2/06/08: Chef Jay Caputo to offer wonderful live auction item at Autism Ball 
This year’s live auction will include a new and exciting item donated by Chef/Owner Jay Caputo of Espuma Restaurant and Martini Bar and Porcini House (formerly Chez La Mer). LDAF will have the honor of auctioning off "A night with Celebrity Chef, Jay Caputo" ...
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2/06/08: Chef Jay Caputo to offer wonderful live auction item at Autism Ball 
February 6, 2008 -- Lewes, Delaware – The Lower Delaware Autism Foundation’s Autism Ball and Auction for Hope is slated for Saturday, March 15^th. The night offers an extensive silent auction, dinner, live auction, open bar and dancing featuring the live sounds of Jellyroll.  Individual tickets are $175 and there are many sponsorship opportunities available. Table sponsorships are available for $3000 and include a table for 12 guests, full page event program ad and more.

This year’s live auction will include a new and exciting item donated by Chef/Owner Jay Caputo of Espuma Restaurant and Martini Bar and Porcini House (formerly Chez La Mer). LDAF will have the honor of auctioning off "A night with Celebrity Chef, Jay Caputo" in which dinner for 6 will be prepared exclusively for the lucky winner in their home! Caputo is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has worked in some of the finest restaurants in Boston, Philadelphia and San Francisco. In 2003, Philadelphia Magazine named Caputo best up and coming chef. Since Espuma opened in May of 2004 it has won numerous awards to include the Wine Spectator Award 2005 – 2007 and best chef downstate 2005 – 2007, best restaurant Rehoboth 2006 – 2007, best specialty martinis 2006 – 2007 - all from Delaware Today Magazine and the list goes on and on. “The reason I want to do this event is that I think it is for a very worthy cause and it receives such great support in this area,” Chef Caputo stated. “I just wanted to give something back which I can be proud of. Chefs and restaurateurs are so popular these days; it is nice to know I can contribute to such a positive cause.”

Autism is one of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD’s). In 1993 1 in 10,000 children were diagnosed with autism. Today the numbers are at a devastating high of 1 in 150. A new case is diagnosed every 20 minutes, which is 67 children daily.

For more information about sponsorship or volunteer opportunities or to purchase tickets please call Mary Landon Green, Program and Event Coordinator at 302.644.3410 or visit www.ldaf.com.

1/04/08: New theme for LDAF Autism Ball
January 4, 2008 -- Lewes, Delaware – The Lower Delaware Autism Foundation’s Autism Ball and Auction for Hope is slated for Saturday, March 15^th. This year’s event will again be held at the Bay Center in Dewey Beach. The new theme encourages guests to see the Wonder in the individuals LDAF serves and Imagine the Possibilities of what is possible with the community’s support.

The night offers an extensive silent auction, dinner, live auction, open bar and dancing featuring the live sounds of Jellyroll.  Individual tickets are $175 and there are many sponsorship opportunities available. Table sponsorships are available for $3000 and include a table for 12 guests, full page event program ad and more.

Co-chairs of the event are Dorian Kleinstuber and Paige Cohan. “After having so much success with the new theme and lower ticket price at the Blue Jean Ball, we decided to follow suit with our biggest and most prominent event. The community has been so supportive of LDAF over the years and we are trying to do the same in return,” said Paige Cohan, LDAF Board Member.

Autism is one of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD’s), affecting 1 in every 150 children born in the U.S. this year. More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined. Autism costs the nation over $90 billion annually, a figure that expected to double in the next decade.

Tickets are currently available online at www.ldaf.com or by calling 302.644.3410. For more information about sponsorship or volunteer opportunities please call Mary Landon Green, Program and Event Coordinator at 302.644.3410 or visit www.ldaf.com.

September 21, 2007 -- Lewes, Delaware – The Lower Delaware Autism Foundation’s Blue Jean Ball Fall Art Show is slated for Saturday, October 20th. This year’s event has been moved to Nassau Valley Vineyards in Lewes. The new theme encourages guests to wear blue jeans and bling while enjoying an evening featuring the sale of original works of art from over 20 local artists. The night offers a live art auction and sale, catering by Fish On!, open bar with mojitos by Espuma, desserts from King’s Ice Cream and Neva’s Café and Coffeehouse, as well as the live sounds of local favorite Love Seed Mama Jump.

