2019 Spring IGNITE News

IGNITE is a program of the Autism Society of North Carolina, with founding support from the Evernham Family-Racing for a Reason Foundation.

Spring 2019 • Volume 6, Issue 1

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: ignite_davidson@autismsociety-nc.org ignite_raleigh@autismsociety-nc.org www.autismsociety-nc.org/ignite You can donate to IGNITE online or send a check made out to the Autism Society of North Carolina: Attn: IGNITE 5121 Kingdom Way, Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27607

New IGNITE Opens in Raleigh

By Mindy Govan, Transition and Employment Services Director We are excited to welcome our new members and families in the Raleigh area to the IGNITE newsletter!

Our dream of opening new centers modeled after the original IGNITE in Davidson came true when IGNITE Raleigh opened in September. IGNITE Raleigh opened with eight members and grew to 11 by December. This month we are up to 20, with plans for more! This summer, we will offer our JUMP START program for high school students to give rising seniors the opportunity to experience IGNITE and know that it will be available to them once they graduate.

IGNITE Raleigh was made possible through support from the Evernham FamilyRacing for a Reason Foundation. ASNC also received $205,000 from a student-run charity in Raleigh! (Read more about that in our donor profile.)

Just like in Davidson, members are working toward financial, educational, and employment success. IGNITE Raleigh members are ages 18-26. We have built the curriculum in Raleigh on the successes we have experienced in Davidson. In Raleigh, members particularly enjoy the cooking classes, employment groups, social skill groups, and the social opportunities. (Continued on page 2)

Avengers Movie Premiere

(New IGNITE cont.) Members have enjoyed getting to know their community through fun activities, including local game nights and trivia contests, nature hikes and walks through various local parks, exploring our local museums and flea markets, and attending city festivals and special events. Our members are making friends and setting new personal goals.

After seven years, the Avengers franchise has come to an end. To celebrate this major event, IGNITE Davidson hosted an early screening of “Avengers: Endgame.”

Our office assistant, Ray J, is our resident movie buff, so he coordinated the entire event. He worked with the ASNC Communications team to come up with an eye-catching movie poster and movie tickets to match. Ray J worked tirelessly selling the tickets at the premiere as well as passing out Avengers-themed goodie bags. We also worked with the local movie theater, Our Town Cinemas, to reserve two movie theaters for our guests. With the help and support of the community, we made a profit of more than $2,100.

With resumes updated and interview skills polished, several IGNITE members are working with the Autism Society’s Employment Supports program to pursue employment. In addition, several members are taking postsecondary classes, and two more are working to go back to college.

IGNITE Raleigh is led by Director Mindy Govan, Assistant Program Director Ashley Shoemaker-Skokov, and Program Coordinators Dianna Padilla and Jennifer Orellana.

Every day is full of growth and excitement! Thank you all for your continued support and investment in helping IGNITE members reach their potential.

My son has hope!

Something that has been missing for many years.

My daughter wants to come! She doesn’t like to leave the house. That is amazing.

My son never wants to miss an event, he wants to come to everything.

PG 2– IGNITE NEWS • Spring 2019

Our daughter has found her voice, speaks up so much more, and shares her opinion now.

My client rates her best days as the ones she spends at IGNITE.

When my son has had a stressful day and still goes to IGNITE, he always comes home calmer and happy after going to IGNITE.

What’s Happening in Davidson?

Planning, Organizing, and Budgeting Group

As children, we often rely on our parents for rides to school, social events, and extracurricular activities. As we get older, depending on someone else to get around becomes more difficult. One of the main aspects of transitioning to adulthood and complete independence is learning how to navigate your area. Whether to run errands, get to work, go shopping, or hang with friends, you need some sort of transportation. Although many members at IGNITE have their licenses or own cars, some don’t have that freedom or easy access to transportation. Because of these challenges, we created the Planning, Organizing, and Budgeting Group to teach members how to use the public transportation systems in their area. Through this group, members have learned how to plan, schedule, and budget for rides on Charlotte Area Transit System buses and light rail. Members get hands-on experience by riding the bus to activities. They have also learned how to download and operate Uber. Using public transportation has taught members how to get around independently, practice safety skills, and organize daily activities.

Performing Arts Group

This semester, IGNITE started a new class called the Performing Arts Group.

Many of our members have a passion for acting, so we decided to showcase their talents. We chose to perform a play that is a twist on a classic folktale called “The Trails of B.B. Wolf vs. Curly Pig.” Our members worked tirelessly to learn their lines, practice projection, and learn how to capture an audience. The Performing Arts Group has given members a creative outlet, increased their self-confidence, and taught them to work as a team. After seeing how excited our members were about the play, we decided to perform in the community for an audience of our peers. This group has given our members a chance to shape a character and make it their own. We are incredibly proud of every member who participated and put their all into the group.

