MASSACHUSETTS CHAPTER MEETING

“From Fear to Overcoming the Odds” A practical approach to mapping out your family’s plan of action over autism.

Saturday, March 15, 2014

• 1:00 PM
• Norwood Public Library
  33 Walpole Street
  Norwood, MA

When a family hears the words “Your child has autism” their entire perspective of their family life is forever changed. The diagnosis brings with it uncertainty, anxiety and a stress associated with the fear of not knowing what to do to help their child. This presentation will break down the process into small, doable steps that families can complete to give them a plan that motivates them past fear and into progress toward overcoming autism. The presentation takes into account the needs of all family members, and includes considerations of physical needs of the child with autism, education, financial constraints, insurance availability, siblings, marriage issues and care for the caregiver.

The plan of action is a customized plan for those who are new to the diagnosis all the way to those who are veterans with older children.

The speaker will be Mary Romaniec, a long time advocate and mentor to families dealing with the impact of autism. In addition to mentoring hundreds of families around the U.S. and the world, her articles about autism have appeared in Mothering Magazine, Autism/Asperger Digest, Autism Today and Journeys Magazine. The articles are also listed on autism related websites. She has appeared on radio and TV programs to discuss the idea of recovery in autism and special needs issues in general. She is the coordinator for TACA Massachusetts.

The meeting is free, but an RSVP is requested: Mary.Romaniec@tacanow.org

Coffee Chat - West Roxbury, MA

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

• 6:30 PM
• West on Centre Restaurant
  1732 Centre Street West
  Roxbury, MA
• Driving Directions

Come join us for appetizers and conversation at this new Coffee Talk location. We welcome Kim Walsh Yee as our new Coffee Talk coordinator in the area.

Please RSVP to Mary.Romaniec@tacanow.org

Coffee Chat - Westboro, MA

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

• 9:30 AM
• Panera Bread
  600 Union Street Westboro, MA
• Driving Directions

The theme for this coffee talk discussion will be “Ask the Advocate” where we will be discussing all things IEP, so bring your questions, concerns and even success stories as we get ready for IEP “season.”

Please RSVP to Mary.Romaniec@tacanow.org

Coffee Talk - Millbury, MA

Thursday, March 20, 2014

• 6:30 PM
• Feng’s Asian Bistro
  70 Worcester-Providence Turnpike
  Millbury Shoppes
  Millbury, MA
• Driving Directions

Come join us for casual conversation on issues related to our children and families. Coffee Talk coordinator is Shelly Bergeron.

Please RSVP to Mary.Romaniec@tacanow.org or brianshelly@charter.net

IT’S COMING!
Our BIGGEST fundraising campaign of the year starts Tuesday, April 1, 2014 and we need YOU!

Show your love for the programs and services TACA provides by helping us reach our fundraising goal! 95% of TACA services are provided at little or no cost and more families than ever need support and treatment!

How can YOU help? Share your family’s story by creating your own fundraising page on TACA’s website. Personalize your page and send the link to your family and friends asking for donations in honor of your family or child! Creating your page is a fast and easy way to fundraise! You can also join one of our Chapter Teams or donate directly to the campaign! Click here to learn more.

Whether your family raises $5, $50, $500 or more, TACA appreciates your support! Sign up now! The campaign runs April 1 – June 30, 2014!

TACA Real Help Now Conference - Pennsylvania

April 26, 2014

An all day conference of Medical and Parent Experts helping families affected with autism. Get the details and register here: www.realhelpnowconference.org/east/register/

April 25th - Friday Night Conference Bonus in Philadelphia
Meet up with TACA the evening before the Real Help Now conference. TACA will be hosting a panel of professionals for parents to learn the latest and greatest in the field of autism.

Be a Part of TACA!
Give Back to Your Community!
Become a TACA Parent Mentor!

Are you a parent or primary care giver of a child (or adult) with autism? Do you have at least 2 years of experience implementing biomed? Do you know about your local resources? Would you like to give back to your community and become a volunteer TACA Parent Mentor?

We would love to hear from you. If you meet these requirements and you are interested in volunteering, sign up on our website here:
www.tacanow.org/about-taca/parent-mentor-program/

Thank you!
Moira Giammatteo
Program Manager Scholarships, Mentors
and Parent Support

Join TACA of Massachusetts on Facebook!

TACA of Massachusetts is on Facebook! Connect with your old and new TACA friends alike, online!

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How TACA Helps Massachusetts Families

TACA does not charge admission to the meetings, nor does it assess annual membership fees for families it supports. Meetings feature:

• Free TACA Autism Journey Guides (over 750 pages of collective knowledge gathered from experienced paraprofessionals and parents) are offered to all parents who are attending their first Chapter meeting.
• Speakers on topics ranging from traditional therapies, integrated medical treatments, education, and legal support.
• TACA's Parent Mentors - one-on-one access to experienced families who have successfully navigated the challenges of finding appropriate treatments and educational opportunities for their children, and who receive additional education from TACA's National Office.