This exciting concept has already sparked the interest of local sponsors such as Charles and Bonnie Zonko, Brad and Laura Ritter of AAA Storage, WSFS Bank, NVHomes, Jay and Nancy Ashby, The Kleinstuber Family, Prudential Gallo REALTORS®, Rooster’s Nest and Vickie York at the Beach Realty who are all underwriting various aspects of the event. Co-chairs of the event are Andrew and Julie Metz of Rehoboth Beach and Russ and Nicole Palmer of Lewes.

“We thought the new concept and venue would attract a wider range of support from artists, sponsors and the community in general” said Russ Palmer, LDAF board member. “At LDAF we are always trying to educate the community about autism and this is a fun way to do just that.”

Autism is one of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD’s), affecting 1 in every 150 children born in the U.S. this year. ASD’s are pervasive developmental disabilities that cause substantial impairments in social interaction and communication, as well as the presence of atypical behaviors. There is no cure for autism, but appropriate interventions and programming can help ensure an individual develops functional life skills.

Over 20 artists have already signed on to participate in this annual event. Continuing support comes from the talented Abraxas, Tim Bell, Michele Byrne, Andrew Criss, Michele Green, Tara Funk Grim, Meg Landis, Charles Rowe, Nick Serratore and Lesley McCaskill. New artists include Matty Adler, Deb Appleby, Jean Doran, Laura Hickman, Kim Klabe, Constance Kollock, Allene Martinez, Amanda Ponko, Jonathan Spivak, Richard Tikiob, Betsey VonDreele and Jack Wiberg. LDAF will also be auctioning a unique serigraph, “Paradise Irreversible,” by the world renowned artist Alexandra Nechita who is widely known as “The Little Picasso.” Entries from LDAF’s art contest for children with autism will also be on display at the event. Students at the Sussex Consortium were invited to submit their favorite artwork. Guests at the event will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite entry. The entry with the most votes will win season passes to Jungle Jim’s. All participants will receive an achievement award. Tickets are currently available for $75.00 online at www.ldaf.com or by calling 302.644.3410. During the event LDAF will also raffle a Panasonic 50” Plasma HDTV, a $4000 value. Raffle tickets are $20.00 each or $50.00 for 3 chances and winner need not be present to win. For more information about sponsorship opportunities or LDAF’s programs, services and events, please call Mary Landon Green, Program and Event Coordinator at 302.644.3410 or visit www.ldaf.com.

September 20, 2007 -- Lewes, Delaware -- The Artisans’ Bank/LDAF 5th Annual Beach Classic Golf Tournament on September 17th was a showcase of community support with Delaware’s own Artisans’ Bank taking the lead for the fifth year, as the event’s major sponsor.

“Being a major sponsor is more than a financial commitment,” said Mary Landon Green of LDAF. “Artisans’ continued event sponsorship of the golf tournament means that they have the best interest of children with autism at heart. This kind of commitment to LDAF means that we can offer quality programs and services for individuals with autism in Sussex County year round.”

“Artisans’ Bank has a long tradition of supporting our communities through corporate support,” says Charles Brown, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of Artisans’ Bank. “We are proud to be the $7500 lead sponsor of a great tournament for a great cause – supporting individuals with autism.”

The Artisans’ Bank/LDAF Beach Classic golf tournament is one of four major fundraisers that LDAF holds annually. These events give sponsors like Artisans’ Bank, SoDel Concepts and Schell Brothers the opportunity to come together with families in our communities who are directly affected by autism. The tournament featured a putt for cash contest, specialty prize and score enhancing shots, hole in one prizes, 19th hole pig roast and a live sports memorabilia auction with auctioneer Butch Emmert. Each golfer is eligible for all contests and receives a goodie bag.

Autism is one of a group of disorders known as autism spectrum disorders (ASD’s), affecting 1 in every 150 children born in the U.S. this year. ASD’s are pervasive developmental disabilities that cause substantial impairments in social interaction and communication, as well as the presence of atypical behaviors. There is no cure for autism, but appropriate interventions and programming can help ensure an individual develops functional life skills. For more information about the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation’s programs, services and events, please call Mary Landon Green, Program and Event Coordinator at 302.644.3410 or visit www.ldaf.com.

Photo: Representing Artisans’ Bank from the Wilmington Commercial Lending Office are Ned Coverdale, Senior V.P. and Chief Lending Officer, Jeff Flanders, Senior V.P. and Group Manager, Charles Brown, Senior V.P., Chief Lending Officer and Commercial Division Manager and Jim Wright, V.P. Commercial Lending.

