Read More

Kaleidoscope Support Groups
Parent/Caregiver Support Groups
Tuesday, May 24, 2016 6:30-8:30pm
940 E. Haverford Road, Suite 102
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Please join Erin Malcolmson, MSW, our PA State Director, to discuss the
exciting changes on the horizon for the PA Adult Autism Waiver, P/FDS and
Consolidated Waivers. Erin will be speaking about the upcoming changes and
how these changes affect the services KFS offers. In addition, Erin will compare
the current services KFS provides, the new services KFS will offer, and the plans
KFS is taking to ensure all individuals receiving services are kept up to date and
informed about anything that may affect them.
Peer Support Groups in Bryn Mawr
Every Tuesday in May!
940 E. Haverford Road, Lower Level, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
The group on 5/17 will be at Ashbridge Memorial Park
1301 W. Montgomery Avenue, Rosemont, PA 19010
(Rain Location at KFS)
Message from our Executive Director:
Welcome colorful month of May! For me, this
is the month of evaluation on both a personal
and professional level. Personally, I get to
access my physical surroundings, such as the
garden, my home and relationships that I’d like
to foster. With business, mainly KFS, I plan to
inspire our team to appraise their work
situations and make healthy changes that will be
a win/win for all involved. I know I state this
often; however, it warrants repeating that KFS
is only as good as its people. To continue,
happy and motivated staff members will better
serve you. May’s Vision Statement of
“Instilling Positive Values” greatly mirrors this
message. Take the time to evaluate what in your
life feels like the authentic you – matches your
values, and embark on the journey of growth.
With the warmest regards,
Dr. Tara Macatee
Social Skills – Calming Yourself When Angry
Identifying Feelings –
Disney’s Inside Out Theme continues
5/17
12:30-2:00pm Social Skills –Fostering Teamwork
Group Games at Ashbridge Memorial Park – Picnic Lunch Served!
5/24
12:30-2:00pm
Career Readiness I – Self Awareness
5/24
6:30-8:30pm
Managing Relationships
5/31
12:30-2:00pm
Independent Living – Creating a Budget
Bring your bagged lunch and a snack to share to the daytime groups.
5/3
5/10
12:30-2:00pm
12:30-2:00pm
Peer Support Groups in Allentown
5 /10
5/17
5/24
2200 Hamilton St., Suite 102, Allentown, PA 18104
Facilitated by Behavioral Specialist, Jena Gant, M.Ed.
5:00-6:30pm Managing Relationships Series
5:00-6:30pm Managing Relationships Series
5:00-6:30pm Managing Relationships Series
Thank you to everyone
that came out to the
ArtsQuest Center at
SteelStacks for the
Autism Speaks Walk!
Bryn Mawr: RSVP to Pam Frebowitz pfrebowitz@kfamilysolutions.org
Allentown: RSVP to Amanda Sanabria asanabria@kfamilysolutions.org
Creating a Colorful Difference
Issue#5
Page |1
CONSUMER SPOTLIGHT
Autism Awareness Month
Every Tuesday we have a peer support group at the Bryn
Mawr office. Last week, we focused on teamwork by
looking at “What Friendships Mean to Us.” Using paint,
markers, buttons, candy, shapes, glue, and more
decorations to spark creativity, each participant created
an illustration that depicted friendship in their lives. At
the end, we cleared the middle, and collaboratively
brainstormed a plan to draw/paint/glue our final
thoughts. The beauty of working together was solidified
throughout the whole project, and especially during the
ending process. Why not join us next Tuesday … see
peer group schedule on the first page of this newsletter.
Being Diagnosed with Autism in Adulthood
Earlier this year, NPR’s Weekend Edition profiled three
families and their experiences after a child was
diagnosed with autism. Feedback from listeners was
encouraged. To the surprise of NPR, many families
shared their experiences about being diagnosed as adults.
