Kelly Cain is the Executive Director of the Autism Caring Center. Her son was diagnosed with autism in August 2006. She understands the needs of parents and caregivers, knows where the gaps exist with current services available, and promotes the benefits of providing training to local businesses and schools.
The center was founded in 2017 when a need was recognized for additional support for individuals and their families. Since inception, the Autism Caring Center has been successful at serving families by providing training for businesses and organizations, raising autism awareness, offering social group activities, consulting with schools, and providing free advocacy for families.
Ms. Cain believes that it is of the utmost importance to provide the Greater Pittsburgh community with the support they need not just in school, but at home and in community businesses that people patronize daily. “Being in the trenches, experiencing the misconceptions and judgements, are a driving force to see the mission and vision for the center fulfilled,” Cain states. “There is so much work to be done for families, but also in the community.”
The Summer Fade Away Festival has become a local family-friendly and favorite fundraising event for communities served in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Now in its sixth year, Scott Snyder, President of Stevens Engineers and Constructors, has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the autism community. Scott’s son, Nathan, has autism, so he knows without therapy and services acquired, Nathan’s outcome may have been different. Raising funds for autism charities in the past, this annual event now benefits the Autism Caring Center and allows it to do more, for more. This year’s festival takes place Thursday, August 5th from 4pm to 9pm at Southpointe Town Center.
“The Autism Caring Center meets a tremendous, and ever-growing need for local communities,” says Catherine Hughes, Director of Family Support and Community Engagement for Achieving True Self, and Founder of The Caffeinated Advocate. “I have connected her with countless families impacted by autism who needed advocacy support, most notably to navigate the IEP process. Family members often feel alone and intimidated at IEP meetings, but Ms. Cain is knowledgeable, steadfast in her approach, and pushes through the most difficult situations with passion and grit. The center needs more funding to continue to meet the needs of families across Southwestern Pennsylvania. Please join us at the Summer Fade Away or consider a donation today.”
Planning to officially open its doors in Fall 2021, the center is located at 7051 Steubenville Pike, Oakdale, PA 15071. The center will be a hub for families providing even more resources, socialization opportunities, and more support.
Learn how you can make a donation, volunteer your time, or participate in upcoming events:
kcain@autismcaringcenter.org
412-235-8929
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