September 18, 2007 -- Lewes, Delaware -- The Lower Delaware Autism Foundation announces Schell Brothers of Rehoboth Beach as the newest local business to support the Artisans' Bank/LDAF 5th Annual Beach Classic Golf Tournament. Schell Brothers sponsored the Welcome Luncheon held on the veranda of BayWood Greens Clubhouse prior to the shotgun start of the scramble format tournament.

"We are thrilled to form a new community partnership with Schell Brothers. They do so much to give back to our coastal communities and we are proud to help them show their commitment to supporting the unique needs of individuals with autism in Sussex County," said Mary Landon Green, Program and Event Coordinator at LDAF.

The Artisans' Bank/LDAF Beach Classic tournament was held Monday, September 17th at BayWood Greens and was a great success due in part to supporters like Schell Brothers. Over 100 golfers and sponsors, such as Artisans' Bank, Schell Brothers, Matt Haley and SoDel Concepts, and many others, enjoyed a beautiful day on a beautiful course. Prizes were given to the top three net and gross teams as well as for the longest men's and women's drive and closest to the pin.

Autism is a neurological disorder without a cure, one that leaves children with pervasive and lifelong disabilities. LDAF's vision is that individuals with autism in Sussex County will have a lifetime of meaningful and enriching opportunities within their communities. For more information about the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation's programs, services, and events in support of individuals with autism, please call Mary Landon Green, Program and Event Coordinator at 302.644.3410 or visit www.ldaf.com.

Photo: Melissa Tice Martin, LDAF Executive Director is pictured with Chris Schell of Schell Brothers. Schell Brothers contributed $2,000 to the Artisans' Bank/LDAF Beach Classic Golf Tournament as the sponsor of the Welcome Luncheon.

September 6, 2007 -- Lewes, Delaware -- The Lower Delaware Autism Foundation announces that Matt Haley has pledged his continued support of the Artisans’ Bank/LDAF 5th Annual Beach Classic Golf Tournament on September 17th. Matt Haley’s restaurants Fish On!, Blue Coast, NorthEast Seafood Kitchen and Catch 54 Fish House, will provide prize gift certificates for the winners of longest drive, closest to the pin and top 3 both gross and net.

“We are grateful for the generous support that Matt Haley and SoDel Concepts provide us as community partners in support of individuals with autism,” said Melissa Tice Martin of LDAF.

LDAF’s tournament is set for Monday, September 17th at Baywood Greens in Long Neck. 132 golfers will hit the links in support of children with autism and their families in Sussex County.

Autism is a neurological disorder without a cure, one that leaves children with pervasive and lifelong disabilities. LDAF’s vision is that individuals with autism in Sussex County will have a lifetime of meaningful and enriching opportunities within their communities. For more information about sponsorship or registration, please call Mary Landon Green, Program and Event Coordinator at 302.644.3410 or visit www.ldaf.com.

Photo: Melissa Tice Martin, LDAF Executive Director, is pictured with Matt Haley, of Fish On! in Lewes.

June 18, 2007 -- Lewes, DE -- The Lower Delaware Autism Foundation was the recent recipient of $5,739 donated by the World Championship Punkin' Chunkin' Association of Sussex County, Delaware. Frank Schade, a familiar Sussex County face at the Chunk, was on hand to present Melissa Tice Martin, LDAF Executive Director, and Rudy Beitzel, LDAF Board President, with the donation. Each year, teams from all over the world come to Delaware to participate in this unique Sussex County competition. The 2006 "Chunk" drew more than 20,000 people and grossed more than $100,000 in ticket sales and associated revenues. A total of 72 teams competed. Approximately $70,000 will be distributed in scholarships and support to a variety of community organizations.

"LDAF is thankful for the generosity of the Punkin' Chunkin' Association. The funds donated to us will help support a variety of programs for individuals with autism in Sussex County. This year, we had an awareness booth at the Chunk and enjoyed being a part of the event," said Rudy Beitzel, LDAF Board President. To learn more about LDAF please call 302-644-3410. To learn more about the World Championship Punkin' Chunkin', please visit www.punkinchunkin.com.

Photo: Left to Right: Frank Schade of the Punkin' Chunkin' Association presents Melissa Tice Martin and Rudy Beitzel of LDAF with two check donations raised during the 2006 Chunk.

