Autism program benefits from VFW fundraising

Star - 8/14/2017

Aug. 13--The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4066 raised nearly $44,000 during its annual drive for the Social and Academic Instruction for Life program.

The group began raising money four years ago for the program that benefit's Cleveland County's autistic students and have raised nearly $100,000 during that time.

"I just want to thank God that we can do something for the children of Cleveland County," Post Commander Gene Ramsey said.

The funds are used throughout Cleveland County Schools to provide training and student support, including field trips, science kits, hands-on sensory objects, books, social-skills support materials and more.

"At the high school level we offer student scholarships for camps and college trips as well as professional development and training for teachers to keep improving the use of evidence-based practices," Shelby High School teacher Rachel Bye said.

This year's check was presented to Exceptional Children's Director Dr. Nellie Aspel and Superintendent Dr. Stephen Fisher, along with a variety of staff, parents and students on the front lawn of CCS Central Services. Attending teachers and students expressed their gratitude by presenting hand-crafted cards and paintings as well as a poem written and read by one of the students in the program.

"It feels so good to have community support behind what we do on a daily basis," Marion Elementary SAIL Teacher Becky Seide said.

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