INSPIRING AUTISM SPECTRUM FAMILIES IASF Senior Service Learning Project

PERSONAL HAYLEY JOST  I will graduate with a Core 40 diploma in May.  I am on the school dance team and have been for 3 years.  I was the dance team captain.  I played on the JV softball team my junior year.  I plan to attend USI this fall.  I plan to study business or something similar. Weebly Address: hjostreitz.weebly.com

PERSONAL RAMIE DOSSETT  I plan to graduate with a core 40 diploma.  Trig, gov/econ, English, business co-op, and ceramics  I am co-president of BPA (Business Professionals of America)  I was on the varsity swim team my freshman and sophomore year.  I also plan to attend USI in the fall.  I have been leaning towards studying early childhood education. Weebly Address: rdossettreitz.weebly.com

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Providing free events for families with a family member on the spectrum. Spreading awareness to schools, businesses, churches, etc. Helping people of all ages understand what autism is and how it affects families.

MENTOR INFORMATION HEATHER WILLIAMS Executive Director of IASF She was one of the first people to be asked. She joined because she has a daughter on the spectrum.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION WHAT DID WE DO? Attended meetings – gave ideas for the annual Walk for Autism Held an art contest at Reitz for the new tee shirt design for the Walk Volunteered at their nonprofit event – Family Fun Night Helped with office work and organizing their office Collected door prizes for the Walk

PROJECT DESCRIPTION CHALLENGES & SUCCESSES Challenges: Working out our schedule with out mentor and each other Successes: We were able to help a lot of families with children on the spectrum Gave a teenagers perspective –help to reach more age groups

PERSONAL GROWTH HAYLEY JOST The reason I chose this is because I have an autistic brother. This experience showed me how many other families there are like mine. I really loved being with all the kids and adults at the family fun nights. I met so many great people. I plan to keep in touch with heather and keep volunteering. I am also planning on going to the Walk for Autism. This really made me a better person and helped me understand there are people to help children and adults like my brother.

PERSONAL GROWTH RAMIE DOSSETT The reason I chose to volunteer with IASF is that I have always enjoyed working with children. Hayley and I have been friends for a very long time, so I know her brother well. Which helps me to understand some of the struggles and joys of having a family member on the spectrum. It allowed me to meet some amazing people. Even though The Walk is after projects are due, and the same day as prom, I plan to attend this event.