About Us
Our main focus is to create social opportunities out in the community so we learn how to "Be A Friend and Make A Friend" The funds we raise directly impact the individuals and their families. We are a volunteer-run organization, who are grass-roots, and do not use our funds towards salaries, overhead, or building upkeep. We completely RELY upon the generous donations of people like YOU.
Our Story:
We are parents and community members who assist fellow families with this lifelong diagnosis that has no cure. In these past 30 years since we began, we often hear parents make a profound statement, "I hope I live one day longer than my child.” This leads to the question, “Who will care for my child when I’m gone?” When we first formed, 30 years ago, the prevalence rate was 1-in-2,500; now it is 1-in-36!
As parents and community members, we cannot do this alone, we need to work collaboratively to continue with the mission and vision of parents who started in 1995 in the Southern Tier.
Below, you will find some of the most dedicated individuals.
Our Board of Directors:
CEO/President:
Sally J Colletti
Vice President:
Laurie Newman
Treasurer:
Brenna Ball
Youth Coordinators:
Trina Beckwith
Gwen Ball
Board Members:
Maryann Horton
Jennifer Pessagno
Renee Cramer
Meghan Gorton
Terri Paradowski
Jason Ball
Sally is a Certified Special Needs Planner through The American College of Financial Services. She is also the Founder of Advocates For Autism. She is seen here with Tyra Banks discussing Autism with Top Model, Heather Kuzmich, season 5 finalist. Heather identified as having Asperger's. Sally appeared on the Tyra Show 4/23/08 and was recognized for her many years as a volunteer helping those with autism. Chevy and The Tyra Show surprised Sally with a Malibu of her own. It's not unlike Sally to continue to take calls at any time of the day or night to answer those questions of parents who have nowhere else to turn. Sally will always recall that day that she received the diagnosis for son. Since that time, Sally has overcome cancer and many other adversities in her life while she and her husband raise their adult son, who continues to gain independence each day.