Local autism awareness group in search of a few good parents

GOSHEN — Parents Run AMOC (Autism Move-A-Thon of Orange County) is looking for volunteers to join in their efforts to increase autism awareness on the local level. The group, working through the Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc., has been together since 2004. The beginnings lay with a group of parents who wanted to raise awareness in the community and to help families dealing with autism, both financially and emotionally. Nearly four years later, the group has succeeded in doing just that. Their annual Move-A-Thon is bigger and better than ever, giving families a day to come together and celebrate our wonderful children. The event has raised tens of thousands of dollars for programs and training right here in Orange County, as well as for parents and individuals living with autism. Additional annual events have been added as well, giving families living with autism welcoming places to go, including a successful Bowl-a-thon; a candlelight ceremony; and a holiday breakfast. Other accomplishments include donations to Unlocking Autism and to Autism Research Institute; a two-day workshop, titled Managing Problem Behaviors; and co-sponsorhip of a conference with Temple Grandin/Eustacia Cutler/Carol Gray. Now, the group is inviting the public to be a part of their efforts. While time is a limited commodity for all, volunteers will not only be giving of their time, but will be getting much in return, in the form of friendship, understanding and knowledge from other parents. Parents Run AMOC meets monthly from January through August, then weekly in September to plan the Move-A-Thon. Beginning in October, the monthly meetings begin anew for the remainder of the year. Volunteers do not have to commit to all of the meetings. Join a committee, work from home or help with planning. All schedules can be accommodated. For information, call Lisa Currao at 469-7616, Carol Anthony at 695-1955, Maria Palladino at 469-8459 or Linda Smith Hancharick at 986-7866. Visit Parents Run AMOC on the Web at www.mhaorangeny.com/amoc.html.