This Week: Get Your Car Detailed and Help Local Autism Center

Autism Awareness Month and Car Care Month coincide in April and local car owners can take part in both this week.

Speedy Green Car Wash in Manassas Park, located on the corner of Rt. 28 and Manassas Drive, is donating half of their full-service car detailing proceeds for appointments made Thursday and Friday. All donations will go directly to the Matthew's Center, a Manassas-based non-profit organization dedicated to helping children with autism and their families.

Matthew's Center, located on Lomond Drive, was founded in 2000 by Mark and Laurie Heilman, parents of a child with autism. The Center is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education as a private special education day school, assisting children starting from age 3 and their families from 11 counties in the region.

"We're very grateful," said Kerie Brooks, director of development for the Matthew's Center. "We're excited that they're doing this."

Brooks also said that parents of children enrolled at the Center might use the Speedy Green detailing service as part of their spring cleaning. Information about the donation program was sent on a staff distribution list and is also listed on the Center's Facebook page.

Upon admission to the Matthew's Center program, each child receives a formalized assessment to determine their strengths, needs and preferences. This assessment is the basis for developing the child's Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Service Plan (ISP).

Even teens, ages 14 through 21, can take part in a program dedicated to vocational training and transition at the center. 

"Early diagnosis and intervention is the key," Brooks said.

The Center has undergone a transition recently, with Laurie Heilman retiring from her role as CEO of the organization in September.

"She will always play a role," Brooks said. "Her vision is why we are where we are."

To schedule an appointment at Speedy Green, call 703-257-0737. For more information visit www.speedygreencarwash.com.

For more information about Matthew's Center, visit www.matthewscenter.org or call 703-369-2976.