June 13, 2007—The Lower Delaware Autism Foundation, a Lewes-based non-profit organization serving children and individuals with autism, was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the Delaware Foundation for Reaching Citizens in support of their annual Adaptive Bike Camp Program. DFRC is a well-respected Delaware foundation dedicated to raising funds and consciousness in support of programs that enrich the lives of Delawareans with cognitive disabilities. Established in 1956, the private, nonprofit organization is dedicated to identifying, supporting, and funding programs based on community need. Autism is a developmental disability, neurological in nature, characterized by challenges in the areas of communication, social interaction, and behavior. Affecting 1 in every 150 children in the United States, cases of this mysterious disorder are on the rise. There are no medical tests for autism and no cure. The Lower Delaware Autism Foundation works to provide individuals with autism in Sussex County with a lifetime of meaningful and enriching opportunities within their communities.

The Adaptive Bike Program offers those with autism the chance to learn to ride a typical two-wheeled bicycle independently. Facilitated by Dr. Richard Klein, of Lose the Training Wheels, LLC, the camp is offered during the week of August 27-31 at the Mariner Middle School in Milton. For more information regarding the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation and its programs and services, please contact Melissa Tice Martin, Executive Director, at 302-644-3410 or mmartin@ldaf.com.

Photo: DFRC funds awarded to the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation will be used to support a program which offers individuals with autism the chance to learn to ride a bike independently.

January 23, 2007 - Lewes, DE. The Lower Delaware Autism Foundation in partnership with Keenote Music kicked off it's winter music class for children with autism of all ages and their families.

The program is being held on Wednesdays through February 21 from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Keenote Music is an original music and movement program in Southern Delaware created, developed and taught by Miss Debbie Kee. Ms. Kee received her degree in elementary and special education from the University of Delaware. Since then, Ms. Kee has been working with children, developing new programs to meet their needs.

For more information on LDAF's programs and services, please call (302) 644-3410 or visit www.ldaf.com.

Photo: Enjoying the music class from left to right are Josh Willey, Lexie Willey, San Willey holding Jordan, John Willey holding Eric and Victoria Reed.

11/22/06: Sussex Consortium Receives Visitors from Japan

November 22, 2006 - Lewes, Delaware. The Sussex Consortium, Sussex County’s school for children with autism, received a special visit from a group of Japanese medical and psychology professionals this past week. The group was comprised of individuals from all over Japan affiliated with clinical groups and medical centers.

      The group’s primary interest in visiting the Consortium was to observe the “Pyramid Methodology,” a unique teaching method that establishes effective learning environments for children and adults with autism, and the “PEC System,” a picture-based communication teaching system, in action in the classroom.  Other interests included observing classroom set-up, how different schedules for children of varying abilities and skill levels are run in different settings, and what types of support services for individuals with autism exist in the community. Three of the group’s members previously visited the school to see these teaching tools. They were impressed by their prior observations and were inclined to bring back a group of 11 Japanese professionals who work with individuals with autism to view the program.

     The Sussex Consortium, located in the Cape Henlopen School District, is a public school program serving special needs students from Sussex County, Delaware. The school serves over 140 students through its Intensive Learning Center (ILC) classrooms, its program for the Hard of Hearing and Profoundly Deaf, and the Sussex County chapter of the Delaware Autism Program. Spread out across nine buildings in the district, students ranging in age from three to twenty-one are instructed based on Individualized Education Programs.

     Many students in the program receive additional services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and adaptive physical education. The Consortium's programs and training techniques have been studied by, and used as models for programs across the country—and now across the globe! Several staff members and administrators have been published in professional journals, magazines, and books over the years, as well as having presented on various related topics at state, regional and national conventions. In 2002 the Autism Society of America recognized the Sussex Consortium as their "Program of the Year". The school continues to receive recognition as a 2006 “Superior” ranked school by the Delaware Department of Education’s school performance ratings.

     The Japanese visitors were also able to talk with their guides, Dr. Kris Battaglini and Dr. Andrew Bondy two practitioners with extensive experience in the field of education of children with autism.  Bondy, former statewide Director of the Delaware Autism Program based in Newark, is the co-author of the Pyramid Methodology based on applied behavior analysis and the co-author of the Picture Exchange Communication System.  Battaglini, a consultant for Pyramid Educational Consultants, Inc., retired as the Sussex Consortium’s Program Director this fall after 26 years with the program.  The two have published several articles, chapters, and research findings together over the years.

