Walmart Foundation Awards $50,000 to Support Adults with Autism
Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) July 17, 2014 -- The Walmart Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Autism Society of North Carolina to expand its employment support program.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to one out of every 68 children born today has some form of autism, and the incidence is one in 58 in North Carolina. As individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) finish high school and move into adulthood, they are often for the first time without resources or guidance to navigate the next chapter of independent living and employment options. It has been estimated that about 80 percent of adults with ASD are unemployed or underemployed.
The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC), the leading statewide resource organization in North Carolina serving people across the autism spectrum throughout their lifespans, helps individuals with autism find, keep, and thrive in jobs. Employment supports coordinators work with adults with autism as they explore their interests and skills. They train individuals in interviewing, creating a resume, and networking. Once in a job, adults with autism can receive support in learning the skills required and how to interact with co-workers and supervisors. ASNC believes meaningful employment is a key part of a fulfilling life.
The Walmart Foundation’s $50,000 grant will help fund the employment support program in the following counties: Alamance, Chatham, Cumberland, Davidson, Durham, Forsyth, Guilford, Orange, Randolph, and Wake. The program will serve 85 adults with autism and will include work-readiness evaluations, JobTIPS training, job search, on-the-job training, ongoing job supports, and monthly support group meetings.
“The Walmart Foundation is delighted to support the Autism Society of North Carolina and to help expand their employment support program,” said Brooke Mueller, Director Public Affairs and Government Relations. “This program is important because it allows the ASNC to help individuals with autism find and maintain employment in the community.”
Background:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. Recent studies estimate that up to 1 of every 58 children born in North Carolina will be affected by ASD.
• For more than 44 years, the Autism Society of North Carolina has worked to address areas of need and expand services for the autism community in North Carolina. ASNC works to directly improve the lives of individuals affected by autism, by providing advocacy, education, and services. Additional information is available by calling 1-800-442-2762 or by visiting http://www.autismsociety-nc.org.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating, Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have donated more than 1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit http://www.foundation.walmart.com.
David Laxton, Autism Society of North Carolina, http://www.autismsociety-nc.org, 919-865-5063, [email protected]
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