As young adults, and even children, many had suspicions
about their behaviors and reactions to life. It was a great
sense of relief to finally find an answer to the questions.
We thought you might enjoy reading the written version
of the newscast.
http://www.npr.org/sections/healthshots/2016/03/27/471600733/when-an-autism-diagnosiscomes-in-adulthood
We are thrilled to introduce Patti from King of Prussia, PA. Patti is 25
years old and lives with her parents, who are both actively involved in
supporting families and individuals with autism. Because of that, Patti
also significantly helps out with the cause. You may have seen her
directing vendors at the Autism Awareness ZOO event last Saturday,
or received some of the many puzzle ribbons she put together, and thus
shipped out to hundreds of schools, companies and institutions for the
Autism Society Puzzle Ribbon Campaign.
Patti has a wide array of
interests that keep her busy
throughout the week. One
example is her current
campaign to bring back the
video movie business,
specifically Blockbuster Video.
Patti has gathered a list of
thousands of movies with
promotional items assigned,
such as foam cup holders, hats,
T-Shirts, mugs, pens, and more. On the subject of employment, Patti
shared with us that she loves her job at Steve’s Sewing and Vacuum.
During her three days at work, Patti takes inventory, stocks
merchandise (the colorful threads are her favorites), unpacks
shipments and helps with displays, just to name a few. Summer is a
fun for time for Patti and her family as they anticipate an Ocean City,
NJ shore trip, swimming at the local pool and lots of gardening.
A sincere heartfelt thank you to Pete who has been joining many of
our peer support groups as a peer mentor. Pete always adds color
and spunk to our groups with his great sense of humor and unique
insights. As we begin to flourish and grow as a group, we are
watching Pete blossom as a leader and team member.
Western PA Social Group at the
theater to see “Grease” (pictured
left) and at the Lake Erie 15th
Annual Walk for Autism.
Creating a Colorful Difference
Love seeing the Lehigh Valley Social
Group as game show contestants at
Leonard’s Laboratories!
Issue#5
Page |2
Lehigh Valley Area
Tunes At Twilight Concerts Begin May 5th
Pittsburgh Area
Café Scientifique
Monday, May 2, 2016 - 7:00-9:00PM;Doors open at 6PM
Venue: Carnegie Science Center
Admission Info: Free Event
Interested in science? Want to learn more about the latest
technology breakthroughs in normal English, minus the
jargon? Then Café Scientifique Pittsburgh at Carnegie
Science Center is the place to be! Café Sci is THE place in
Pittsburgh where anyone interested in science can get
together at a scientific hub to discuss today's science issues
with experts, and best of all... you can ask your own
questions! After a brief talk by our monthly guest speaker,
the evening is dedicated to a question-and-answer session.
Plus, enjoy our pub-type atmosphere with food and drinks
available for purchase.
http://www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/programs/adultprograms-cafe-sci/
Tunes at Twilight is a FREE concert series
open to the public every Thursday from
6-8pm, May 5th – July 21st at the Sun Inn
Courtyard in Historic Bethlehem, PA.
(556 Main St.)This free, family-friendly event
brings 900-1200 music lovers to each concert!
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy the show comfortably
and don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes!
Animal Grossology at Da Vinci Science Center
The hit feature exhibition Animal Grossology is an all-out,
impolite, unapologetic, and playful animatronic adventure of
everything sticky, stinky, slimy, oozy, and disgusting involving
animals around the world. Based on the
popular series of children’s books by
Sylvia Branzei, it serves as a companion
to the GROSSOLOGY series and is
sponsored in part by B. Braun, the
County of Lehigh,
and Follett Corporation.
SUMMER FUN IN PA
Sensory Friendly Films
Get up, dance, walk, shout, or sing!
The lights are turned up, the sound is turned down, and guests
may walk around, dance or sing during the film.
