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The Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE) is one of several nonprofit organizations that has been hit hard by tough economic times and state budget cuts. With an ice cream social on Sept. 14 attended by 200 people, PACE began its annual public fundraising drive.
"Our parents and board members have raised $58,000 so far this year," said Julie Domeny, director of community and resource development.
Domeny said that many organizations that pledged their financial support have had to hold off on their donations because of the economic situation.
The money raised thus far will be funneled into running all of PACE's programs, she said.
"We are looking to move our administration department off-site so the space can be used for our programs," she said.
It will take a great deal of financial support from corporations and community members to meet their goal, she said.
PACE is housed at the Center for Families and Children on 572 Dunholme Way in Sunnyvale. PACE is a private, nonprofit agency and has been in operation in Santa Clara County for almost 14 years.
The agency currently provides educational and recreational day programs to 60 individuals, ranging in age from 3 to 22 years old, who have autism and/or developmental disabilities. There are six teachers besides the three speech therapists and three occupational therapists.
Since the educational center is not a live-in facility, individuals are transported there from their homes and the center's group homes by school buses. Currently 12 students are in the residential program and living in the center's group homes. PACE owns and operates five residential group homes--two children's homes in Cupertino, two adult group homes in San Jose and an adult group home in Sunnyvale.
PACE's programs cater to individuals not only with autism but also those with developmental disabilities, including mental retardation, developmental delays, communication deficits, Prader Willi Syndrome and autistic-like behavior disorders. Programs are tailored to fit the individual's needs in areas like academics, recreation, family-life education, daily living skills training and pre-vocational training. In order that students become more independent and productive members of society, the in-house programs are integrated with community-based programs like swimming, bowling, horseback riding and other peer-related activities.
PACE's annual dinner dance celebration is scheduled for Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 408.245.3400.
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