< Back to News

Anderson Center for Autism Annual Fundraiser Celebrates Worldwide Service Model

Date September 24, 2015

Anderson Center for Autism Annual Fundraiser Celebrates Worldwide Service Model

An International Experience, Saturday, Oct. 3rd

This year, Anderson Center for Autism holds its annual fundraiser, a celebratory ‘International Experience’, in light of the innovative and flagship service model the center has offered in the Hudson Valley for over 90 years, and now, internationally, too. The event will be held on Saturday, October 3rd from 6 to 10 in the evening on the Anderson campus.

Executive Director Neil Pollack shares the center’s enthusiasm for the fundraiser as well as the strides Anderson has made over the last year.

“Our model is inspiring others across the globe, and an ‘International Experience’ is our way of showing our supporters and the entire community how Anderson’s growth parallels the ever-evolving needs of the autism community. We welcome all to celebrate with us and help Anderson raise the funds necessary to continue to provide unique and high-quality programming and opportunities to the amazing individuals in our care,” says Pollack.

The region’s premier autism treatment center employs 800 staff and professionals and serves over 500 children and adults on the autism spectrum. With a curriculum steeped in the concept of LifeLong LearningSM and evidence-based treatment, Anderson has expanded its service since its shift to an exclusive autism center in the late seventies.

Parents and professionals from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Venezuela, Dubai, Kingdom of Bhutan, Armenia, China, and more have recently toured the 100-acre Anderson campus – looking to the successful model of therapy-driven center and community based services to establish a similar center in their countries.

An international focus, though, is not a new concept for the center. Since 1990, Anderson Center International (ACI) has provided unique educational opportunities for international exchange fellows in the social services industry. ACI offers 12-month opportunities and works closely with fellows throughout the year. Fellows are given the opportunity to train with experienced professionals in the social services field, contribute new ideas, and learn best practices. Fellows will then return to their countries to adopt effective approaches in their chosen fields within the social services arena.

This year’s international fellows join Anderson from Slovkia, South Africa, Malaysia, Serbia, Czech Republic, Spain, Armenia, Ireland, Latvia, Poland, Turkey, and Bhutan.

International staff and fellow Ivana Trellova and Lucia Hrebenarova of Slovakia share their ACI experience and the vital impact it has made on their home country, which employs only a single board certified applied behavior analyst. “It’s too much, she can’t reach everyone, unfortunately,“ says Trellova.

While education is mandatory of both typical and A-typical children in Slovakia, the appropriate and necessary supportive services outside of the classroom do not exist, as in many countries beyond of the U.S. Ivana and Lucia plan to implement their ACI training and experiences gained to a new and eager group of direct support professionals back home.

Join the ‘International Experience’ on the Anderson Campus located at 4885 Route 9 in Staatsburg from 6 to 10 in the evening, Saturday, October 3rd. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour and dinner, dancing and music from around the world, plus a special performance by Anderson’s Adult Services Program.

You can be a part of this fantastic ‘International Experience!’ Tickets to the event and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Learn more at www.AndersonCenterForAutism.org/InternationalExperience.