GCOS has formed local partnerships in Montgomery Township and central New Jersey in order to carry out its mission to foster an inclusive community that supports the growth of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. When entering into these partnerships, GCOS first assesses whether there is a compatible organizational fit and, if so, seeks to support an existing activity or fill a new niche.
Montgomery Township School District & SEPTA
During the 2008-09 school year, GCOS representatives regularly attended meetings of the Special Education PTA of the Montgomery Township School District. When we learned of a planned Transition Night, set for the spring of 2009, but which had virtually no funding, GCOS donated $500 to SEPTA to help make the event bigger and reach more parents than in previous years.
Montgomery Township & Allies, Inc.
GCOS is named as the special needs housing coordinator for Skillman Village in Montgomery Township's Affordable Housing Plan. With the turn in the economy and redevelopment at Skillman Village on hold, the Township contacted GCOS about a non-profit housing, training and special services provider - Allies, Inc. - who was interested in possible housing development opportunities in the Township. Allies manages supportive housing all over the state and has the resources to renovate an existing, empty farmhouse at Skillman Village. As part of Allies due diligence process, the farmhouse - which will provide 6 individuals with a new home in Montgomery - needed a crucial mold inspection, which GCOS funded. GCOS will continue to work with Montgomery Township and learn from Allies on this project, while seeking out additional housing opportunities.
Rider University's Saturday College Pilot Program
When Paulette DiNardo, a teacher in Rider University's Graduate School of Education, talked to GCOS about her dream of teaching young adults with special needs the problem-solving, self-advocacy and conflict resolution skills that would help them succeed in their jobs, friendships and family life, while also experiencing a college campus, we knew we'd found a program that meshed seamlessly with our mission. GCOS teamed up with Rider University, and the Saturday College Pilot Program launched in Spring of 2009 for 13 students, with GCOS funding a $500 scholarship for each student and $500 for materials.
At the conclusion of the 10-week program, Rider will analyze the program's results and assess if/how the program can be improved and expanded.
Autism New Jersey (formerly COSAC)
GCOS is a member of Autism New Jersey, the states autism resource since 1965. We have also provided $2,500 to fund scholarships for teens and adults with autism and their family members whose financial situation might otherwise prevent them from attending Autism New Jersey's October 2009 conference.
Through the efforts of Dr. Cyndy Hayes, GCOS is an honorary chair of Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism, a national consortium of leading autism advocacy organizations that seeks to transform public policy and programming for this underserved population. AFAA is chaired by Autism Speaks and the New York Center for Autism; partner organizations include the Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, Alpine Learning Group, Easter Seals and others.
In advance of a National Town Hall Meeting, AFAA held an Expert Panel/Think Tank in January 2009 to identify existing, effective programs, resources that will be needed beyond governmental sources, and state-specific challenges to service provision.
GCOS is a platinum sponsor of the National Town Hall Meeting that is set to take place on November 13, 2009 in at least 15 cities across the United States. Over 1,000 caregivers, advocates, elected officials, family members and adults with autism will join the discussion to make recommendations and build momentum for a national policy agenda for lifelong living and learning.
