Leadership Columbia Class of 2016 to benefit Autism Academy of South Carolina

The Columbia Chamber’s Leadership Columbia Class of 2016 has chosen to benefit the Autism Academy of South Carolina for its compulsory class project within the Columbia, S.C. community.

After a five-month period of idea presentation, debate and approval, the Class will begin a brick-and-mortar renovation project to rebuild parts of the Autism Academy of South Carolina (AASC) and a marketing campaign to help AASC spread awareness of “Light It Up Blue” national Autism Awareness campaign and celebration of annual World Autism Awareness Day on April 2; as well as helping AASC event plan for the organization’s local activities during the weeklong Light It Up Blue, April 4-9, 2016.

The Autism Academy of South Carolina is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering individualized, one-on-one and small group Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children and adolescents, aged 2-21, with Autism Spectrum Disorder, in a behavioral therapy center-based setting. AASC also offers parent training, school consultation, social skills groups and summer camps.

Leadership Columbia Class of 2016 ultimately selected AASC as their class project subject after recognizing the value and realizing the needs of the local nonprofit organization.

AASC’s headquarters, located at 1505 Blanding St. in Columbia, S.C., has suffered years of water damage, resulting in many unusable spaces within the building due to its state of disrepair. In October 2015, the devastating S.C. floods caused further damage and severe water intrusion – so much so that classes and therapy sessions have been forced to temporarily relocate to a nearby church basement. For the renovation leg of Leadership Columbia’s project, class members will renew 5,000 square feet of classroom space and 5,500 square feet of greenspace at AASC’s headquarters, transforming the spaces into clean, safe and accessible learning environments.

Leadership Columbia is still in need of in-kind and financial donations to fund the renovation project. Members of the public and corporate sector may donate dollars online: https://www.youcaring.com/leadership-columbia-class-of-2016-493883 or give in-kind donations by contacting Leadership Columbia Class of 2016 class member Matthew Pollard: [email protected], 803.800.3562.

The Class will also aid AASC in planning and raising awareness for their local activities during nationally observed Light It Up Blue week, April 4-9, 2016. AASC will host various activities throughout the week, including dyeing Columbia’s iconic Five Points fountain blue, a family fun run, percent nights at local hospitality districts and more. A full schedule of events will be posted online: http://autismacademyofsc.org and on AASC’s Facebook and Twitter platforms.

About the Autism Academy of South Carolina
The Autism Academy of South Carolina is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering individualized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as parent training, school consultation, social skills groups and summer camps.

Founded in 2010 by local concerned parents Dan and Lorri Unumb, fellow Autism Spectrum Disorder-affected families and professionals as a response to the rapidly growing need for Autism Spectrum Disorder resources and support, The Autism Academy of South Carolina strives to help children with autism acquire the skills necessary to become fully capable members of their communities, ultimately able to prosper without the need for intensive intervention.

The Autism Academy of South Carolina is located at 1505 Blanding St., Columbia, S.C. 29201. For more information, contact AASC by phone: 803.929.001 or online: www.autismacademyofsc.com.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Autism-Academy-of-South-Carolina-126106320762338/
Twitter: @AutismAcademySC
Instagram: @AutismAcademySC

About Leadership Columbia
Leadership Columbia is a Columbia Chamber program that recognizes emerging and existing community leaders who hold potential to move Columbia, S.C. forward, offering them a unique opportunity to grow professionally and personally among likeminded individuals.

Over a period of 10 months, more than 50 Class of 2016 participants take part in one class retreat, 10 leadership sessions, and a hands-on class project. The program, founded in 1973, has graduated more than 1,600 professional alumni across the country. www.columbiachamber.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LeadershipColaSC
Twitter: @Leadership_Cola