ability to effectively serve families impacted by autism.
“Our staff has been working with people in the community who are facing situations similar to those you are dealing with. It is important that you share those issues and questions with others who have gone before you. We offer this sort of family atmosphere; we’re here for you. We’ll be responsive to your needs, and we will go to the Nth degree to find solutions to any questions, problems and needs that you have.” – Adam Berebitsky
Adam, Lindsey, Stacey & Corey Berebitsky
Stacey & Adam Berebitsky milestones.org
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2017 Milestones Honorees Rochelle Nyer Cleveland native Rochelle Nyer has devoted three decades of her professional career and personal life to serve families with children on the autism spectrum. She traces her involvement with Milestones Autism Resources back to its early years, when she attended the organization’s very first conference in 2003. Impressed with its impact on local families, Rochelle knew she wanted to participate and help make a difference. Fifteen years later, Rochelle continues to make vital contributions to Milestones, serving on the board, being a part of the planning committee, and serving as co-chair of the annual conference. “Being a part of Milestones has made me so appreciative of what it does to help advocate for children and families,” she says. “I am more than humbled to be a part of and recognized by this great organization.”
“I have been involved with Milestones since I went to the very first conference, 15 years ago. I was so impressed that it was one of the more organized conferences. I said to (co-founder) Ilana that I wanted to be more involved. I helped to distribute posters, I was on the conference planning committee. I remember those early days when we went to (co-founder) Mia’s house – and her kids were sitting on her lap in the living room! It was an organization that started with very little and has grown exponentially over the years. In the beginning it was just Ilana and Mia, essentially “volunteering” countless hours and making Milestones what it is today – with an exceptional staff that impacts the community in a tremendous way.” –Rochelle Nyer
Stephen Langel & Shana Nyer Langel, Emily Langel, Mark & Rochelle Nyer, Deena Nyer Mendlowitz, and Rafi & Leon Mendlowitz Deena Nyer Mendlowitz, Rochelle & Mark Nyer, and Shana Nyer Langel & Stephen Langel 3
Milestones Autism Benefit
What Sets Milestones Apart Completely local Serves families, professionals, and individuals with ASD
Evidence-based, practical strategies
Milestones AUTISM Resources
A comprehensive website with 100’s of vetted resources
Full-time, professional staff dedicated to providing information and local resources A neutral agency
milestones.org
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Celebrating Our Honorary Trustees Joyce Goldberg Fromson, 2008 – 2017
Motivated by family to improve her community, Joyce’s generous support has provided the foundation for Milestones’ core programs and enabled the organization to continue to meet the growing needs of local families. “Milestones gives families with autism somewhere to turn during their journey.”
MILESTONES BOARD OF DIRECTORS Adam Berebitsky, CPA, BOARD CHAIR BDO USA, LLC Steve Ansberry, CPA RSM US LLP Tony Berni, CPA Ernst & Young James Brown, JD James Mitchell Brown Attorney At Law Nicole Crews Swagelok Anne Davalla, MA, CCC-SLP Andrea Kanter Grodin, JD, Life Trustee Cleveland Clinic
JoAnn Hirsh, 2008 – 2017
JoAnn’s board tenure marked a professionalization of financial practices guided by her expertise and leadership as Treasurer. “Having been part of Milestones for a number of years has had a direct positive influence and has helped our journey with our now young adult autistic son. I have been honored to be a part of an organization that gives so much to the community.”
Steven Fox Debra Greene John Harrison, JD Hickman & Lowder Co., L.P.A. Jamie R. Hughes, MA, CCC-SLP The KIDnections Group Phillip D. Irvin Tracy Masterson, PhD John Carroll University Allison McMeechan, JD Reminger Co., L.P.A.
Rochelle Nyer, 2005 – 2017
An attendee of all 15 of Milestones’ conferences, Rochelle made integral contributions to Milestones, serving on the board, being a part of the planning committee and serving as the first chair of the annual conference. “Being a part of Milestones has made me so appreciative of what it does to help advocate for children and families.”
A Very Special Thank You to Aaron Greene
Aaron Lawrence Greene, 24, is a former Milestones intern currently studying music theory and piano through private instruction and jazz history at Tri-C. He enjoys music composition and performance, roller-skating, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. Aaron currently works at Heinen’s in Pepper Pike, and hopes to soon establish a music performance business.
Corrigan Irwin
Corrigan Michael Irwin, 24, is a master’s student at John Carroll University studying humanities and has a bachelor’s degree in museum studies from Walsh University. He enjoys visiting with his parents and sisters in his hometown of Canal Fulton. Corrigan is currently the Cleveland Israel Arts Connections (CICA) Intern through a partnership with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and Milestones, and hopes to one day work as a museum educator. 5
Stephanie Payne GOJO Industries, Inc. Sam Pines Good Karma Brands/ESPN Cleveland Carrie Rosenfelt Women’s Business Center of Northern Ohio Stephen L. Rudolph, MBA, CPA, AIF HW Financial Advisors Maria Schmitt Cleveland Clinic Joseph P. Stram Eaton Corporation Brian Taylor The Sherwin Williams Company Rachel Torrance, MEd, BCBA, COBA Accessing Abilities, LLC Steven Wexberg, MD Cleveland Clinic Max Wiznitzer, MD UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital Lisa Zimmerman Insight2Profit Deborah Zielinski, JD, Life Trustee Chicago Title Insurance Company Barnett Bookatz, Honorary Trustee Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Joyce Goldberg Fromson, Honorary Trustee Goldberg Companies, Inc. JoAnn Hirsh, CPA, Honorary Trustee Carol Lader, Honorary Trustee Rochelle Nyer, MA, CCC-SLP, Honorary Trustee Akron Children’s Hospital Philip Wasserstrom, Honorary Trustee Sally H. Wertheim, PhD, Honorary Trustee John Carroll University Donna Yanowitz, Honorary Trustee
Milestones Autism Benefit
When it comes to autism, AUTISM CONFERENCE
The Milestones Annual Autism Conference provides two days of learning, networking, and evidencebased strategies for all ages, stages, and abilities. Since 2003, the conference is a must-attend event for family members, educators, administrators, therapists, clinicians, and individuals with ASD to learn best practices for school, home, community, and work.
2017 Conference Attendees
“This conference is unique in that it brings together presenters from a wide range of disciplines. Being able to learn from experts with such varied perspectives makes for a tremendously rich and novel learning opportunity.” –Steve Wexberg, Pediatrician & Trustee
AUTISM HELPDESK
Led by a trusted team of ASD specialists, Milestones’ Helpdesk guides family members, caregivers, professionals, and individuals with ASD to vital support services and providers. Milestones’ staff are experts in their field and connect consumers over the phone or via email to the best, vetted resources in Northeast Ohio.
Sam, Deb, Ellie and Zoey Pines
“Milestones is that resource you wish you knew about day one of diagnosis and every day after that.” –Sam Pines, Parent & Trustee Funded by Cuyahoga County Council and the proceeds from the annual benefit.
milestones.org
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Milestones lends a hand. CONSULTATION & TRAINING
Milestones consults with families and individuals to develop a solid path to success. Consultations provide practical, evidence-based approaches that help lead individuals to increased independence and community integration, resulting in an improved quality of life. Milestones agency trainings help to raise the bar for individuals with autism by focusing on fostering individual strengths and supporting their challenges.
Matt, Nick and Aaron Greene
“The Milestones staff enthusiastically comes alongside those in need, like my sons, to assist in finding and fully accessing public, private, and nonprofit organizations that are designed to help individuals with autism and their families.” –Debra Greene, Parent & Trustee
ONLINE RESOURCES
Milestones.org puts visitors in the center of the autism community with more than 1,000 autism resources, frequently asked questions, and tool kits, curated and created by local professionals. A special feature is a robust online community calendar comprised of hundreds of educational, social, and recreational activities each month for those affected by autism.
