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I cannot emphasize enough what a lifeline this program has been for Evan and our family. Like any young adult, Evan desires more independence, freedom, and opportunities for socialization. Thanks to REED, he now engages in group activities such as trips to the YMCA, libraries, malls, parks and bowling with his peers. He is also gaining valuable work experience at Greens Do Good and Francesca Pizza. It is remarkable how much progress Evan has made both verbally and socially since his early days at REED.

Individuals with autism are often overlooked despite their many capabilities. Seeing Evan happy and flourishing has been our main focus therefore supporting REED for the last 13 years has been a natural choice for us. We have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact the organization has had on his development.

Please consider giving to the REED Foundation for Autism even if you are not directly touched by REED’s services. Every contribution helps create a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals like Evan.

Thank you for supporting REED’s life-changing work.

Warm regards,

Carol Winik

REED Autism Services has announced the launch of PATH, a two-year post-secondary certificate program in partnership with Felician University. Approved by the New Jersey Department of Education, PATH, which stands for Post-Secondary Achievement Through Hands-On Learning, is designed to impart crucial career readiness and life skills for students ages 18-21.

PATH blends dynamic classroom instruction with real-world application, emphasizing four key pillars: community engagement, employment, self-determination, and household/personal management. Classroom instruction is based on the licensed Learn4Independence® curriculum.The program also includes vocational training, equipping students with the tools for meaningful employment and independent living. 

Sarah David, Director, PATH explains, “The transition to adulthood can be challenging for many autistic individuals, and traditional educational models may not fully address their needs. PATH offers a supportive environment where students can develop essential skills, forge meaningful connections, and gain confidence, all while experiencing life as part of a college community.” 

Chantelle Walker, CEO, REED Autism Services, adds, “The launch of this critical programming is a testament to our commitment to addressing the needs of a growing autism community. We are thrilled to partner with Felician on this important initiative. As we continue to expand our reach in the autism community, PATH will undoubtedly make a profound difference in the lives of our students.”

Held on Felician University’s Rutherford campus, students can access Felician amenities, including the dining hall, fitness center, computer lab, gaming center, and study rooms. PATH students will receive individualized academic and social support to assist them with developing self-advocacy skills and integrating into the campus community.

Dr. Mildred Mihlon, President, Felician University states, “The PATH program aligns perfectly with Felician’s mission and vision. As an inclusive university, I am excited for the start of our collaborative effort with REED Autism Services and look forward to growing our support and programming for this important community of learners.”

An Open House will be held on May 7th from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm at Felician University. Virtual Information Sessions will be held on April 29th from 4:30-5:30 pm and on May 15, 2024 from  7 – 8 pm. Register at reedautismservices.org/path, or email [email protected] to learn more.

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From the moment Ryan and his parents stepped through the doors at REED Academy 12 years ago, they were greeted with warmth and compassion. The staff’s dedication to Ryan’s well-being has been remarkable—they’ve not only taught him vital life skills but have also provided the care and support he needs to thrive. 

Simple tasks we often take for granted, like brushing our teeth, have been taught to Ryan. He’s learned to shop at the grocery store and cook meals for himself. When Ryan required blood work, the staff invested significant time preparing him, creating simulations and mock exams so that he would understand what to expect.  

From teachers to administrators, everyone at REED puts the students first. Their commitment to constant improvement gives me hope for Ryan’s future, yet as he approaches adulthood and ages out of school-based programming, we are aware of the challenges he’ll face. That’s why I give to REED—it’s a lifeline for families like ours, providing vital resources and services.

Thank you for considering supporting REED. Your generosity makes a real difference in the lives of individuals like Ryan and so many others like him.

Regards,

Claire Tanzer

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Working at Greens Do Good has truly changed Liam’s life. It’s not just about the invaluable experience he’s gained in sustainable agriculture, but also a sense of belonging. Every day spent at the farm has given him an opportunity to hone critical social skills, while also fostering his independence and adaptability in ways we never imagined possible.

One of the most fulfilling aspects for Liam has been the pride he feels from his contributions to our family. Bringing home greens for us to enjoy reinforces the positive impact of his work. Witnessing his smile when we express our gratitude is a heartwarming reminder of how far he has come.

My greatest hope for Liam is that he continues to feel a sense of belonging and connection within our community. Loneliness can be a significant challenge for individuals on the autism spectrum, but thanks to Greens Do Good, Liam has found purpose and meaning. Supporting programs like Greens Do Good not only enhances the well-being of individuals like Liam but also contributes to building a more inclusive and compassionate society for all.

