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This weekend will present a great opportunity for people who will be in Park Ridge, as there will be a painting event called “Painting with a Purpose” that aims to provide a better understanding of autism. The event, organized by Ellie Johnson and Bobby Fraises-Goldman, has been going on for two years now and it promises to be a fun-filled family event where attendees can showcase their creativity while receiving professional guidance from art directors from the Brickton Art Center.

The organizers have also enlisted the help of dedicated volunteers to ensure that everything runs smoothly. 

This year’s theme

This year’s theme is hot cocoa, which will serve as the subject of the painting activity and be available at a free hot cocoa bar with other treats. Additionally, a raffle will raise funds for HaveDreams and increase awareness about autism in our society.  Essentially, this event aims to bring people together for a good cause and shed light on the importance of understanding and supporting individuals with autism.

For those who dont know, Havesdreams was established in 1996 during a time when autism wasn’t well understood and there were limited support systems available. A team of forward-thinking parents and their children’s special education teacher joined forces to create an after-school program focused on developing social skills in Park Ridge. Since then, the program has steadily grown for almost three decades, with next year marking its 30th anniversary.

The core purpose of Have Dreams

The core purpose of Have Dreams is to provide opportunities for individuals with autism to learn, build social connections, and achieve independence to realize their potential and contribute fully to society. They serve all walks of life, from children to adults on the autism spectrum, their families, and even professionals in the field. Their resources and services extend beyond the Chicago Metropolitan area, with online training and learning available to people across the country through their website, havedreams.org.

At Illinois Autism Center, we applaud the efforts of individuals like Ellie Johnson and Bobby Fraises-Goldman, who have gone the extra mile to create a positive impact in the lives of those with autism. We understand that individuals with autism rarely get the support and resources they need, especially when it comes to developing social skills and achieving independence.

Therapy and support in Chicago IL

As a clinic serving the Chicagoland area, our mission at IAC aligns closely with that of Have Dreams. We also strive to empower individuals with autism through therapy and support. We believe that every individual deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their abilities be it academic, social, or personal.

That is why our team of experienced therapists provides personalized ABA therapy and support services to help individuals with autism develop important life skills and achieve their goals.