Children and Youth

The Berks County Children and Youth program assists youth with disabilities from birth to age 25, and their families, receive the support and services they need in order to be included into their communities.

Jackie and Andrew: Visit them on Face book.
View the Teens Taking Flight Video.
http://youtu.be/Wxt82-YW8Y8

Teens Taking Flight Program Mission

We provide Teens Taking Flight – A social, recreational and educational group up until age 25.

We can direct you to the appropriate services and supports and help you to coordinate those services.

We can advocate on behalf of the child so they receive appropriate services within school and the community.

We can help you plan for life after high school and design a transition plan.

We collaborate with schools and agencies throughout Berks County to provide youth with services using the team approach.

 

  

When other families ask for a good advocate, I do not hesitate to give them Jackie's name and phone number because I know in my heart, she is the BEST advocate there is. She knows her stuff and doesn't hesitate to get a second opinion to make sure her clients are being taken care of according to the laws for the disabled. I am so grateful for meeting Jackie at the Boyertown Multi Services six years ago and I will always contact her if I have a problem with Andrew and his disability.

Jackie should be rewarded for all her hard work and dedication she has to her clients. Nothing is too small or too hard for her to handle.

GREAT JOB JACKIE AND THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE FOR ANDREW AND US. YOU ARE THE BEST.

Rose Marie and Robert These and Andrew Groff

Years of Program Experience: 12
Number of Staff? 1 full-time
Transition Mentors: 7
Program Membership: 82
Volunteers: Many offer their talents and gifts to the Youth. Won’t You?

For Program Information
Contact Jackie
610-376-0010 x 104
aimcayc@abilitiesinmotion.org

En Espanola
Liana Malave
610-376-0010 x 170

 

There are few opportunities available which are age appropriate for autistic teens. Most groups and programs are geared toward younger children and when autistic children enter their teens, we have found little for them. Teens Taking Flight is a wonderful program which crosses barriers of disability and the community. The members of this group are empowered to develop relationships, social and future employment skills, and a sense of belonging. Our son looks forward to his “club” meeting each week, and we have seen improvement with his interest in the world outside of his “autistic” world. He has made friends and talks about his meeting.

A real benefit of this program is training opportunities for potential employers of our children. Statistics being what they are, less than 10% of disabled adults are employed full time. Over 70% of disabled adults are either unemployed or underemployed. This is a terribly sad statistic. We spend thousands of dollars to educate our children, yet upon graduation from high school, there are few employment opportunities available for them. Teens Taking Flight Toward Transition will open doors to employment for our children.

In a world where there are many programs which do not show real results, Teens Taking Flight Toward Transition is one which needs funding to benefit families in the same situation as we are.

Jo Griffith-Smith

Won’t you help support this incredible program with your time, talents and gifts? Contact Jackie for more information on how you can help our Berks County Youth. 610-376-0010 X104