“The online resources are a fantastic way for people to access evidence-based strategies, gain knowledge, and get insight on areas of need.” –Rachel Torrance, Autism Professional & Trustee
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Milestones Autism Benefit
Together Making a Difference Selected Agencies That Have Received Consultations and Trainings
ANNUAL IMPACT
270
SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND AGENCIES
2,200
500+ 625 ,
Case Western Reserve University
SERVED
TRAINING & WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS
80000
PARENTS COACHED
Cleveland Metropolitan School District Parent University Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities GentleBrook Gilmour Academy Jewish Federation of Cleveland John Carroll University Lakewood Catholic Academy National Youth Advocacy Program
UNIQUE WEBSITE VISITORS
Ohio Association of Pupil Service Directors
CONFERENCE ATTENDEES
Ruffing Montessori Shaker Heights City School District University Hospitals Walsh Jesuit High School
2016 Income and Expenses INCOME Total $910,257
5%
18%
Contributions Program Fees Grants
22
%
55%
Programming Fundraising Administrative
Government Allocation
milestones.org
EXPENSES Total $839,176
8
14%
5%
81%
Why I'm Involved with Milestones John Harrison, Trustee
“I’m excited to be a part of an organization that is expanding the spectrum of possibilities...for life!”
Molly Mack, Parent
“I support Milestones because the personal coaching has truly been priceless! Cleveland is so lucky to have this resource within our community. It is vital that we all help support their efforts at assisting families on this special journey.”
Will Sukenik, Donor
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for the founders and I think their staff is doing an absolutely fantastic job. The work that Milestones does in the community is very important. There are a lot of families who are struggling and the organization has helped in so many ways”
Vision
Mission
A community in which individuals on the autism spectrum reach their full potential as contributing members of society, recognized for their strengths and supported in their challenges.
Milestones Autism Resources improves the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum by educating, coaching and connecting the autism community with evidence-based information. 9
Milestones Autism Benefit
Thank You to Our Sponsors PLATINUM SPONSORS
Donna Yanowitz GOLD TABLE SPONSORS
The Goldberg & Fromson Families The Albert B. & Audrey G. Ratner Family Foundation SILVER TABLE SPONSORS
Mary & David Betsill Carol & Marvin Lader Nancy & Mark Ratner
Wendy & Phillip Irvin
Harriet & Mel Morris
Deborah & Ronald Ratner
Ilana & Charles Horowitz Ratner The Soble Family
Susan & James Ratner Jan & Will Sukenik
RUBY TABLE SPONSORS
BRONZE TABLE SPONSORS Lois Joan Davis
Cheryl & Stuart Garson
The Kuhn Family Foundation Heather & Tim Ryan Aliki & Peter Rzepka milestones.org
Penni & Stephen Weinberg
Leonard Senkfor
Ellen & Dan Zelman 10
As of 10.10.2017
Platinum
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Milestones Autism Benefit
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Silver
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Silver
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Silver
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Silver
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Ruby Bronze
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Bronze milestones.org
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Bronze
The International Center for Autism Research and Education (ICARE) at Case Western Reserve University is a proud sponsor of the 2017 Milestones Autism Resources Annual Benefit and applauds Milestones Autism Resources for its dedication to autism outreach and education in Northeast Ohio.