     Autism is complex neurological disorder, which impairs a person’s ability to communicate and form relationships with other people.  1 in 166 children are affected. Autism spans race and class, and occurs in every country in the world.  The disorder is on the rise, occurring ten times more today than a decade ago.  It is more common than multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis or childhood cancers, and is currently the third most common developmental disability following mental retardation and cerebral palsy.  The prevalence of autism in Japan is believed to closely mirror that of the United States.

     The Consortium’s Japanese visitors plan to take their findings and observations back to Japan and hope to successfully implement them in their programs for children and individuals with autism.  The group also traveled to observe the Delaware Autism Program’s Newark location and to autism programs in Connecticut and New Jersey. Before leaving, the group visited the Lewes Bake Shop on Second Street and received a bit of “Americana” from the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation in the form of t-shirts!

     For more information on autism, the Sussex Consortium, or Pyramid Educational Consultants, please call the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation at 302-644-3410.

Photo: Dr. Kris Battaglini (kneeling) and Dr. Andrew Bondy (standing back left), accompany a group of Japanese visitors to the Lewes Bake Shop, where they received autism awareness t-shirts compliments of the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation.  Included in the photo are Japanese visitors to the Sussex Consortium: Shinichiro Kado M.D.: child psychiatrist, Kyoto prefecture Autism resource center director, and Kyoto prefecture children's treatment center Vice-Director; Hatakenaka Yuhei M.D.: Kochi prefecture children's treatment center director; Ms. Yo Kugaya: Kyoto prefecture children's treatment center psychologist; Koichiro Tanaka M.D.: Kyoto prefecture children's treatment center psychiatrist; Kiyoko Yamane M.D.: child psychiatrist, Hiroshima city west children's treatment center director; Mr. Toru Mizuno: Hiroshima city west children's treatment center ST; Ms. Haruka Hatada: Tsutsuji preschool ST; Kunio Yoshino M.D.: Tokyo children's treatment center director; Ms. Kayoko Shigematsu: self-employed translator; Ms. Tomoko Haramaki: NPO SOREIYU director; Shigeru Haramaki M.Ed.: Pyramid Japan director.

November 21, 2006 - Rehoboth Beach, DE. Chris Dispoto of Rehoboth Car Wash is supporting the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation through his generous care and housing of LDAF's 2007 3LT Corvette Convertible, which will be raffled off on March 10, 2007, at the foundation's 6th Annual Autism Ball. Dispoto and his staff work to keep the car detailed and meticulously clean.

"I do this for LDAF because it is my way of giving back to my community," says Dispoto. "I can't imagine what a family struggling with autism must face. I know that LDAF works hard to make a difference and I am just happy to help out." Tickets for the LDAF 2007 Corvette Raffle are also available for sale at the Rehoboth Car Wash.

"Rehoboth Car Wash helps us by selling an extraordinary amount of tickets," says Rudy Beitzel, President of the Board of LDAF. "We are very grateful to Chris, his family, and his staff for their assistance."

Tickets for the Corvette Raffle are $100 each. Limit 1500 tickets. The 2007 3LT Corvette Convertible is Monterrey Red and features QX3 Chrome Wheels, U3U AM/FM Radio w/CD Player and DVD Navigation, a Z51 Performance Package, MXO 6-Speed Paddle Shift Automatic Transmission, and an OnStar System. To purchase a raffle ticket, visit the Rehoboth Car Wash or log onto www.ldaf.com to purchase a ticket online. For more information or to learn more about the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation's programs and service for children and individuals with autism, please call the LDAF office at 302-644-3410.

Shown Pictured: Chris Dispoto of Rehoboth Car Wash, with the Lower Delaware Autism Foundation' s 2007 3LT Corvette Convertible, which will be raffled off on March 10, 2007.

LDAF testified before the Office of Management and Budget at their hearings on the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) FY 2008 Budget to support several key initiatives crucial to providing individuals with autism the freedom and flexibility to choose their services and supports to create the life they want that is independent and addresses ever changing needs.

