The Autism Society of North Carolina Support Groups (formerly Chapters) promote and extend the mission, vision, and values of the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC). They are the “front porch” of our organization in communities across the state.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
For up-to-date information on all Support Group activities and events, visit our calendar.
This quarter we want to shine a light on volunteer Leaders making a difference in their hometowns.
From the Triad Area
Alamance County: Tawanda Eley keeps coming up with new concepts to encourage families to connect. Her popular monthly Coffee Chat Support Meeting gathers at a beautiful Coffee Shop in Haw River (The Victorian). She recently collaborated with Autism Resource Specialists to start the monthly Triad Regional Virtual Support Meeting.
Tawanda has two older sons on the autism spectrum, a college freshman and a senior in high school. As a family, they come together to volunteer at events and bring a wealth of lived experience. Tawanda is currently seeking Meet-Up hosts to run additional activities. ASNC Support Groups have gained a gem of a family in Alamance County! Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/asnc.alamance.
From the Southeastern Area
New Hanover County: Grelynn Bradley began volunteering with us over 10 years ago and she has not missed a beat. Grelynn did not break for summer and planned a weekly summer bowling series in July and August and a July Ladies Night Out event. Her dedication to continually providing activities for the families in her community is truly appreciated. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/DSf4Sg3HW8rsnUoR/
From the Charlotte Area
Iredell County: Danielle Abbott has been the Iredell Support Group Leader for several years. She has a son with autism who is currently attending college. Danielle has a doctorate in Special Education and is in charge of the Special Populations Curriculum at Langtree Charter Academy. She has been a great asset and resource to our families in Iredell County. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/edhym9epqyGaZ6fF/
Welcome New Leaders
We want to welcome our newest Support Group Leaders:
Rutherford: Kathy Carver, mom to an 18-year-old daughter on the autism spectrum, has interests in bringing families together in an area where very few resources exist. Families in Rutherford often travel to surrounding counties such as Buncombe for services and support. Kathy looks forward to creating some community closer to home. She hopes to plan social events to bring families together and give a safe space for parents to share their experiences and ideas with each other. Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/asnc.rutherford.
Durham: Alicia Brown, Mom to a 10-year-old girl with autism, took on role as leader early in the summer! She has organized social outings to bring families together, including a Popsicles at the Park event where donors sponsored popsicles, bubbles and a craft, and a bowling outing. Alicia has planned meetings to occur on the 4th Sundays every month at 3pm, alternating social activities at various locations! She is also working with ASNC Development Department to support 2 ASNC Run/Walks coming up through providing volunteers to help at the events and promoting the events in her community. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/asnc.durham.
Buncombe: Krista Shalda, mom to two boys on the autism spectrum, was recruited by ASNC Asheville Office to volunteer for the local Support Group. She has excelled at growing the Support Group’s outreach, bringing over 100 new people to the ASNC Buncombe Facebook Group. She kicked off her first support meeting in August as an open discussion around school topics. Krista plans to offer educational and support meetings and social events. She is working to provide childcare during meetings and has already established a leadership team: Kimberly Tucker as Co-Leader and Sam Heath as a Meet-Up Host/Volunteer. Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/asnc.buncombe
Rockingham: Lisa Carter, Mom to a 9-year-old girl with autism, is excited to plan some activities for her rural county. Lisa has built a leadership team of 4 volunteers so far, trained and ready to assist! Lisa has held a support meeting, reviewing discussion from the ASNC Conference, and a park event. She is searching for a venue for the group to meet regularly and hoping to plan special events/outings around holidays. Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/asnc.rockingham
Support Group Volunteer Interest Meetings
- Are you interested in starting an ASNC Support Group or volunteering as a meet-up host? Upcoming meetings can be found on our calendar. Sign up today!
Leader Vacancies
Join our team! We are currently seeking volunteer Leaders in the following counties:
- Cabarrus County
- Davidson County
- Union County
Email Virginia “Ginny” Hall for more information.
- Carteret County
- Edgecombe County
- Inner Banks (Perquimans, Pasquotank, Camden)
- Nash County
Email Lauren Buhrmaster for more information.
- Lee County
- Moore County
- Richmond County
Email Amy Vanwyk for more information.
- Guilford County
Email Meleah Lowe for more information.
- Henderson County
Email Meleah Lowe for more information.
Many thanks for the support our retiring volunteer Leaders gave to so many people!
- Krista Keith from Wilson County: All the best to you, Krista!
- Angie Keefer from Pender County: We will miss you, Angie!
Contact us
Courtney Chavis, Support Groups Director (State Office)
Email: cchavis@autismsociety-nc.org
Marty Kellogg, Support Groups Coordinator (State Office)
Email: mkellogg@autismsociety-nc.org
Call: 1-800-442-2762