IGNITE is a program of the Autism Society of North Carolina, with founding support from the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation. Summer 2016 • Volume 3, Issue 3
IGNITE is a unique ‘peer-to-peer’ community center for young adults with high-functioning autism (HFA) or Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) offering activities, skills training, and educational workshops that foster social, financial, educational, and employment independence for its members. More importantly, IGNITE offers a social environment where members can connect with others and experience a sense of community. For more information: Alyssa Puccia, IGNITE Director 704-897-8982 apuccia@autismsociety-nc.org www.ignite-davidson.org www.autismsociety-nc.org You can donate to IGNITE online or send a check made out to the Autism Society of North Carolina: IGNITE • 209 Delburg St., Suite 134 Davidson, NC 28036
Thinking Like a Voter During this election season, IGNITE has taken the opportunity to focus on the many life skills involved in voting, which requires thinking critically, making decisions, and forming opinions. In our “Thinking Like an Adult” class, we have discussed how to consider what is really important to each of us as individuals, and how that leads to forming our own opinions. Ultimately, this is what drives us to choose a candidate for whom to vote. Education is key when forming your OWN opinion, and many sources of information exist in our modern world. We have talked through how to determine whether information is reliable – let’s face it, we all could use a refresher on where to get our information! In the age of social media, it is imperative to revisit the importance of trustworthy news sources. Classes introduced members to different ways to gather information to form their opinions, such as watching debates and staying up-todate on current events through trusted news media. It takes a lot of practice to differentiate fact from opinion and to decipher the hidden meaning behind words. Additionally, when the news is so difficult to watch, it can sometimes feel easier to skip it. It can elicit a lot of emotion for everyone, but especially for those on the spectrum. Fortunately, we can exercise our ability to be positive. As Mister Rogers said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Just as Mister Rogers had his mother as a good advisor and mentor in his life, each of us should have those individuals in our lives. IGNITE not only talks about who these people should be and how to seek them out, we recruit particular members to take on mentor roles. But as we all know, it can also be difficult to accept the opinions of others. This can be particularly challenging when it comes to politics, so IGNITE continually teaches techniques for listening to others as they express their viewpoints and responding appropriately. Our class also covered the process of registering to vote, how to find voting locations, and what to expect when casting your ballot. It is our goal that exposure to this topic, as well as the life skills that link to it, encourages members to feel that they have a voice and to use that voice.
What’s Happening at IGNITE? Improvisation Course Thank you, Davidson Community Players. We have wrapped up our second eight-week improvisation course with Davidson Community Players. The program concluded with a showcase of learned skills and techniques, and families of participating members joined us at Armour Street Theatre to watch skits and bits. Members had a blast and really displayed their creative spontaneity to their parents – definitely an entertaining experience!
Workplace Discussions This is a revamped group for members who are working either a full-time job or a consistent part-time job. We discuss experiences in the workplace and troubleshoot encounters that could be difficult.
Water Safety Workshop Veteran IGNITE member David Camilo gave a workshop for members on water safety rules and the importance of water safety equipment. David has participated in Special Olympics Lake Norman for many years on both the swimming and sailing teams. His concern for others’ safety spurred him to share his abundant knowledge on the subject.
Member Spotlight
Hank Foreman Hank Foreman, one of our hard-working members, moved into his own apartment this month! He has been looking forward to this day with much anticipation and excitement. Hank enjoys following a schedule of his choice, finds it nice to have freedom, and is relieved that he is not as anxious anymore.
Etiquette Workshop Thank you to Promenade of Charlotte, Elizabeth Erdle, and Linda Booth. They conducted a three-session workshop on greetings, manners, and dining for IGNITE members. The program culminated in a semi-formal dining experience at Brickhouse Tavern, where members enjoyed a delicious lunch while putting their etiquette knowledge into action.
JUMP START Summer Camp IGNITE is offering a free summer camp called JUMP START this month for high school juniors and seniors. We aim to help individuals get a “JUMP START” on their futures by introducing topics such as problem-solving, personal responsibility, desirable work habits, and basic job searching. IGNITE is striving to reach individuals before services become limited and to assist them earlier in preparing for the next step of their lives. PG 2– IGNITE NEWS • Summer 2016
Hank works in the Amazon fulfillment center and has a busy schedule, but he still finds time to come to IGNITE’s groups, social events, and fundraisers. He contributes much of his time and talent to our fundraisers, where he is always willing to help with any task. Hank also brightens the days of everyone he encounters with his positive energy and very animated interactions. He is compassionate and understanding, noticing when other members need assistance. He is always willing to lend a hand, which was most recently proven when he picked up and delivered lunch for ASNC’s Board of Directors during their meeting at IGNITE. IGNITE is extremely excited for Hank’s next endeavor, and we know his success and accomplishments will only continue to grow!