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Milestones Autism Benefit
Bronze milestones.org
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Bronze
T’SUNTIL NOT CLEAN IT’S COIT IT’SCLEAN! NOT CLEAN CARPETS • UPHOLSTERY • TILE & GROUT L IT’S COIT CLEAN! IT’S NOT CLEAN AIR DUCTS • DRAPERY & BLINDS • ORIENTAL RUGS WWW.COIT.COM/CLEVELAND UNTIL IT’S COIT CLEAN! Adam and Rochelle, CARPETS • UPHOLSTERY • TILE & GROUT 216-626-0040 STSNOT CLEAN AIR DUCTS • DRAPERY & BLINDS • ORIENTAL RUGS WWW.COIT.COM/CLEVELAND UNTIL COIT• UPHOLSTERY CLEAN!• TILE & Thank • UPHOLSTERY •IT’S TILE & GROUT you for CARPETS GROUT 216-626-0040 DRAPERY & BLINDS • ORIENTAL RUGS IT’S NOT CLEAN WWW.COIT.COM/CLEVELAND T’S COIT CLEAN! AIR DUCTS • DRAPERY & BLINDS • ORIENTAL RUGS CARPETS • UPHOLSTERY • TILE & GROUT CARPETS • UPHOLSTERY • TILE & GROUT AIR DUCTS • DRAPERY & BLINDS • ORIENTAL RUGS
Supporter
NOT CLEAN IT’S NOTIT’S CLEAN IT’S NOT UNTIL IT’S COITCLEAN CLEAN! UNTIL IT’S COIT CLEAN!
INSPIRING, 216-626-0040 W.COIT.COM/CLEVELAND UNTIL IT’S COIT CLEAN! AIR DUCTS • DRAPERY & BLINDS • ORIENTAL RUGS WWW.COIT.COM/CLEVELAND UPHOLSTERY • TILE & GROUT 216-626-0040 216-626-0040 LEADING & APERY &CARPETS BLINDS •• ORIENTAL RUGS IT’S NOT CLEAN WWW.COIT.COM/CLEVELAND UPHOLSTERY • TILE & GROUT AIR DUCTS • DRAPERY & BLINDS • ORIENTAL RUGS UNTIL IT’S COIT CLEAN! 216-626-0040 OIT.COM/CLEVELAND
EMPOWERING the autism community.
WWW.COIT.COM/CLEVELAND CARPETS • UPHOLSTERY • TILE & GROUT 216-626-0040 AIR DUCTS • DRAPERY & BLINDS • ORIENTAL RUGS 216-626-0040 WWW.COIT.COM/CLEVELAND 216-626-0040
With gratitude, Rabbi Joshua & Ilana Hoffer Skoff 27
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Congratulations! ADAM BEREBITSKY ROCHELLE NYER THANK YOU MILESTONES! Inspiring work. Creating brighter futures.
www.pierres.com 6200 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44103
milestones.org
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In appreciation of the Milestones Staff and the families, individuals and colleagues who have taught me so much.
Thank you for this honor. ROCHELLE NYER
Thank You to Our Annual Benefit Patrons Daryl & Ron Bailey
David & Marilyn Elk
Lora & Stuart Berkowitz
Dr. Frank & Mary Ellen Fecser
Carole & Bart Bookatz
Wendy & Steven Fox
Jennifer & Grant Dinner
Larry Hatch
Marsha & Jim Spitz
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Milestones Autism Benefit
Your support makes our
possible year-round. Milestones provides first-hand knowledge of local autism resources and recommendations our clients can trust.
“Milestones supports the journey by connecting all of the resource ‘dots’ – providing training, services, and information to the northeast Ohio autism community.” – Nicole Crews, Parent and Trustee
216.464.7600
CONTACT US TODAY! milestones.org
help@milestones.org
We extend a profound thank you to everyone who has been a part of bringing Milestones into our 16th year, and to so many of you who have made gifts in perpetuity to ensure our future.
For questions about including Milestones in your philanthropic plans, feel free to call the development office at 216.464.7600 ext.110.
milestones.org
e h D t e a v tes a S SUNDAY, MARCH 11 11am-3pm
Bowl for Autism Spins Bowl in Independence P R E S E N T E D B Y:
BMW CLEVELAND
www.bmwcleveland.com
JAGUAR CLEVELAND www.jaguarcleveland.com
LAND ROVER SOLON www.landroversolon.com
216.464.7600 | milestones.org 1 6 TH A N N U A L
June 14-15, 2018
I-X Center Cleveland
Featuring Renowned Speaker:
Paula Kluth, PhD