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Press Release

For Immediate Release

2014/06/16

Donors provide scholarships to Heartspring campers

WICHITA, Kan. — With the help of individual- and donor-funded scholarships, 14 local children impacted by autism had the opportunity to attend the Heartspring CARE (Community of Autism Resources and Education) Program’s Camp SSTAR (Social Skills Technology Art Recreation).

The weeklong summer day camp, for individuals with high-functioning autism, took place from June 9 through June 13. The goal of Camp SSTAR is to deliver the same kind of experience as other camps while also targeting social skills, self-regulation skills, and organizational skills.

Donor organizations included the United Way of the Plains, among others. These donors also funded scholarships for nine additional campers who are ready to apply the skills they’ve learned from previous experiences at Camp SSTAR to a new, inclusive setting at the Wichita YMCA’s Camp Hyde in July.

“We cannot thank these donors enough for their generosity. They are allowing these individuals to participate in an environment unlike any other,” Director of CARE and Autism Outreach, Connie Erbert, said. “Our campers are provided with individualized supports specific to their needs and in turn, are able to cultivate meaningful friendships and learn imperative skills they can utilize at home, at school and in the community.”

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently estimated that one in every 68 children is diagnosed with autism, making it the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States.

The Heartspring CARE Program works to meet the unique needs of families by providing resources and services within a community of collaboration centered on autism spectrum disorders. For more information, please contact Connie Erbert at cerbert@heartspring.org.