Self-Advocacy with MSC

MSC has been an invaluable supporter of the IGNITE program since its inception, so when the opportunity to present at MSC’s Take Your Child To Work Day came about, it was a no-brainer! “The take your child to work day was an experience unlike any other. I am so glad I was able to experience it,” said member Claudia H. She and Lake K. and Matthew J. presented a PowerPoint about IGNITE to the 9th-12th graders who were participating in the day with their parents. They educated the students about the program that their parents, MSC employees, have volunteered for and supported. Our members also showed the students how important it is to create an inclusive environment in high school. Then we enjoyed ice-breaker games, including Would You Rather and Evolution, and topped it off with Who am I? We learned a lot about each other during these games, and it turns out we’re not all so different! MSC had a kitchen supply drive leading up to the event, and IGNITE received many new kitchen tools and accessories to support our members’ drive to be independent!

IGNITE NEWS • Spring 2019 – PG 3

Raleigh Member Spotlight:

Suzanne Spofford Suzanne Spofford has been a member of IGNITE Raleigh since its opening day in September. After graduating from high school, Suzanne took classes at Wake Tech Community College and then began working part-time, cleaning at a family friend’s office building. She eventually decided to stop taking courses at Wake Tech as the workload became overwhelming. Suzanne continued her part-time job and later learned about IGNITE through her cousin.

Suzanne wanted to join IGNITE because she was interested in learning new skills to help her achieve her goal of eventually living independently. She also wanted to learn to talk more and improve her communication skills, to learn more advanced cooking skills, and to make friends. Suzanne said her favorite activities at IGNITE are cooking group, movie night, and community outings.

When Suzanne started at IGNITE in September, she was much quieter and didn’t talk very much, but after just a couple of months in the program, she finds herself talking a lot and speaking up more, she says. Suzanne’s confidence has significantly increased as well, and this is evident in her driving skills. Before IGNITE, Suzanne would usually drive only with her parents in the car and she often felt nervous. But after attending programming for a few months, Suzanne began driving by herself to IGNITE and community activities, and rather than feeling nervous, she now feels proud!

Suzanne loves coming to IGNITE and attends most programs and activities. We have noticed that she always actively participates in groups and seeks to learn as much as she can from all of the programs offered. After just a couple of months, we have seen Suzanne not only find her voice but also learn to share her sense of humor, her love of horror movies, and her enthusiasm for all activities with other members. She has become such a positive leader.

Recently, Suzanne began working with Employment Supports to help her seek additional part-time work. She was nervous about starting the process but is excited about pursuing her goal of living independently.

We are so happy to support Suzanne as she pursues her goals, and we have enjoyed seeing her personality, voice, and confidence flourish throughout her participation with IGNITE.

Davidson Member Spotlight:

Jack Fitzgerald Jack Fitzgerald was born and raised in New Hampshire and then moved to North Carolina in 2017 at the age of 26. Jack originally moved to North Carolina to help his mother and for a slight change in scenery, but it has turned into so much more for him. Moving to North Carolina and joining IGNITE has enabled Jack to accomplish some of his biggest goals.

Jack received a degree in film from Keene State College in 2013. One of his goals was to find a job related to his degree.

Through IGNITE connections, Jack was able to do that! He is now working at Our Town Cinemas. Not only has his new position been a huge accomplishment, but it has also helped him achieve independent living.

Jack said his “biggest challenge is being able to step out of his comfort zone and take on new responsibilities.” Since starting at IGNITE, he has been a leader of several groups. He created the writing club, which allows members to share and practice their creative-writing skills. He also taught film group, which taught members how to use professional cameras, write

PG 4– IGNITE NEWS • Spring 2019

scripts, and create mini movies. “IGNITE has helped me with social skills by encouraging interaction with not only members but also folks in the community,” Jack said. “I have become a leader and learned how to organize things through the writing club and film group.”

Jack has come a very long way, but he still has much he would like to accomplish. He would like to pursue a career in art. It has been a passion of his since he was young, and he wants to be able to use his natural talents. He has already received commission artwork opportunities and says his next step is to work on advertising his art for more of the world to see.

What’s Happening in Raleigh?

Health & Wellness

From yoga, to scenic walks, exercise bands, kickball and more, IGNITE members are getting active through a variety of weekly activities. Ashley, our IGNITE Raleigh Assistant Director, is a certified yoga instructor through Yoga Alliance and teaches a yoga class every Tuesday evening for our members. Members have learned various yoga stretches, movements, and useful meditation techniques.

Every Wednesday, IGNITE Raleigh members venture out to a state park, local greenway, or lakeside trail to get a 2-3 mile walk in and explore our community.

We have walked everywhere from the local Art Park at the NC Museum of Art, to local nature preserves, Umstead Park, and Lake Johnson. At times, members face social communication challenges throughout their days. These tranquil walks have been a time that encourages members to engage in natural conversations, form relationships, and build social skills – all while getting their steps in!

Thursdays are for exercising! Recently, IGNITE members have stepped out of their comfort zones and have learned a workout routine using TheraBand® resistance bands. Members have quickly learned these movements and then finish with cardio to enhance each workout. When the weather is right, we head to a local park and get kickball games going, which fosters teamwork as members encourage and support each other.

