Newtown Youth & Family Services Receives Autism Grant

NEWTOWN, CT - From Newtown Youth & Family Services: The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism was established in 1998 by former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie and his wife, Laurie, in honor of their son, Doug, Jr. who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Doug and Laurie are fortunate to have the resources to provide their son with the educational opportunities, special equipment and tools necessary for Doug, Jr. to live a happy and rewarding life. They realize, however, that there are thousands of families of children with autism who struggle every day to pay for similar services. Their primary objective is to provide families with a place to turn when they are in need of support and autism resources.

Newtown Youth and Family Services is pleased to announce it has received a $5,290.00 grant from the Doug
Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism to support the Social Recreational Groups. The goal of the social recreational groups is to promote individual growth, confidence, independence and flexibility and patience for children, teens and young adults with social skill challenges.

“Our programs allow children, teens and young adults who have autism spectrum disorders or other social
difficulties the opportunity to engage in typical activities and recreational outings” said Matt Ariniello of
Newtown Youth and Family Services.

“This grant allows us to continue to offer this program at a low cost for our participants” says Candice Bohr,
Executive Director. “Many families of children with special needs financially struggle with finding low cost
programs, we are happy to offer these programs for a variety of age groups”.

The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism awards grants annually through a competitive application and
review process. The grants that the Flutie Foundation distributes each year help to support family-focused
programs in three key areas: promoting active lifestyles, improving access to services, and enhancing the
independence of adults with autism

Newtown Youth and Family Services offers Social Recreational Groups for Ages 8-12, 13-17 and an adult
program for 18-35. If you are interested in joining the program you may contact Matt Ariniello at
mariniello@newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org. The next session begins February 28 th .

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