KellyKares Donates Ipads to CVR’s Autism Academy

KellyKares finished up its successful “Ipads for CVR’s Autism Academy” campaign yesterday. Three brand new Ipads with shockproof cases were delivered to the Center for Vocational Rehabilitation (CVR) in Eatontown. Additionally, the Ipads are being set up with Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) software. CVR's Autism Academy serves those within the autism spectrum and developmentally disabled individuals with cognitive impairments.

“KellyKares is so excited to provide sustainable support to people with special needs,” said Kelly Booth, founder of KellyKares. “This was a group effort and we are so grateful for the donations we received. We are especially grateful to Red Bank Catholic student, Joe DiCroce, and his mother Marguerite Maggs, who matched the funds we raised, and put us in a position to make today happen.”

Joe DiCroce found out about the Ipads for CVR’s Autism Academy campaign after volunteering at one of the Special Needs Socials held at the Knights of Columbus hall in Fair Haven.  The hall is donated by Knights of Columbus Council 3187 and the events are hosted by KellyKares and CVR, as well as, funded by the Jay Dooley Memorial Foundation.

“Volunteering at the Special Needs Socials has been an amazing experience,” said Mr. DiCroce. “When you see first-hand the impact you can make in the lives of people with special needs, it is something you never forget. When my family heard about the opportunity to help get Ipads for the students at CVR’s Autism Academy, we were very happy to do so.”

In addition to being recognized as an invaluable learning tool, IPads can be effective in improving communication and socialization as well.

“Everything we do at CVR is aimed at a better quality of life for our special needs participants,” said Travis Johnson, Marketing and Activities Coordinator at CVR.  “It is wonderful to see the collaboration in our community that leads to positive action. If we work together, and lead with compassion, we can make a difference and the donation of these Ipads will make a positive difference in the lives of our students at CVR’s Autism Academy.”

CVR’s Autism Academy is a day program structured to provide every individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder and developmentally disabled individuals with cognitive impairments, an appropriate foundation to learn in the areas of vocational skills, daily living skills, work skills, pre-employment development, supported employment and social independence. The academy is located at CVR headquarters in Eatontown, New Jersey. For more information about CVR's Autism Academy, please contact Jamie Zicha via e-mail: jzicha@cvrus.org or via phone: 732-544-1800 ext 224

KellyKares focuses on the social and academic needs of learning disabled individuals. KellyKares assists individuals with learning disabilities with the tools, encouragement and overall support they need to be successful both in the classroom and in life. It is the mission of KellyKares to continue to promote the message that learning disabilities are an obstacle to overcome and not a dead end in the learning process. KellyKares teaches individuals that with the appropriate educational and motivational tools, they can become self-advocates on their road to success. For more information please contact Kelly Booth via e-mail: kellykaresgroup@gmail.com or phone: 732-299-6580