Your support can make a world of difference. Whether making a donation or simply spreading the word about the wonderful work being done at Greens Do Good, every little bit helps. 

Regards,

Christina Jones

This year, we are thrilled to honor Anthony Fasano, Former 12-Year NFL Tight End, for his ongoing support of REED and the autism community. Get your golf clubs ready and join us in making a difference. Click here to sign up now or find out more about sponsorship opportunities.

What inspired you to pursue a career in autism?

After college, I began my first job as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at an intensive residential program. At the time, I wasn’t sure of my career path, but I quickly fell in love with the field and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I remember coming home every day and feeling immensely proud of our client’s successes. I was fortunate to receive amazing hands-on experience and supervision in that role. Eventually, I moved from DSP to ABA Specialist, and later, after completing a master’s degree in ABA, I became a BCBA. I can’t imagine doing anything else!

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job at REED?

I’m thankful to have the opportunity to come to work and know I positively impact the lives of the people we serve every day. Whether it’s enhancing functional communication skills, promoting independence in daily living skills, or effectively reducing challenging behavior over time, there is no greater feeling than achieving goals that enable our clients to live more independently, safely, and fulfilled.

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to pursue a career in autism?

Take that entry-level position! Hands-on experience gained as a DSP, applied behavior analysis (ABA) instructor, clinical associate, or paraprofessional is invaluable. I’ve observed that individuals who have gathered quality hands-on experience in these ABA-based roles often perform better in future careers as BCBAs, educators, program managers, and more. It’s essential to explore your interests within the field and make solid connections with those who can support your career goals. For instance, if you’re drawn to the clinical aspects, seek guidance from a BCBA through one-on-one meetings. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

What skills and qualities do you consider essential for success in a career in autism?

Patience, creative thinking, flexibility, and compassion are essential. There will be great days and difficult ones. What matters most is displaying patience and kindness. When clients become overwhelmed or frustrated, and challenging behaviors may emerge, it’s crucial to take a step back and remember that they are not doing this to bother you, to ruin your day, or for “no reason”. Behavior serves a purpose, and it’s our responsibility to analyze these situations and devise solutions. Facing unexpected challenging behavior, for instance, requires making on-the-spot decisions. This demands someone who can be creative, flexible, and resourceful.

Where do you think the need is greatest in autism services? What potential areas within the field should people consider?

There is a significant need in every area of autism services, but I cannot stress enough the importance of quality and accessible adult services for those on the spectrum. Disparities in funding can significantly impact the quality of care available, resulting in limited resources that profoundly affect an individual’s quality of life. It’s important to remember that autism doesn’t go away once a person turns 21. Symptoms may become more challenging to manage in adulthood. This next chapter of life involves many changes—such as living away from home, attending college, entering the workforce, and making new friends—that can be particularly overwhelming for those with ASD. Increasing the number of qualified individuals in the field of adult services is essential to address the complex needs of a growing autism community.

Considering a career in autism? Learn more about the many opportunities at REED Autism Services.

What impact has REED had on Ryan and your family?

REED has been life-changing for both Ryan and our entire family. From the day program to the residential program, job training, and community outings, Ryan’s life is full of appropriate challenges and activities tailored to his abilities. Knowing that Ryan is not only taken care of, but also thriving is life-changing for me and my entire family. 

What do you think makes REED a unique organization?

Ryan had a placement before REED that didn’t work for him because they didn’t take the time to get to know him. REED, much like Ryan’s educational placement throughout childhood, is trained in applied behavior analysis (ABA) and treats all clients as individuals, getting to know their unique personalities. Their staff is wonderful and well-trained, and Ryan is very comfortable.

What are your hopes and dreams for Ryan?

Like all my children, I want Ryan to be safe, happy, and lead a fulfilling life. That definition of a fulfilling life might be different from my other children, but in the end, it involves various activities, social interaction, productive work, and self-improvement. He is getting all of that through REED.

You recently made a very generous $250,000 five-year pledge to REED. Why do you choose to invest in REED?

We were very fortunate to have found REED and for Ryan to be one of the first clients of REED Residential. He has thrived, even getting paid work this past year. As someone who networks with other parents of children with autism, I realize how desperate many are for similar opportunities for their adult children. I hope that by giving, REED Next can continue to expand and provide solutions for many in need.

