The Tribune

REACH has launched a penny drive in hopes of raising $50,000 for a therapy room and after-care programme at the organisation’s new location on Village Road.

A non-profit organisation promoting awareness of autism and providing resources to parents and their children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), REACH launched the 12-week campaign on April 2, internationally recognised as World Autism Day. It will continue through July 2. REACH has partnered with 52 organisations throughout New Providence, including retail stores, schools and banks who have agreed to place containers at their locations for the public to donate funds for these initiatives.

A functioning therapy room and on-staff therapist will provide children with ASD access to much needed speech and occupational therapy on a consistent basis, at no cost.

“When children are diagnosed, early intervention is essential to assist them in reaching their full potential,” said Kim Gibson, vice president of REACH and the mother of a son with ASD. “Unfortunately, there are few therapy options here and those that are available are out of the financial reach of many parents. It is our dream to make therapy available to all children diagnosed with autism in the Bahamas, regardless of their financial position, thus giving all children on the spectrum the same opportunity to success.”

Funds from the penny drive will also help to provide an after-care programme at the REACH Skills Centre. The programme will provide a much needed respite for parents caring for children with ASD and teach children with ASD key social and academic skills.

REACH has been active for 17 years and remains dedicated to creating programmes that help those with ASD improve their ability to communicate and function in today’s society. The non-profit is also working to change the way society perceives, interacts with and supports those with ASD.

For more information on REACH or to donate to the organisation, call 328-4123 or 698-7744.

REACH can be found on Facebook at R.E.A.C.H. or contacted via email at reachautismbahamas@yahoo.com.