Local Celebrities Pair Off

Sixth Annual Dancing with the Celebrities to benefit local non-profit Autism Housing Pathways, to happen on March 18^th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. It is now widely known that 1 in 68 American children fall somewhere on the autism spectrum. What is less widely considered is the fact that children become adults, and they need a place to live. In Massachusetts, about 10,000 young people will be scrambling to find affordable, supportive housing over the next 20 years. Autism Housing Pathways is the only non-profit in the state exclusively dedicated to the needs of families looking for housing solutions for their family members with autism or other developmental disabilities. We provide information and training to families and individuals about housing, supportive services and available funding streams, empowering them to create new, innovative housing models that are safe and sustainable. AHP also works with service providers and public officials to make them aware of the appropriate supports necessary for individuals with autism to be successful in a residential setting. On March 18th, Autism Housing Pathways will hold its major fundraiser of the year, “Dancing with the Celebrities”, at St. Mary’s Church in Winchester. This year's celebrities are: Alex Chan, Senior Engineer at Broadcom and husband of AHP VP Cheryl Chan; Caren Connelly, Executive Director at the Winchester Foundation for Educational Excellence; Andrea Phelan, Assistant Principal at Lynch Elementary School in Winchester; Santon, a pianist and violinist; Kristen Shea, a Winchester police officer; and “Luau”Wilson, frequently featured in the blog Diary of a Mom, which has over 200,000 fans. Our “professionals” are members of the national powerhouse MIT Ballroom Dance Team. The event will also feature live and silent auctions.