Marking World Autism Month, the Warren County 2nd Annual Autism Acceptance and Special Needs Resource Fair was an informative event designed to help families navigate the challenges and uncertainties that confound so many seeking special needs resources, spanning childhood through adulthood.

The Resource Fair was held on Thursday, April 3 at the Phillipsburg Early Childhood Learning Center, and drew a large number of people from throughout the county, including families, seeking information. 

Open to all, the free event was co-hosted by Tri County Care Management Organization, Branching Out Foundation, Greenwich Autism Alliance Foundation, DAWN Center for Independent Living, Family Support Organization, and Warren County Children’s Inter-Agency Coordinating Council/DDID Subcommittees, in collaboration with Phillipsburg’s Special Education Parent Advisory Group.

About 75 people visited the three hour Resource Fair. Twenty-three local organizations were on hand to field questions, address concerns, share pamphlets, and offer support and guidance to families. Free on-site childcare was available, allowing kiddies to have some fun, while their adults sat in on informational breakout sessions.

Nicole Russo, community engagement coordinator, Tri County Care Management Organization, said, “The Warren County community always shows strong support for the autism resource fair at ECLC. Parents who attended were able to gain valuable information about how the New Jersey Children’s System of Care can support their children from birth to adulthood,” adding, “We look forward to co-hosting next year!”

As attendees settled in, Kelly Milazzo, president, Greenwich Autism Alliance Foundation, welcomed everyone. Keynote speakers Vickie Mendes-Branch, founder, Branching Out Foundation, and Justyce Branch, director, Page One Resource Center, spoke from personal experience of having a special needs child/sibling, and the necessity of the myriad organizations represented. 

Three 20-minute breakout sessions followed: Individual Educational Plan (IEP) Components and Timeframes; Ages 3-17 DD-ID Eligibility Process and Services; An Overview of the Division of Development Disabilities Service System, the 18+ Adult DDD Eligibility Process and Support Coordination.

The evening ended with raffle drawings for gift baskets and other special prizes.

Vickie Mendes-Branch, founder of Branching Out Foundation, noted, “The Annual Warren County Autism Acceptance and Resource Fair is all about coming together as a community to make a difference. As we continue to grow this Fair each year, we will continue to carry forward the spirit of community, advocacy, and empowerment. Together, we will make a difference.”

To learn more about Tri County Care Management Organization and their programs, or to make a donation, visit www.tricountycmo.org.

Founded in 2005, Tri-County (Warren, Hunterdon, Somerset) Care Management Organization understands that the health, wellness, and safety of the family matters. In affiliation with their system of care and community partners, they bring together resources to meet the current needs of children and their families with complex behavioral, emotional, social, and mental health challenges at no cost to families.