July 29, 2016 | Blog, Press Release
Els for Autism Receives Grant from Community Foundation for Reach and Teach Through the Arts Program
Therapeutic arts program tailored specifically to individuals on the autism spectrum to facilitate personal growth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Pamela Minelli
Senior Development Associate
Els for Autism
O: 561-320-9528
pam.minelli@elsforautism.org
Jupiter, Fla. (July 26, 2016) – Els for Autism is pleased to announce it has received a three year grant for $143,882 from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. These funds will support Reach and Teach Through the Arts, a unique therapeutic arts program tailored specifically to the interests and needs of individuals on the autism spectrum which improves personal growth in speech, language, memory, mental agility, social skills, motor skills, confidence, and self-expression.
“We are grateful to The Community Foundation for their support of Reach and Teach,” said Dr. Marlene Sotelo, Director of Programs and Operations at Els for Autism. “Our program provides opportunities for people with autism to engage and be included in the community, by recruiting neighborhood residents and other organizations to participate in arts classes in our new Pavilion and Sensory Arts garden.”
The Community Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. “Els for Autism’s Reach and Teach Through the Arts program is a perfect fit for our grant making as we strive to educate and equip our citizens with opportunities to help themselves. This grant comes from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Fund, an endowment created to address needs in the areas of arts and culture, education, the environment and community development,” said Brad Hurlburt, president and CEO at the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
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About Els for Autism
The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 to help people on the autism spectrum fulfill their potential to lead positive, productive and rewarding lives. In August 2015, the Foundation opened The Els Center of Excellence, which includes a public charter school and conference center with auditorium, to disseminate best practices in education and therapy worldwide. The Els Center of Excellence provides a game-changing educational program incorporating the critical components of early intervention, medical and professional services, transition and adult services, and Ernie Els #GameON Autism™ Golf.
For information, please visit www.ElsforAutism.org or connect with us on Twitter ▪ Facebook ▪ Instagram ▪ YouTube.
About the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties is one of Florida’s largest community foundations. The nonprofit organization has invested more than $120 million in grants and scholarships over its 43-year history. At its core, the Community Foundation is an organization created with gifts from generous people committed to local causes. For donors, the Foundation serves as a philanthropic advisor. For the community, the Foundation serves as a grant maker and a civic leader. Through the support of its donors and fund holders, the Foundation has been able to address some of the community’s most pressing needs, including hunger, housing and education. For more information, visit www.yourcommunityfoundation.org.
