Programs
Employment & Training Program :: The Richards Program
Project Lifesaver :: Saturday Outings :: Munson Family Respite Program
:: Taylor’ed for Autism :: Hope Floats
Employment & Training Program
Are you considering what happens after graduation or simply looking for a way to increase employment skills? Let AAF help you explore the operations of a small business. In the Spring of 2007, the Autism Advocate Foundation began a project to provide employment & vocational training opportunities to persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders living in Horry County.
Through web-based sales of Equal Exchange Fair Trade Coffees and autism merchandise, our teens and young adults are provided an opportunity to be involved in a small business venture. Persons with Autism perform all final packaging and shipping of products.
This training model allows AAF to provide a sheltered environment or a community based approach dependent on individual needs and desires. If you are interested in learning more, please complete the above inquiry form.
Make sure to visit our online store and check out our wonderful gourmet coffees and Autism related merchandise! Your purchases are providing employment and training opportunities to individuals with Autism.
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The Richards Program
What did you do this summer? The participants of the Richards Program enjoyed everything Myrtle Beach has to offer from fun in the sun at Alligator Adventure to relaxing with popcorn in the new Market Commons’ theater.
The Richards Program was established in Spring 2006, for those with Autism Spectrum Disorders, living in Horry County, through a generous donation from the Richards family. The Richards Program is a summer camp for teens and young adults; addressing individual recreational and social needs utilizing local community resources.
Each individual participates at a level tailored for their particular needs with generous support and supervision. The Richards Program maintains a structured five day a week, seven hours per day schedule throughout the summer, with planned activities and outings emphasizing community participation, independence, and peer relationships.
Your child can attend the program for a mere $50.00 a week. You won’t find a better summer program. The Richards Program is the only campership of its kind in Horry County, and therefore fills up quickly! Do not wait to inform us of your interest. Fill out the Program Inquiry form now.
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Project Lifesaver
Project Lifesaver went LIVE! on February 7, 2007. Project Lifesaver is a “tried and true” radio technology tracking system used to recover children and adults, by land or air, that wander away from their family or caregivers.
Due to the scope of the disability, people with ASD have the propensity to wander, and lack the awareness to assure their personal safety. It was with true concern for the safety of those we love that the Autism Advocate Foundation sought assistance from local public safety agencies to bring Project Lifesaver to Horry County.
Officials like Gordon Harris, Horry County Public Safety, went above and beyond to not only establish the service, but provide ongoing training and awareness about autism to all facets of public safety and law enforcement. If you are looking for the assurance that Project Lifesaver can offer, please contact AAF utilizing the inquiry form above. Fundraising efforts are ongoing by AAF to bring Project Lifesaver wristbands to your family at no cost, so don’t delay.
Guests of Myrtle Beach: If you are visiting Myrtle Beach, and your child would benefit from Project Lifesaver, go to the Myrtle Beach Chamber and receive a temporary wristband for the duration of your stay.
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Saturday Outings
The Autism Advocate Foundation believes that every family should have the opportunity to have some fun. The Saturday Outings are scheduled the first and third Saturdays of every month to provide an opportunity for families to participate in an inexpensive activity in an accepting environment. The Saturday Outing activities include swimming, bowling, movies and more.
The activities are arranged by Autism Advocate Foundation Staff who coordinate the outings with local venues, educate the venues on ASD, communicate the arranged activities with interested families, and are on hand during the outing to assure its success.
The Saturday Outings are an opportunity for families to network with each other developing support systems and peer relationships. If you are interested in participating in the Saturday Outings, simply complete and return the inquiry form. An AAF representative will contact you to invite you and your family to the next Saturday Outing.
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Munson Family “Evening Out” Respite Program
Those with a loved one with ASD, know how hard it is to find safe, understanding, and qualified care, not to mention affordable, even to go out for the evening with friends or a significant other.
AAF was created by parents that struggled with this same issue who were driven to find a solution. The Munson Family Respite Program was created for those looking for a safe and responsible alternative to childcare.
The second Friday of each month, from 5pm to 9pm, AAF provides an opportunity for you to leave your loved one and their siblings for an evening out with "no worries".
The cost of the “Evening Out” program is $20.00 for 1 child/ $40.00 max for those families with two or more children. You must pre-register no later than the first Friday of each month to attend. No exceptions!
There are no age guidelines, all are welcome, so contact us now to begin benefiting from an “Evening Out”.
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Taylor’ed for Autism
The Autism Advocate Foundation is excited to offer Therapeutic Horseback Riding to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The benefits of equine assisted activities are as numerous. Research shows that students who participate in equine assisted activities and therapies can experience physical, emotional and mental rewards.
Many medical professionals, including the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association, recognize the therapeutic qualities of equine assisted activities.
Weekly sessions, are coordinated for a minimal fee of $25.00/hour. Activities associated with Therapeutic Horseback Riding may include, but is not limited to, a number of mutually respectful equine activities such as handling, grooming, riding, and stable management.
The Autism Advocate Foundation is fortunate to be working with a NARHA Registered Therapist, talented volunteers, and be warmly welcomed by Joint Venture Stables, of Murrells Inlet. Contact us today by filling out the inquiry form above to find out more about the Therapeutic Horseback Riding!!
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Hope Floats
 What an opportunity!! The Autism Advocate Foundation is offering a sail training program in the calm waters of our beautiful inlet. “Hope Floats” is a family oriented program offering an experience of a lifetime. For many, it may be the first time to enjoy the unique sensations associated with sailing: the feel of the wind, smell of the ocean, and the movement of the waves.
If you are looking for an adventure to share with the family this is it! Working with an ASA, USCG Certified Captain, talented volunteers, and the sailboat Serenity, located in Murrells Inlet, you will embark on a 2-3 hour journey concluding with snacks and drinks.
Hope Floats can be organized as a one day quest, “daysail”, for $50.00, or be utilized as an ongoing training and family bonding tool with consecutive trips costing $40.00. Sailing is a hands-on boating venture that is commonly utilized for team building and relationship development. A sense of confidence and unity is formed while sailing that can have lasting benefits for all involved. Participants are encouraged to fully interact in the event by overcoming any apprehension and challenging them to participant as crew  members by taking the helm, trimming the sails and learning the basics of sailing and maneuvering the boat.
From basic water safety to understanding the concepts of the wind propelling the boat, the experience is diverse. In addition to the various sensory and behavioral stimuli, the quest is relaxing and fun! Don’t miss out on the 2008 season; contact us today by completing the inquiry form above.
If you would like to pay for your Hope Floats training online you can do so securely through PayPal by clicking the Pay Now button below:
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