Oakland University’s School of Education and Human Services (SEHS) recently received a gift of $181,932 from Jack’s Place for Autism Foundation, which will be used to expand the resources and programming dedicated to autism that SEHS offers through Jack’s Place at OU.

“This commitment from the Jack’s Place Foundation helps Jack’s Place at OU move to the next level in terms of offerings for families and individuals with autism,” said Mary Otto, dean of the School of Education and Human Services. “OU, too, continues its commitment through the hiring of additional faculty with expertise in this area and through increased student, faculty and staff involvement in many areas including volunteering”

Many activities and programs are made possible through the partnership between Jack’s Place for Autism and OU including a lending library, resource referrals, free family counseling, recreational programming, parent and professional workshops and new university courses focusing on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

“It is truly wonderful to look back over the past nine months of activities and see the great success we’ve had thus far. We could not have chosen a better organization to get things off the ground with Jack’s Place,” said Lisa Price, president and co-founder of Jack’s Place for Autism. “This next year will be even more exciting with expanded programs and services.”

The new and expanded offerings will begin to be announced late this summer.

“While we have been fortunate to have funding to establish these new and highly effective programs, the need for continued funding is imperative in order to continue with these programs and grow our offerings in the future,” Otto said.

Information about Jack’s Place for Autism at OU, its current programs, and the new program offerings as they become available can be found at the Jack’s Place at OU Web site. For more information on fund-raising efforts and how you can support Jack’s Place visit, the Jack’s Place for Autism Web site.