New Jersey
AMC Clifton Commons 16
AMC Freehold 14
AMC Hamilton 24
AMC Loews Brick Plaza 10
AMC Loews Cherry Hill 24
AMC Loews Jersey Gardens 20
AMC Loews New Brunswick 18
AMC Loews Wayne 14
AMC Mountainside 10
AMC Rockaway 16
Pennsylvania
AMC Loews Waterfront 22
AMC Marple 10
AMC Neshaminy 24
AMC Philadelphia Mills 14
Captain America Civil War: 5/10 7pm & 5/14 10am
Neighbors 2: 5/24 7pm
Alice Through the Looking Glass: 5/28 10am
Lancaster/Harrisburg Area
Nature Discovery Program
Refreshing Mountain Retreat & Adventure Center
Date: All Summer Long
Time: Times Vary
Location: Refreshing Mountain Retreat
and Adventure Center, Lancaster Area
Price: $21 5-13 years old; $24 14 years+
Category: Family / Kids
The Nature Discovery Program is one of our newest activity packages.
It includes Geocaching, Archery, and an interactive nature exhibit
where families can learn about all of PA's little critters and how best to
interact with them in the wild.
https://refreshingmountain.com/shop/book-online
Covered Bridge Tour
Strasburg Scooters
Date: All Summer Long
Location: 242 Gap Rd Strasburg Pa 17579
There are some thrills of driving that you just don't get cooped up in a
car. Enjoy a guided covered bridge tour of Pennsylvania Dutch
Country.
Hop onto a single-seat, 50cc scooter for a visit of 19th century covered
bridges with an experienced guide. This three-hour tour offers
exceptional views of the countryside, including Amish farms and
schoolhouses, as well as an insightful look at some of Lancaster
County's oldest covered bridges.
C r e a t i n g a C o l o r f u l D i f f e r e n With
c e 40+ miles of Amish
I scountry
s u e #back
5 roads
P atogexplore,
e |3
this tour will give you a uniquely exciting way to get back
in touch with historic Pennsylvania...and reconnect with
the open road.
Orange Creamsicle Milkshake
Mission Monday
Ingredients:
4 cups quality vanilla ice cream
2 cups orange soda ( I used Fanta)
2-3 Tbsp. frozen orange concentrate (optional)
1 cup ice
Garnish: Whipped Cream (optional)
Directions:
Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
Serve immediately. Enjoy.
http://www.kitchensimmer.com/2013/01/orange-creamsicle-milkshake.html
50 people from
Kaleidoscope came to the
Phillies game to support
Autism Awareness!
Every month the Kaleidoscope team recognizes the
providers who give exceptional care to our consumers.
Katie M. has done a great job helping her
consumer become more involved in community
activities.
Nicole F. is always very willing to help out and
pick up cases, very involved in the Mass program.
Aaron W.G. has built a great relationship with his
consumer and was given rave reviews.
Josh G. always has a positive attitude and it shows
with his consumer outcomes.
Chip W. is always willing to help out even when he
is asked at the last minute.
Liz K. has recently has been involved with difficult
incidents but was able to handle them effectively
and professionally.
Sherilynn M. has gone above and beyond for the
welfare of her consumer and has been instrumental
in helping her make appropriate doctor visits
Alcinda K. is very dependable and willing to take
consumers in need to activity night.
Meggai F. goes above and beyond for clients.
Corporate Office
940 East Haverford Road, Suite 102
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Western PA
600 North Bell Avenue, Bldg. 2, Suite 240
Carnegie, PA 15106
Lehigh Valley
2200 Hamilton Street, Suite 102
Allentown, PA 18104
Like our page on Facebook! Don’t miss out on photos, event
updates and community connections!
We are always making news!
www.facebook.com//kfscares.com
Join our team on LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kaleidoscope-family-solutionsinc-
Creating a Colorful Difference
New Jersey
One Woodbridge Center, Suite 512
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
P: 877-384-1729 F: 610-527-8672
www.kfamilysolutions.org
Issue#5
Page |4