Why would you encourage other REED parents to support the organization? 

Autism is a lifelong disability, which means, in all likelihood, our children will outlive us all. We need to ensure that REED has adequate funding, not just for today’s needs, but to thrive beyond our lifetimes. I allocated a portion of my pledge to the Parents Fund, which makes me a member of the Parents Fund Council. I like the idea of the Council because members get to make grants from the Parents Fund in support of REED’s staff and priorities in real-time.

Why do you feel it is critical for those not benefiting from REED’s services to support our organization?

Autism rates have skyrocketed. REED Next’s current client base is the first wave of increased numbers that started about 25 years ago. This population wave is incredibly large, and the number of organizations like REED to service them is insufficient. I implore everyone to help ensure this population is productive members of society and not hidden away in poor placements that do not allow them to contribute.

To learn more about the Parents Fund Council or ways in which you can advance REED’s family of programs, please email us at [email protected].

After completing the Greens Do Good Workforce Development program, his performance paved the way for him to become a paid employee. Flourishing as a Farm Tech, he then received a well-deserved promotion to Assistant Coordinator and continued to learn and contribute as a valued team member.

In the summer of 2023, Finn expressed his desire to explore career paths that would provide more opportunities for social skill development. “We knew just the person to turn to,” explained Greens Do Good Operations Director Jen Faust. The team reached out to Craig Kunisch, the owner of Mahwah Bar & Grill and a longstanding partner of REED. Following a thorough interview, Finn was hired as a host in September 2023 and hasn’t looked back.

“It’s a pleasure having Finn’s warm, energetic spirit at the Mahwah Bar & Grill,” said Craig. “His dedication enhances our team and makes our operations run smoothly, creating a positive experience for both staff and guests alike.” Finn added, “They let me be me at the Mahwah Bar & Grill. We’re all friends.”

While Finn has moved on from Greens Do Good, our commitment lies in empowering individuals like him to excel in their roles and prioritize personal growth and fulfillment. Finn’s story remains a testament to the valuable skills learned at Greens Do Good, which are meaningful for success in other work settings. This fall, Finn will attend a college transition program at Georgian Court University, where he will reside while completing his studies. Until then, you can find Finn greeting and seating guests three days a week at the Mahwah Bar & Grill.

What inspired you to pursue a career in autism?

I came to autism through the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA).  After earning my undergraduate degree in psychology, I found myself working with developmental disabled individuals (mostly autism) at an organization that utilized ABA as the primary treatment modality. The inspiration to pursue a career in autism came from a clinical case involving an 18-year-old female diagnosed with autism. The girl engaged in severe self-injury and aggression and was institutionalized for most of her teen years.  After a process of intensive assessment and treatment, I was able to walk her and her mother to her first day of school in over 5 years.  Seeing her thrive, paired with her mother’s joy, solidified my focus to become a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA).

What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

That I never intended to go to college. I worked as an electrician for six years before deciding to go to college to study psychology. While I was completing my undergraduate degree I worked as a direct support professional in a group home serving six adults with developmental disabilities and severe challenging behavior. I started on the evening shift, then transitioned to the day shift where I began writing and implementing habilitation goals. That was the job where I first learned about ABA.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job at REED?

Everyday I get to collaborate with a team who is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with autism.  It is inspiring to see the commitment REED staff members have to ensuring the success of each individual we serve.  Of course there is no greater reward than bringing about positive change in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.

Could you describe a project or initiative you’ve been involved in at REED or outside of REED that made a significant impact on the autism community?

I believe the field of applied behavior analysis continues to have the most significant impact on the autism community.  My work in ABA has spanned research, practice, and public policy. Within that work I have mentored and trained hundreds of individuals, many of whom went on to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts working to serve the autism community.

 What advice would you give to someone aspiring to pursue a career in autism?

Pursue employment at an organization that not only provides great services, but also provides high quality training and mentorship.  Find a mentor in your chosen career path, share your career goals, and meet with them as frequently as you can.  Your early training and supervision shape and set your career trajectory. 

What skills and qualities do you consider essential for success in a career in autism?

I consider patience, the ability to collaborate with others, and a commitment to evidence-based practices essential for a career in autism. There are no shortcuts in autism treatment and you can’t be successful by yourself.

Considering a career in autism? Learn more about the many opportunities at REED Autism Services.