Pathways for Inclusion to offer services, support for families

“If we don’t do it, who will?” asked Amanda DeLuca.

DeLuca, owner of Amanda’s Dance Academy and mother of Jackson DeLuca, who has autism, is helping launch Pathways for Inclusion: Family Resource Center, a nonprofit aimed at connecting families with resources and guidance.

An open house is planned in the near future. Board members include Sal DeLuca, Taya Rocchi, Terry Capers, Rena Riesen and Joyce Barr-Peters.

One program, All Together Now, is designed to encourage community engagement through activities hosted by local businesses and community partners. B’s Bouquet and Gifts recently hosted an event where participants made a chocolate bar and bouquet for someone important to them. DeLuca said the group is looking forward to a May event at Peace Flower Pottery and is open to other ideas such as cooking or movie nights. Recent events have included participants ranging in age from 3 to 68.

DeLuca said the center is intended to provide support for individuals and families in rural communities, helping them connect with appropriate services and navigate needs that may arise.

DeLuca said her family had to travel to multiple locations to access services for Jackson, and delays in care were also a concern. She hopes the center will help make access easier for others.

Services the organization plans to connect families with include speech-language services (including feeding therapy and AAC device evaluations); occupational therapy; behavior therapy services (including early intensive behavior intervention, parent training and behavior consultations); autism diagnostic evaluations (including assessments for ADHD, anxiety and dyslexia); and educational tutoring and learning-difference support.

More information is available at www.pathwaysforinclusion.org.

A Family Resource and Navigation Fair will be held from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 19 at Wallace Lodge at Sally Buffalo Park, 100 College Way Cadiz. Organizers said information about the center, upcoming events and ways to get involved will be available. Upcoming plans include a golf outing in May at Cadiz Country Club.