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March/ April 2019 Volume 2

From the Director:

It Takes a Village!

Hooray! April is Autism Awareness Month! This month we not only celebrate those who live with autism, but we take time to thank those who support us. As an organization, collaboration and community partnerships have been the foundation of our growth. However, at a deeper level, friendships are the heart of our existence. Our friends are our board, staff, volunteers, donors, partnering organizations, corporate sponsors and anyone that has genuinely accepted and welcomed our children, youth and families! We also celebrate the friendships we have created with and among the children, youth and families we serve. It truly takes a circle of support to build a strong village and we are grateful that you are a part of ours!

Abila Tazanu, M.D. Founder, Pediatrician and mother of children with autism

One World Center Welcomes Dr. Yulanda Swindell and One World Pediatrics!

Please join the One World Center for Autism in welcoming our newest pediatrician Dr. Yulanda Swindell. Dr. Swindell brings more than 25 years of pediatric experience to OWCA. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Howard University College of Medicine in 1994 and completed her pediatric residency training at Children's National Medical Center in 1997. Dr. Swindell comes to us as a strong children's advocate with a wealth of experience. She is passionate about teaching and strives to improve quality of life for her patients and their families. As a mother of two children, one of whom has autism, she has a special interest in children with exceptional needs. And as a bilingual practitioner, she is well-equipped to serve the English and Spanish-speaking communities in Prince George’s County and neighboring communities!

If you are looking for an exceptional pediatrician for your exceptional child, then contact our office after April 20th to schedule you child’s visit! 301-618-8395

Our amazing Volunteers and Program Coordinator

Brenda Reed create a circle of love for our

respite participants at our Children’s Respite

program “Our World, Our Time”!

Special Edition! Autism Awareness Month!

Yulanda Swindell, M.D. Mother and pediatrician

As we expand our village, we ask that you help us raise

$5,000 this Autism Awareness month to

support community integration for our children and youth

Can we do it? YES, we can!

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Our World, Our Time and Our World Explorers! Linking our children and youth to their world and restoring

their caregivers!

Safety in the community is a huge part of navigating our world and community. Our respite participants received a hands-on lesson in fire safety and prevention in the month of March! We were grateful for our friends at the Glendale Fire Department for sharing their expertise with our children and youth with their interactive and hands on demonstrations. Our participants enjoyed the experience of learning and more importantly understanding the role our firefighter friends play when it comes to our safety!

Interested in joining us as a participant, volunteer, or a program sponsor? Contact Brenda@worldforautism.org! Next respites: 5/11 (ages 14 and older) and 5/25 (ages 3-13)

Mom-2-Mom: One Year Later! Growing and Going Strong!

A year ago, we knew that we needed to create a safe, judgement-free place for moms of children, youth and adults with autism to be embraced. Hence, Mom 2 Mom was created. In the past year we have explored topics such as self-care, transitions, relationships and so much more! We have laughed and shed many a tear in the process; but, most importantly we have created a village for mothers to bond and grow. On the 1st anniversary of our support group, we were ecstatic to see our growth and share in candid camaraderie! If you are a mom or maternal figure of a child or children with autism or a related special need, you are welcomed to join us! We want to say a special thanks to Victoria Ten Eyeck of A Purposeful Journey, our fearless and transparent guide in self- exploration and self-care!

Next support group dates: 5/4 Join us for a special Mother’s Day Paint

and Dinner date! Space is limited! RSVP today!

Join us for Special Eats and Treats at Our Community Village Corporate Sponsored Autism Awareness Fundraising Events!

We want to take the time to thank our community partners who nourish our tummies and our souls with their generosity!

Join us for two events that feature food and fun prizes from our partners! First join us on 4/9 at the Vista Garden Chipotle between 4-8pm for our “Do Good with Burritos” Autism Awareness Fundraiser! Then join us at our “2nd Annual Autism Awareness Bingo Fundraiser” on 4/27 between 4-6pm at our center where you can win great prizes from our sponsors and much more!

Our amazing community corporate partners: Chipotle, Wegmans, Panera and Chick Fila!

Take A Walk With OWCA!

OWCA has adopted two trails from Maryland Parks and Planning. The Lake Artemisia Trail in Berwyn Heights and the Baltimore-Washington & Annapolis Trail in Glendale.

Our trails help make our community friends aware of our organization in their quest for better health! Join us each quarter as we maintain the trails. This is a great opportunity for students to obtain service hours and for other volunteers socialize and exercise! If you are interested in volunteering, contact Dawn Lawson @ 240-280-5048 or Dldallas44@yahoo.com.

Glendale’s Fire Captain giving an interactive demonstration to our respite participants!

“Our World Explorers” participants creating fire and water inspired art!

“Our World, Our Time” participants discovering the inside of a fire truck!

Victoria TenEyeck, CAC1,

LMFT, MAC, Counselor, author and

mom