February 2013
Issue 20
Firefly_Header_NEW   
Can't to Can - Kiddo Accomplishments
  • Imagine our excitement at being able to watch one of our kiddos enjoy the snow - previously they disliked even walking in the snow but as of late have been making the most of our cold Colorado weather by not only walking in the snow but laughing and throwing snow balls as well.
  • We love that one of our school-age kiddos now points to an object when he wants to share enjoyment in it with his friends.
  • One of our kiddos now enjoys riding bikes after a generous donation of a razor tricycle was made to his program.
  • A kiddo with limited verbal abilities is now using up to four word phrases to communicate.
  • Talk about vocational skills, one of our kiddos is now successfully sorting and stocking silverware after only a couple of weeks.

Intensive Social Skills Spring Break Camp: March 25 - 29

 

Firefly's Social Skills Spring Break Camp is just four weeks away, March 25-29, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Structured similarly to a school day; we strive to provide a naturalistic setting for a high rate of social learning opportunities. These opportunities are embedded within "typical" activities in a camp setting including music, arts, crafts, team projects, outdoor games and more. A large range of goals are covered daily including body language, play, conversation, perspective-taking and theory of mind skills. We are dedicated to helping campers have fun while gaining confidence in their abilities to interact with peers and make friends both during and outside of the camp. Click here to learn more or contact Emily Roche (eroche@fireflyautism.org) or Jenny Blankenship (jblankenship@fireflyautism.org) at 303-759-1192 ext. 12. 


Laugh Yourself Blue - April 18

 

April 18 is coming quickly and we'd love for you to join us for an evening of laughter and award-winning food while helping us change can't to can for some of the 1 in 88 children with autism. With a hilarious evening planned, enjoy the comedic genius of Phil Parisoul and Michael McCreary. Held at the iconic Mile High Station (2027 West Lower Colfax Avenue) Eric Goodman will emcee the evening. Enjoy cocktails and a silent auction at 6 p.m. Dinner will be at 7 p.m. with the show starting at 7:45 p.m. (to be done by 9 p.m.).

Visit www.fireflyautism.org/lyb2013 for additional information or click here to purchase tickets. If you have questions, contact Lisa Lujan at llujan@fireflyautism.org or 303-759-1192 ext. 18.

Join Firefly for the Colfax Marathon, May 18 &19

 

Firefly is excited to announce we are a Charity Partner for the Colfax Marathon, May 18 and 19. Enjoy a family friendly event complete with a Jim 'N Nick's Bar-B-Q After Party, Kaiser Permanente Health and Fitness Expo, and Charity Partner Village. You can also sign the whole family up for the 5K where you can all walk, jog or run at your own pace. There are three easy ways to participate:

  1. Run for Firefly by signing up for one of the Colfax races. When you register just choose Firefly Autism from the existing list of Charity Partners.
  2. Donate by choosing Firefly Autism from the list of Charity Partners and click the "donate" button - OR visit www.givingfirst.org/fireflyautism.
  3. Volunteer! Go to the Colfax Marathon website and sign up as an official race volunteer. Then, just choose Firefly Autism from the drop down list.

Questions? Contact Emily Roche at eroch@fireflyautism.org or 303-759-1192 ext. 12. 


 

Thank you to Rita Coltrane and Signature Interiors, for sponsoring Firefly Autism to receive email marketing from Constant Contact, through their Cares4Kids program.  


Rita recognizes the relevance of this program to Firefly
Autism and initiated sponsorship to enable the ongoing
delivery of Sparks to our friends and families.
"I Can" Quick Picks - Issue Highlights
Can't to Can - Kiddo Accomplishments
Social Skill Spring Break Camp, March 25-29
Laugh Yourself Blue - April 18
Firefly & the Colfax Marathon, May 18 & 19
Tips from Teachers
Play A Million for What Matters
Click for a Cause - IKEA & Firefly Autism

Tips from Teachers

This month, Firefly was lucky to have Dr. Peter Doehring tour our facility and provide a staff training on evidence practice and autism treatment.  Dr. Doehring has over 20 years of experience working with children with ASD as an educator, clinician, author, and advocate; he is also the father of a child with developmental disabilities. His website www.asdroadmap.org helps families improve and expand services for their children.

Play A Million for What Matters and You Could Win a 2013 Black Ford Mustang

MaryLouiseLeeBand For the second year in a row Firefly Autism is offering tickets for Concerts for Kids A Million for What Matters, a game of skill. Tickets are $10 a piece and will be sold through April 30 - all proceeds go directly to Firefly Autism. To play the game, after purchasing a ticket, each contestant will answer the question "What is the weight of the Mary Louise Lee Band, including instruments pictured?" A guess is your submission into the contest. Guesses must be to one hundredth of a pound (i.e. 324.12 pounds).The winner of the contest will receive a 2013 Black Ford Mustang, donated by Sill-TerHar Motors, Inc. and will be announced at Concerts for Kids annual fundraiser, Denver Day of Rock on May 25, 2013. With questions or to purchase a ticket, contact us at 303-759-1192 or info@fireflyautism.org.

IKEA & Firefly Autism - Click for a Cause

Have you clicked for a cause yet? IKEA is planning to donate $10,000 worth of product to help a charitable project in our local community. You can help them decide how to spend it by choosing Firefly Autism. It's easy, just click here, choose the Centennial store and vote for Firefly Autism. Vote daily until March 11 to improve Firefly's chances of winning. For more information about this project call 303-759-1192 or email info@fireflyautism.org.