Sherwood Autism Center

2024 was a milestone year for Sherwood Autism Center!! As a community, we celebrated 50 years of changing lives for students and adults with autism. While these are 4 highlights from the year, know that there are thousands more that have taken place within our Sherwood community. From developing cooking skills and practicing community interactions to working with money and training for jobs ... our students and clients are the highlight every day of our year. *** Img - "4 2024 Highlights" Img - "1: Celebrated 50 Years / Sherwood Autism Center Celebrated our 50th Anniversary on October 19 at the Vox Theatre, where we also unveiled our new brand and website. " Img - "2: OT Gym Upgrade / We upgraded our Occupational Therapy gym with a new platform, trapeze, and bolster swings — offering even more sensory modulation and balance training for our Special Education students." Img - "3: New Theater Curtain / We unveiled the new theater curtain in our gym with support from our friends at GEHA Health." Img - "4: Volunteer Partnerships / We expanded our volunteer partnerships for Adult Day Services clients including Cleaver Family YMCA and Thelma’s Kitchen." Img - "Thank You! These are only 4 of the thousands of highlights achieved this year at Sherwood Autism Center because of YOUR support — thank you!" *** #SherwoodAutismCenter #AutismAwareness #AutismSpectrum #AutismCommunity #KansasCityNonprofit #KansasCity

It's Spirit Week at Sherwood!! ❄️ 🎄 🕎 ✨ Today our Special Education students and teachers are getting in the festive spirit with Holiday Sweater day! And our Adult Day Services are celebrating Twin Day. We love seeing these smiles and celebrating the season together! 🤩 #SherwoodAutismCenter #AutismAwareness #AutismSpectrum #AutismCommunity #KansasCityNonprofit #KansasCity

Sherwood recently attended the 88th Annual Ararat Shrine Circus at Cable Dahmer Arena! Each year, the Ararat Shrine hosts a special performance just for children, and thanks to the generosity of their members and sponsors, our students and clients were able to attend at no cost. This was our second year enjoying this amazing event, with reserved seats for the show, and everyone had an unforgettable time! Thank you, Ararat Shrine, for making this experience possible. #SherwoodAutismCenter #AutismAwareness #AutismSpectrum #AutismCommunity #KansasCityNonprofit #KansasCity

We had an incredible time at our Ugly Sweater Bowling Tournament fundraiser last Saturday! 🎊 The good times were *rolling* as we gathered to celebrate the holiday season with style. A huge THANK YOU to our sponsors and everyone who attended — it takes community like you to ensure our mission reaches more students and clients every day. RSM US LLP, TeamHealth and River City T's, your support means the world to us. And, special shoutout to our winner Leslie Sims (and dedicated board member!) who had the ugliest sweater of them all. Cheers to making ugly look so good!! 😊 🙌 #SherwoodAutismCenter #AutismAwareness #AutismSpectrum #AutismCommunity #KansasCityNonprofit #KansasCity

'Tis the season!! The holidays can be a wonderful time, but they can easily be overwhelming for our friends and family with sensory sensitivities. Here are some tips for creating a sensory-friendly holiday >> + Keep routines as consistent as possible which can help reduce anxiety. + Create calm, quiet spaces where people can take breaks as needed. + Decorate with soft or muted colors and avoid overly bright colors and flashing lights. + Opt for scents that are neutral or natural. Smell can be a strong trigger for those with sensory sensitivities. + Give a sensory-friendly gift! Choose gifts like soft blankets or noise cancelling headphones. By making small adjustments, we can create a inclusive holiday season where everyone can feel comfortable and enjoy the festivities! What are your sensory-friendly holiday tips? #SherwoodAutismCenter #AutismAwareness #AutismSpectrum #AutismCommunity #KansasCityNonprofit #KansasCity

Meet Susan, Sherwood’s nurse! #TeamSherwood Susan is LPN School Nurse and Nurse for Adult Day Services as well. She provides care through immunizations, monitoring students and adults of illness, overseeing medical administrations, and collaborating with guardians, parents, and providers to ensure the best care for those at Sherwood. “The students and adults truly brighten each day!” + Her Sherwood connection: Susan has been a nurse for more than 30 years and during her careers she has worked as a psych nurse, in a nursing home, and the Jackson County Public administration office. “I have enjoyed every moment here at Sherwood!” she says. + Day in the life: “A typical day on both sides always varies. It can start as soon as they get off the bus or to the day program. Some days are very busy and all staff steps in to help,” she says. “I enjoy watching them on the playground and love interacting with them.” + Joy outside of work: Susan’s family brings her the most joy. “I love spending my weekends with my granddaughter and am expecting a new grandson in December which is very exciting. I love being outside and just enjoying life!” Susan, we are grateful for your care and commitment to our students and adults. We’re truly a better place because of you — thank you!

Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities! This day is observed annually and led by the United Nations. The theme for this year is "Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future." This theme recognizes the important role that persons with disabilities play in creating a more inclusive and sustainable world for all. It also emphasizes the importance of the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes that affect their lives. Sherwood Autism Center proudly supports International Day of Persons with Disabilities by advocating for accessibility, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for all *every* day. Today, we celebrate the strength of our students and adults, and their important contributions to our community! #DisabilityDay #IDPD

We need your help! This #CyberMonday, make a difference while you shop.🌿 Check out our nonprofit's Amazon Wishlists to help provided needed supplies for our students and clients to thrive. Shopping is simple and easy, and know that every contribution helps us continue our mission. Thank you for your support! + Nursing Wishlist: https://a.co/2ZMO7d4 + Supported Employment Wishlist: https://a.co/6WzfDO5 + Adult Day Services Wishlist:  https://a.co/1rZuhGu + Special Education Wishlist: https://a.co/9qclSXP #SherwoodAutismCenter #AutismAwareness #AutismSpectrum #AutismCommunity #KansasCityNonprofit #KansasCity

#SherwoodWeekofGratitude On our final day of our Week of Gratitude, we want to extend a huge THANK YOU to our community!! To the partners, board members, advocates, and collaborators ... your support means the world to us as we work to create a more inclusive Kansas City. Thank you for being champions of Sherwood, our students, clients, families, and team. Collaboration builds community — it takes all of us to create a world where all abilities thrive. Thank you for your commitment to Sherwood!

#SherwoodWeekofGratitude Thank you to our community partner, University Health KC! University Health collaborated with Sherwood to provide healthy food through its Healthy Harvest Mobile Market. With UH's support, students enjoyed a cooking class on how to prepare the healthy food with our Occupational Therapist Lauren. It was a wonderful learning opportunity about the importance of quality food, health, and nutrition. We're also grateful for University Health's support of our 50th Anniversary Celebration. Because of partners like you, we can educate, equip, and empower our students and clients — Thank You!! #SherwoodAutismCenter #AutismAwareness #AutismSpectrum #AutismCommunity #KansasCityNonprofit #KansasCity