Fresh Start School continues fundraising

CANTON — Cozy and inviting are what make The Fresh Start School in Canton unique and successful. It is one of only a few Autism Spectrum-oriented schools in Hartford County that is approved by the state Department of Education. Like other schools, creating an ambiance of community is key. However, Fresh Start School executive director Donna Swanson and her staff go to great lengths to make their facility feel like a second home to their students.

While the school has only been in operation for one year, its parent organization – the FOCUS Center for Autism – has been serving children with Autism and their families through their clinical day and after school programs for more than 17 years. In total, close to 1000 children and families have been served.

Parents are in need and are seeking support for their children from The Fresh Start School. State budget issues are affecting education across the state, including the smaller special education schools like Fresh Start.

“Everything we get goes to the kids,” Swanson said. “In the past staff and I have willingly taken furloughs just so that the best services wouldn’t be taken from our students. One student even offered all the money from his allowance, to make sure our school keeps on going. He knows what this curriculum has done for him and he wants others to have that same chance at a richer future.”

November is National NonProfit Awareness Month and the one-year anniversary of the Fresh Start School’s opening. Swanson hopes to celebrate the achievement by kicking off the Fresh Start School annual fundraiser all month. All proceeds from the fundraising will be used to support the Fresh Start School. Swanson is not only appealing to the general public and the Autism community but also to any businesses interested in providing support or sponsorships for future FOCUS events. Private and corporate monetary donations can be sent directly to FOCUS Center for Autism, made on the FOCUS website homepage (www.focuscenterforautism.org) and on the FOCUS Center for Autism Facebook page.

Since 2000, the nonprofit FOCUS Center for Autism in Canton has been dedicated to helping children and young adults with autism spectrum and other related disorders achieve their full potential. FOCUS has developed a wellrespected model of treatment that has now served more than 800 children and families. The FOCUS Fresh Start School is a private, state approved special education program offering children with autism spectrum disorder a quality education experience that addresses both their academic and clinical needs. For more information visit http://focuscenterforautism.org for call 860-693-8809.