HomeMy WebLinkAbout17-052RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF APRIL 2017 AS
"NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH" IN ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, has made the
following determinations:
1. April is National Autism Awareness Month, during which the contributions of Americans with
Autism Spectrum Disorder are recognized and citizens are encouraged to ensure equal opportunity in the
workforce and the community for these residents. One in 68 young people are born with Autism
Spectrum Disorder each year, with the highest number in the male community, and with an increase of
30% during the last two years, bringing more and more young people and their families seeking
counseling, education, social skills and more.
2. Helping People Succeed, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is coordinating a series of programs
and services for students and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder, providing guidance and
counseling for elementary, middle and high school students and assisting their parents in counseling,
education and support skills to broaden their life experiences. Helping People Succeed began its Autism
Spectrum after-school programs more than four years ago, offering expanded social skills, education, art
programs and more for varied students, and is now emphasizing a new transition program that would
bring these students into the adult world through college, employment and other criteria. In addition,
Helping People Succeed is forming an Autism Program Council consisting of community leaders reviewing
the needs of these students for their future, plus offering guidance for their parents and counselors in
special training.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County,
Florida:
1. Helping People Succeed, its board members, staff members and participants bring the significance
of National Autism Awareness Month to area residents in an effort to demonstrate the value of working
with these families and children to expand their lifestyles, including a transition service from school to
adult life that would develop independent living, employment and social skills.
2. This Board proclaims the month of April 2017 as "NATIONAL AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH" in
St. Lucie County, Florida commending Helping People Succeed for its significant work with autism
spectrum disorder to benefit children and young adults in expanding their lifestyles and accommodating
a variety of tasks in social training, education, employment, advocacy and independent living.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 4" day of April 2017.
ATTEST:
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
ST. LUCIE C ID
BY:
Cha' man
APP
COF
BY: