For Immediate Release
January 13, 2025
BEDFORD, Mass. – The Edinburg Center is pleased to announce it is a recipient of the Autism Community Impact Grant of $7,000 from The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism.These funds will provide young adults, ages 18-30 with autism, access to weekly social events and activities to help them increase social skills and independent living skills, improve social outcomes, and build connections that will help them lead more fulfilling lives.
This initiative is part of The Edinburg Centers Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program that was launched in 2016. The program’s primary goal is to help people with autism increase their independence and become active participants within their family, home and community. The Autism Community Impact Grant is awarded through an application process and historically supports traditionally underserved, underfunded, culturally diverse communities reflected in the Flutie Foundation’s areas of impact.
“There is a critical need for social and recreational programming for young adults with a primary diagnosis of Autism,” said Edinburg Center Vice President, Carol Gillis, who oversees Autism Services. “The continued support from the Flutie Foundation will enable us to continue offering young adults with ASD access to essential community social integration. We have participants who were previously socially isolated, now contacting friends independently to make age-appropriate plans, such as going out to eat or to the movies. We are very grateful to the Flutie Foundation for this opportunity”
The Community Social Integration program will enable young adults with autism the opportunity to interact with their peers, which will enhance their communication abilities and boost self-esteem and confidence. Outings – such as bowling, mini-golf and apple picking – will be available in addition to cooking classes, lunch out at a restaurant, shopping at the mall, and seasonal holiday parties.
“The Flutie Foundation Autism Community Impact Grant helps our partner agencies address a variety of significant needs in the autism community,” said Nick Savarese, Executive Director of The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. “Programs like these are helping people on the autism spectrum live life to the fullest and we are proud to support their efforts.”
The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, based in Framingham, MA, was started by former NFL Quarterback, Doug Flutie and his wife Laurie in 1998 after their son, Dougie, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Their experience of raising a son with autism inspired them to help others on the challenging journey. Over its history, the Flutie Foundation has distributed over $20 million to schools and organizations who provide clinical therapies, recreational programs, social skills training, and more for people with autism. The Flutie Foundation also provides education technology tools, adaptive camp scholarships, safety equipment, and direct family support through its partnerships and special initiatives.
Media Contact:
Regina Norfolk
regina@ellisstrategies.com| 617.278.6560
About the Edinburg Center:
Established in 1977 and based in Bedford, the Edinburg Center serves thousands of children and adults with mental health challenges, intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism and brain disorders. Learn more at www.edinburgcenter.org.