AANE is delighted to announce that we plan to expand by joining forces with Asperger Syndrome & High Functioning Autism Association (AHA), subject to the approval of AHA members. For over 30 years, this non-profit organization with offices in Manhattan and Long Island has been an important resource and thought leader in the Asperger/autism community. We have known, collaborated with, and respected AHA for years and are thrilled to join forces with this smaller but highly regarded and like-minded organization. We anticipate that AHA will become part of AANE early in the new year.
AHA and AANE have compatible missions, values, and programs. Like AANE, AHA offers phone and email consultation, support groups, and conferences. (Read more at AHA’s website: ahany.org). This programming will continue under the AANE name after the combination of the two organizations is finalized. After carefully analyzing the market, we plan to gradually expand the services available in New York to fill gaps and provide vital services for those who currently lack them.
We want to assure you that AANE will continue to be here for you. All AANE services and programs currently offered in New England and on-line will remain in place, and we will continue to develop and implement additional programming in response to evolving community needs. Our mission — to work with individuals, families and professionals to help people with Asperger Syndrome and other autism profiles build meaningful, connected lives — will not change. We anticipate this broader platform and increased visibility in the New York community will strengthen AANE by enabling us to grow and innovate.
We are busy planning and strategizing about how to make the most of this opportunity to expand AANE’s footprint and provide essential services in New York. We look forward to building partnerships and collaborating with individuals, organizations, and agencies that share our values. If you have suggestions or can make introductions that might be beneficial, please contact Carla Brigham, who has been hired to help facilitate this transition, at carla.brigham@aane.org or 617-393-3824, extension 36. If you have ideas around individuals, foundations, or companies in the New York area who may be interested in financially supporting this effort, please contact AANE’s Director of Development Erica Remi at erica.remi@aane.org or 617-393-3824, extension 47.
We’ll keep the entire AANE community updated throughout this time of growth and anticipate having more news to share early in the new year. In the meantime, we hope you and yours have a happy holiday season.