The Friendship Club Autism Social 

Takes place almost every month at St. Anastasia Activity Center in Troy.   

It's an opportunity for teens and young adults within the autism spectrum, including individuals with Autism, Asperger Syndrome and pervasive development disorders, to get together and have fun! 

For additional information, see

October 18, 2014 

Saturday, 7-11.p.m. HALLOWEEN PARTY  

November 15, 2014 

Saturday, 7-11 p.m.

After Hours, offered through OUCARES and funded by ASA/OCC, is a support group for those 18 years and older with Asperger's, HFA or PDD/NOS. Come join us for pizza, conversation, cards, billiards, and fun!

There is no cost to attend the social, however donations are welcome and appreciated.

Meets one Tuesday a month 

6-9 p.m.:

September 16, 2014

October 14, 2014

November 11, 2014

Location:  Lower Level of the Oakland Center (OU Campus) Lounge next to Bumpers Game Room

OUCARES FREE Evening Enrichment Events coming up:

• September 18: "Helping Your Child with ASD Feel Safe, Accepted & Competent" Presented by Bill Nason
• October 9: Apps to Assist People with ASD with Apple Computer representatives
• November 13: "Sexuality and ASD" Presented by Dr. Jan Graetz

Please go to their website for additional information

Housing Opportunities at Community Housing Network's Unity Park Rentals 

Unity Park home

Community Housing Network's Unity Park Rentals consists of 32 single family homes located in Pontiac. The development includes four two-bedroom homes, sixteen three-bedrooms, and twelve four-bedroom homes ranging in rent from $650 to $820/month. The homes are available for families of mixed income levels earning from between 30% - 60% Area Median Income (AMI). The homes will remain rental units for 15 years. At the end of the 15-year period, the residing tenants will have the option to purchase the property. 

The homes are concentrated in a neighborhood already benefiting from 12 new family homes built by CHN in partnership with Oakland Livingston Human Services Agency.  The Unity Park Rentals development is just south of downtown Pontiac bordered on the north by Auburn Avenue, on the south by Osmun Street, on the east by Sanford Street, and on the west by Oriley Street, Perkins Street, and Paddock Street.

Unity Park is beginning to sign leases and move people in:

1. To apply or learn more about leasing, contact Piper Management Group External at 810-767-4890 or visit www.unityparkrentals.com
2. For tenancy in the special needs units or other housing resources, contact Community Housing Network's Housing Resource Center at 866-282-3119.

Due to funding changes in the Community Mental Health system, we are downsizing to one Getting My Own Address support group that will be based at the Troy office of Community Housing Network. Our housing support group will meet from September through June for those wanting to learn more about long-term housing planning for individuals with disabilities.

The topic covered each month is based on the needs and requests of the group participants. Informative speakers discuss funding, supports, estate planning, legal issues, roommates and more. Participants may ask questions, collaborate on creative solutions to challenges, meet other individuals and families, share resources, find potential roommates and offer mutual support.

All persons with disabilities, family members and supporting professionals are welcome to attend support group meetings. Reservations are not necessary.

Our topic and speaker for September 16 is "Ask the direct care provider: Tom Quakenbush, CEO, Community Homes, Inc."  Tom will share information and answer your questions about the provision of direct care to adults with disabilities in a home of their own.

Tom will tailor his presentation to the audience, but topics may include training, methodology, budgets, self-determination, community involvement and anything else of concern or interest to the group.

If you have any questions, or need further information, please contact Linda Ronan Brown, Housing Resource consultant, at 248-269-1346 or email at

The Autism Alliance of Michigan and Detroit Labs are partnering to launch MiAutism, a website that will allow families to review and research autism-friendly businesses in the state.

You can submit reviews for businesses in three categories: restaurants, hair salons, and places of recreation.

Submit reviews at www.miautism.com and they will be checked for quality, then approved for the site launching in 2014.

This will be such a great tool for families as more and more reviews are submitted, but they need your participation to get it off the ground!