May 20, 2016

In This Issue

Graduation Spotlight

Luncheon Success

Unique Donation

Graduation

Graduation will be held at Avondale House on Wed. May 25 at 10:00 am.

Important Dates

The last day of the 2015-2016 school year is Wed. May 25. Our main facility will be closed on Mon. May 30 for Memorial Day. The first day of the extended school year is Tue. May 31.

Water Safety

Autism Speaks offers some water safety tips and tools as summer approaches.

Click here to learn more.

Box Tops for Education

Don't forget that over the summer, even through it's not the traditional school year, we still collect box tops.

Then and Now: Graduating Students


Patrick in 2014.

We are proud to announce the graduation of two Avondale House day school students, Patrick and Tommy. As part of our fortieth anniversary "Then and Now" series we reached out to the parents and teachers of these students to ask how their children have grown and what their future holds.

Patrick began attending our day school when he was in middle school and will be completing his eighth year here when he graduates. Carmen, Patrick's mom, explained that the biggest impact Avondale House had for Patrick and their family is that he learned to like school again. "For me, the most important thing is for Patrick to be happy and that's what I have seen at Avondale," she said. "My biggest concern is Patrick's happiness. I want him to like learning and to like school. Before coming [to Avondale], Patrick complained about going to school. Now he is happy to go."


	Tommy in 2010.

Tommy has been at Avondale for the past 15 years. When he first began attending our school, Tommy had very little language and now he actually reads books to the younger students. He has learned to help his mother, Susan, around the house with simple chores and even prepares meals for himself. She speaks fondly of Tommy's time at our day school, "Avondale was by our side throughout all the tough years, and believe me, they were very difficult."


Tommy this year.

She continues, "He has become a very independent young man. We have hundreds of good memories from his years attending the day school but I would have to say that my very favorite memory is from many years ago. He had very little speech at the time but one day after school he said, 'I love you' while looking me straight in the eye. I just melted! I had waited so many years to hear those words."

After graduation Patrick and Tommy will attend Avondale House's day program for adults. This program is for those over 22 who have aged out of the public school system. Program Director Patti Kelly

states, "we are happy to have them. They will continue to work on daily living skills such as grocery shopping and cooking. They will also continue to develop their vocational skills by working in their assigned training areas and volunteering at local churches, Interfaith Ministries and the Houston Food Bank."


	Patrick this year.

JoAnn, an Avondale House teaching assistant shared fond memories of working with Patrick and Tommy through the years. JoAnn said, "they are two very sweet young men, just a joy to be around." Chris Jordan, the classroom teacher jumped in, "really sweet boys, a pleasure to have in my class." JoAnn went on, "Tommy is a great worker. At the job sites we visit like Fiesta, he follows directions perfectly and works very hard." Cynthia, who has also worked with Patrick and Tommy shared this memory: "I've worked with Patrick on learning to fill out job applications. I'm very excited to see how he continues to learn and grow in our program upstairs."

Reasons to Celebrate: Then and Now 40 Years Luncheon


Proud luncheon sponsors and Avondale House parents.

The Junior League of Houston's ballroom was crowded with almost 250 people on April 11 for Avondale House's annual fundraising luncheon helping the agency raise over $63,000. It was a tremendous event celebrating the history and growth of Avondale House and its exciting future.

Our success can certainly be attributed to the captivating presentations of Carole Keeney Harrington, Alma Wofford, Barbara Boyett and Greg Hill.


	Carole Keeney Harrington tells about the "early years."

It was incredible to listen to these speakers describe what it was like 40 years ago when no services for children with autism existed in Houston, not even public school programs; the purchase of Pierre Schlumberger's mansion on Avondale Street; the movement of the day school to Central Presbyterian Church and our 20 plus years tenancy; the hiring of Barbara Boyett; the growth of our residential program; the successful $4 million Small Miracles capital campaign and construction of our present facility; and plans for expansion with the purchase of additional land adjacent to our current location.

We thank all who attended, sponsored or contributed to this year's event.

Luncheon guests show off their blue wristbands for autism awareness.

Click here to see more photos from the 2016 Challenging Autism Luncheon.

Unique Donation by Local Couple

Do you remember your favorite blanket or quilt from childhood? Each of Avondale House's three group homes and a couple of the day school's classrooms filled with younger students received a brand new quilt thanks to the generosity of a local retired couple.


Stephen and Lila

Lila and Stephen Shain once gave one of their handmade treasures to a young family friend they considered as a grandson who is on the autism spectrum. They noticed what a comfort the quilt was to their young friend and how he has even kept it now as an adult. This memory moved the Shains to donate their quilts to the clients of Avondale House, and we are very grateful they did.

The quilts are used by the day school students during circle times and are shared by the students while reading, playing or relaxing during free-time. At the group homes they adorn the family room couches so clients can snuggle with them while relaxing at home. Thank you to this wonderful couple for their beautiful quilts.