Community Autism Resources & Education Systems (CARES), with support from UniCare, sponsored the Au-some Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Valley Park in Hurricane.
Community Autism Resources & Education Systems (CARES), with support from UniCare, sponsored the Au-some Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Valley Park in Hurricane.
The Au-some Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 4, at Valley Park in Hurricane, raised nearly $12,000 in support of children with autism and their families.
The event was sponsored by Community Autism Resources & Education Systems (CARES), with support from UniCare and other local organizations.
The event’s theme was “Celebrate the force inside all of us,†as it coincided with Star Wars Day on May 4, and as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience within every autistic child.
“UniCare remains steadfast in its mission to support organizations such as CARES that are a beacon of hope for families by providing essential support, resources and educational programs for autistic individuals,†Tadd Haynes, president of UniCare Health Plan of West Virginia, said in a news release. “UniCare is proud to support an organization that has been instrumental in shaping the lives of countless children, by fostering a community of understanding, acceptance and empowerment.â€
According to the West Virginia Department of Education, one in 80 students received special education services in West Virginia under the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) educational diagnosis. This initiative hoped to provide immediate relief and resources for many autistic children in the area who require speech and behavior therapy, along with the development of self-care skills.
“At UniCare, we recognize that it can be hard to financially support the treatment needed to help with autistic children’s needs,†Haynes said. “Our commitment to organizations like CARES and events like those hosted for Star Wars Day underscore our dedication to ensuring that UniCare can make meaningful strides towards creating healthier, more equitable communities for all.â€