“Finding Dory” IGNITE’s latest fundraiser at Our Town Cinemas with “Finding Dory” on July 16 was a big success! Many families and supportive community members came out to enjoy an evening watching Disney Pixar’s newest film. IGNITE member Ray J Evernham posted his review on his Facebook page, Ray J’s Reviews at www.facebook.com/ rayjsreviews: “‘Finding Dory’ was absolutely wonderful. It was beautifully animated and colorful and full of heart and laughs!! Not gonna lie, I almost cried a couple times, 5 stars.” Not only was this a success, it was a successful memberrun event from our movie fundraising committee. With staff direction and assistance, members had the opportunity to experience being involved in the community and in programs they are passionate about. The event combined members’ interest with learning new skills. The members contributed to the committee, followed timelines, did marketing and advertising through posts on community calendars, created and distributed posters, and monitored ticket sales. They also sold tickets and facilitated the actual evening. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to implement our model in the community: teach, practice, and move on to the next venture. We are so proud of our movie fundraising committee! We also thank Curtis Fainn of Our Town Cinemas for his generosity and hospitality, as well as John Carpenter and the rest of the cinema staff for contributing!
Donor Spotlight
Our Town Cinemas
Our Town Cinemas, Davidson’s hometown movie theater, lives up to its name. “The naming of our company is very important to us,” said Curtis Fainn, managing partner. “Our Town Cinemas means that we are a part of our town, and that is the way we think about everything we do, from local choices for concession to charity events. It’s about our town first.” IGNITE has been fortunate to be one of the local beneficiaries of Our Town Cinemas. Over the years, the theater has been a valued partner, hosting four fundraising events. The first two were screenings of Happy Madison productions, “Grown Ups 2” and “Pixels.” Then when “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was set to release, Fainn approached IGNITE to suggest another pre-screening, because he knew the movie would be a hit and ticket sales would be brisk. But the events are not only fundraisers; they are also community builders. Who doesn’t love going out to a movie with friends? The most recent movie event, for “Finding Dory,” was led by members, giving them learning opportunities as well as fun. We thank Our Town Cinemas for the opportunity!
IGNITE Director Alyssa Puccia said, “We are beyond thankful to be located in such a supportive and active community. We thank Curtis Fainn and all of Our Town Cinemas’ staff for their generosity and involvement in the success of the individuals we serve.” Fainn said he plans to keep the partnership going. “We are blessed to work with your organization and such a talented group of people,” he said. IGNITE NEWS • Summer 2016 – PG 3
Stand Up for Autism on Lake Norman Guests and paddleboard enthusiasts from across North Carolina came for a weekend of fun in the sun on Lake Norman at the second annual Stand Up for Autism paddleboard event to benefit IGNITE. The weekend kicked off with a party Friday evening. Guests were treated to sumptuous hors d’oeuvres from our host venue, Port City Club, as well as coconut beer from Bayne Brewing and wine from Jeff Gordon Cellars. As the beautiful sun set on Lake Norman, guests mingled, participated in the silent auction, and enjoyed the acoustic music of Jason Hilliard and Company. The evening included a live auction emceed by IGNITE founder and ASNC Board Member, Ray Evernham. A fun evening was had by all!
Thank you to our sponsors:
As the sun rose on Saturday morning, 87 paddleboarders arrived at Port City Club to compete in either the 6.5-mile professional race or the 2.5-mile recreational race. Spectators cheered on the racers as they sped across the smooth waters of Lake Norman. After the races, paddleboarders and guests were treated to a mouthwatering luau, complete with a pig roast, and entertained with Hawaiian music and dancing from the Island Hula Girls.
Visit Lake Norman
My Aloha Paddle & Surf Port City Club Corporate Gold: Randy Marion Buick GMC
Corporate Silver: North Carolina Fitness Expo Corporate Bronze:
We are deeply grateful to Rob Bennett and My Aloha Paddle and Surf for their time and efforts in planning and executing this year’s race, and to the Port City Club for treating our guests to the most sensational food. And a very special thank-you to all of our event sponsors!
Aquesta Bank
The Leon Levine Foundation issued a $10,000 challenge grant to the Autism Society of North Carolina in support of IGNITE. With your help, we met the challenge by the conclusion of Stand Up for Autism and received a $10,000 matching grant from The Leon Levine Foundation. Thank you for helping us get there!
Bayne Brewing Company
We greatly appreciate everyone’s support of this year’s Stand Up for Autism event and look forward to seeing you next year! PG 4– IGNITE NEWS • Summer 2016
The Peninsula Yacht Club In-Kind: WCCB Charlotte Jeff Gordon Cellars
Save the Date! November 26, 2016 Davidson 4th annual AmeriCarna LIVE to Benefit IGNITE