Fwd: UM-NSU CARD: Executive Director's Report

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EXECUTIVE

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

MICHAEL

ALESSANDRI, PH.D.

Dear

CARD Supporters:

First

and foremost, I want to thank each of you who advocated on our behalf during

the most recent legislative session. This was unquestionably the most

challenging funding cycle we have ever experienced. There were moments when we

were faced with the possibility of budget cuts up to 30% which would have

decimated our services. But your calls, emails, and unified voice saved the day

for us and many other programs like ours…and we THANK YOU!

But

sadly, many of our innovative community-based programs, including the Together

You and Me, Eye Spy, STARRS Playgroups, Sibrageous (our sibling support

groups), the Science Explorers group, and several other parent groups have been

temporarily suspended due to our inability to support and staff them.

Additionally, some groups that were previously offered in multiple locations

will now only be offered in one location (e.g., Asperger Family Support Group

will only be offered at NSU in Davie; PALS will only be offered at UM in Coral

Gables). The cumulative impact of successive budget cuts over the last two

years has simply rendered it impossible for us to provide the same level of

service provision.

We

are also losing some very talented and dedicated staff members who have played

an important role in our history and success. But we are determined to continue

serving our South Florida community as best we can, and we are steadfastly

committed to rebuilding our programs and services over the next few years. As always,

we will count on your support and partnership as we move forward with

unwavering optimism and hope.

Most

sincerely,

Dr. Alessandri

Please click

here to view our current UM-NSU CARD Newsletter

http://www.umcard.org/files/Newsletter.pdf

Please click

here to donate to UM-NSU CARD

https://www6.miami.edu/campaign/gift/onlinegiving.html?unit=51

*If you

would like to be added to our email list, please click here: http://www.umcard.org/contact.php.

If you would like to be removed from our email list, please notify here: jamunoz@...

UM-NSU CARD is a state-funded resource and support program dedicated to

improving the lives of individuals with autism and related disabilities including

deaf-blindness and pervasive developmental disorders. UM-NSU CARD does not

endorse specific programs or points of view presented in this email.