Cooking Groups

IGNITE Raleigh’s cooking groups offer a variety of learning opportunities and transferable skills for members to take home. Through the creative planning process of weekly, culturally inspired meals, members have learned to plan a well-balanced meal in accordance with the USDA’s MyPlate guidelines; to search for recipes using cookbooks, food blogs, and Google; to use cooking math skills to modify recipe serving sizes and create weekly grocery lists; to use the grocery lists and shop for supplies; and finally, to prepare and test the recipes while learning new cooking skills each week. Members prepare recipes in two ways: some recipes are done in a small group format to help foster communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, while at least one recipe per week is completed from start to finish by each member to build the confidence and skills to follow recipes independently as well.

Employment

All of our members are working on resume-building, understanding application nuances, and interviewing. Some of them are also working directly with the Autism Society’s Employment Supports team to actively seek work.

One member recently obtained an apprenticeship in robotics coding with a Fortune 500 company. The member has been excelling in her position for several weeks and has decreased her need for on-the-job support as she has become more comfortable and confident in the work environment.

Social Chitchat and Communication

Through the use of videoconferencing, IGNITE Raleigh and IGNITE Davidson have teamed up for a group every Wednesday that focuses on teaching small talk, social soft skills, and understanding and navigating communication nuances. The joint group is led by a speech and language pathologist who is a member’s parent and volunteers with IGNITE Davidson. The group gives members a chance to practice communicating with peers they do not know very well from the other IGNITE. They also have learned to communicate through a unique media platform that is becoming more and more common in the workplace and global community.

IGNITE NEWS • Spring 2019 – PG 5

Donor Spotlight:

Enloe Charity Ball

Finding our purpose in life, what we were meant to contribute to our communities, is the key to a happy and fulfilling life. At the Autism Society of North Carolina, we believe that every person deserves to find their purpose and feel truly alive.

The students of Enloe High School in Raleigh have realized that making a difference in their community makes them feel alive. So each year, the school’s Student Council partners with a local charity that is making people in their community healthier, safer, and happier. Their motto is “Alive with Purpose.”

This past fall, the Autism Society of North Carolina was incredibly fortunate to be the 2018 beneficiary of Enloe Charity Ball, which includes months of fundraising and volunteer work. The student leaders dedicated their efforts to helping launch IGNITE Raleigh.

Throughout the fall, the Enloe students not only raised money for IGNITE Raleigh, they also became true partners.

They helped ASNC staff set up the center before it opened, volunteered at the Triangle Run/Walk for Autism, and spent a Saturday at Camp Royall doing some work projects. At Enloe, they were constantly busy holding fundraisers and raising autism awareness.

Once IGNITE opened, the students came out for game nights, worked alongside members in cooking classes, organized social activities, and invited members to attend Enloe events.

High school was not always an easy time for IGNITE members, and it was inspiring to see them and the students bond.

On Dec. 8 at the ball, the students revealed that they had beaten their goal and raised $205,000!

“This new IGNITE center is making that (lasting) impact that we’re looking for,” said Keya Pothireddy, Vice President of Service. “They’re providing high school graduates with all these different opportunities.”

We are looking forward to the students’ continued involvement in IGNITE Raleigh!

One of the most exciting parts of Enloe Charity Ball is that all of the students have learned so much about people on the spectrum. The students have learned all that they have in common with the members: They have passions and dreams, and they are setting goals to get there.

The students will know that sometimes, people just need a little support to get where they’re going. For years to come, they will go into their colleges, their towns, and their workplaces ready to build inclusive communities.

They will help EVERYONE to be Alive with Purpose.

Ray J’s Reviews Check out IGNITE member Ray J Evernham’s movie reviews online: www.facebook.com/pg/rayjsreview

I also really enjoyed the Santa Cruz beach and boardwalk setting of the movie, and there are certain scenes and sequences that are filmed so skillfully, that they come off as artful.

‘Us’ is fantastic It’s an engaging, beautifully shot and well thought out horror film, with fantastic performances from the entire cast, especially Lupita Nyong’o Her performance is mesmerizing!!

This film has such a good twist too, that I didn’t see coming, but really makes a lot of sense in the end.

I will say that this film is pretty different from director, and producer, Jordan Peele’s 2017 breakout-hit movie, ‘Get Out’. While I thought ‘Get Out’ was really good too, I definitely preferred ‘Us’ a lot more!! It’s much more of a horror film, and I had a really fun time watching it.

PG 6– IGNITE NEWS • Spring 2019

Also, for those who enjoyed the humor in ‘Get Out’, this film has some pretty funny dialogue here and there as well Oh, and I almost forgot about the haunting and fantastic musical score of the film, that will really give you chills, and which I think is also a key part of what makes this film so engaging You all, I cannot recommend this movie enough, and can’t wait to watch it again :-) I give ‘Us’ 5 out of 5 stars