LDAF again went on record to support funding of the Family Support Waiver as a crucial step in a new systems model fostering self-determination and independence. They commended DHSS Secretary Meconi for including funding for the Waiver in his budget submission. The Family Support Services Waiver allows participants and their families to purchase supports that are cost-effective and that meet their individual needs. The waiver provides supports coordination to assist the individual in accessing community based supports based on their individual needs. The waiver provides for a fiscal intermediary to process services and important family education and training to assist in creating a supportive environment that will decrease the needs for premature and costly residential placement. The waiver also provides for the day program currently covered on the state plan and provides families with additional monies to spend on a range of home and community based services to enhance the participant’s quality of life. Services include such things as extended day care, assistive technology, respite care, job coaches and speech and occupational therapy. By funding the family support waiver Delaware will receive matching Federal dollars to begin the systems change necessary to provide our individuals with autism the services that will allow them to live a quality life and delay costly residential placements.

LDAF also strongly supported implementation of the Medicaid Buy-In option under the Federal Ticket to Work/Work Incentives Improvement Act. LDAF thanked Secretary Meconi for including funding in his FY’08 Budget request to support the appropriate infrastructure development and operation of the Medicaid Buy-In program. The Medicaid buy-in option will expand employment opportunities and allow individuals to go to work without losing their health benefits. Having meaningful work and contributing to society is so important for all individuals and one of the most important ways individuals with autism connect with others and interact in society. Full-year implementation for Medicaid Buy-In will generate additional withholding tax dollars, save nearly $400,000 in Federal SSI and generate nearly $2.4 million of new purchasing power.

LDAF lent its support for funding to implement the Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration Grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and thanked Secretary Meconi and the Department of Health and Social Services for submitting the grant application. This program will help Delaware implement a system that is person centered, needs based and provides quality of care and quality of life services. This is a critical systems change that will enable those individuals who need long term support to have the flexibility to meet their individual needs and help build a strong foundation for community-based individualized programs that are so important to those with disabilities including individuals with autism.

In its testimony LDAF also addressed the importance of a comprehensive respite program in Delaware and revising the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services eligibility criteria to include individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome and those with autism that do not have cognitive impairments under the definition of disabilities for service.

9/12/06: LDAF ANNOUNCES ITS NEWEST BOARD MEMBERS
The Lower Delaware Autism Foundation is pleased to announce its newest Board Members: Mark Showell of Mark Showell Interiors in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; Russ Palmer of Russ Palmer Builders in Lewes, Delaware; and G. Harry Papaleo of Papaleo, Rosen and Chelf, Certified Public Accountants in Wilmington, Smyrna, and Lewes.

“We’re thrilled to have new members that bring such an impressive array of talent and experience to our Board," said Charlotte Herbert, Executive Director of LDAF.

The Lower Delaware Autism Foundation’s mission is to provide individuals with autism in Sussex County the opportunity to achieve meaningful and productive lives through fundraising, increased public awareness, programs and advocacy.

Mark Showell is a successful local businessman and founder of a group home for adults with developmental disabilities. He serves on the Board of Directors of White House Beach and is active in numerous charity organizations. Russ Palmer, a successful area home builder, has been active in the community for years teaching Sunday school at Bethel United Methodist Church and coaching girls' little league. Harry Papaleo brings years of financial experience to the Board along with a background in non-profit organizations through his service on the Board of Aids Delaware and Pencader Hundred Community Center.

The Lower Delaware Autism Foundation started in 2001 as an idea by a few parents to raise some money to help children with autism in Sussex County. In just a few short years, LDAF went from a dream to a solid non-profit organization providing a wide array of services and programs for individuals with autism and their families. “This is just the beginning”, said Charlotte Herbert, Executive Director of LDAF. “We have just hired a new Program and Event Coordinator, Melissa Tice Martin, who brings years of fund raising and event management experience. She will help us grow the Foundation so we can continue to provide important programs and services for individuals with autism in Sussex County”.

LDAF is presently developing job and community integration opportunities for children beginning the transition process from school-to-work. LDAF is also looking at a variety of important therapeutic and recreational opportunities to offer individuals with autism in Sussex County. LDAF has also committed to spending significant time and resources in the advocacy arena to address the many gaps in service for those touched by autism. Some of the issues that LDAF will work to address include: assuring that individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome receive appropriate services, that one-on-one job coaching is provided where necessary, that there is access to transportation, that families who choose to keep their adult with autism home have the necessary support and for those that want housing, it is available to them. LDAF also supports a strong respite program to provide families caring for individuals with autism who must leave their children with trained professionals, time off to attend to other family business.