National Child Abuse Prevention Month: How to Strengthen Your Family and Help Your Child Feel Included

One of the leading cases of child abuse is child neglect. Some parents do not know how profound of an impact child neglect can have on their children. Not only that, some children that have been sexually, physically, or mentally abused feel neglected from their families because after the abuse took place, there was no one to help them or confide in. It is important to always lend a listening ear so that a child feels that they are loved and have the attention of their parents. Oftentimes, parents are caught up in the everyday grind of work and providing for their families that they forget to spend time with their children or have lasting conversations with their kids. Click here <http://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/promoting/> for tips and support on how to strengthen your family and help your child feel important and loved.

Autism Awareness Month: So what exactly is Autism?

Along with National Child Abuse Awareness Month, April is also Autism Awareness Month. We here at the ASAP Foundation are all about bettering the lives of all children. According to Autism Speaks, the nation’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, autism and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. They include autistic disorder, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperser syndrome. ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances. Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.

Autism is not uncommon. In the United States alone, over 2 million people are affected by this disorder. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are around 1 in 88 American children on the autism spectrum–a ten-fold increase in prevalence in 40 years. Studies also show that autism is three to four times more common among boys than girls. 1 out of 54 boys and 1 in 252 girls are diagnosed with autism in the US. Unfortunately, other than improved diagnosis and more awareness about the disorder, there is no further explanation about the increased number of those affected over the years.

With this being such a prevalent disorder it is important that the public is educated. to learn more about Autism or ASD, please visit www.autismspeaks.org or www.cdc.gov

Working Together Key to Nonprofit Survival

Last November, the ASAP Foundation partnered with the Andre Iguodala Youth Foundation to present Laugh Until You Cry, a charity comedy event. Proceeds from the event benefited our organization as well as theirs. It was the first time we partnered with another nonprofit organization in order to raise funds. ASAP also works with LINK Unlimited, where we sponsor a child in their program. Our relationship with scholarship recipient Anthony Pierce is a result of our involvement with LINK Unlimited.

We have formed these relationships with other nonprofits in order to expand our reach, build awareness, and help support another organization. Both relationships were great for our organization and we have learned a lot from our work with them. Getting to mingle with them and their donors helped us realize areas we could improve on or what we were doing right.

Learning how other nonprofits build their business or how they plan events are great ways to help strengthen your organization. There are lots of nonprofits out there that support the same cause you do, or maybe your goal is slightly different. Ultimately, when we work together we have the ability to touch many more lives than we ever could alone. After all, most nonprofits exist to help others. Read here <http://philanthropyjournal.blogspot.com/2012/04/working-together-key-to-nonprofit.html)> to see if working with another nonprofit is the right choice for you!

Should Your Nonprofit Organization Consider Merging with Another?

Corporations are very familiar with mergers, but could partnering up with another nonprofit organization mean big business for the both of you? Click here <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-egger/nonprofit-mergers_b_1416178.html> to read about nonprofit mergers and see if it’s the right choice for you!

When is a Deficit OK?

If you’ve ever experienced a deficit, you know that extreme panic usually follows. No one likes to see a negative figure at the bottom of budget sheets. However, there are situations where a deficit isn’t so bad. Click here to learn when or if it is fairly acceptable to experience a deficit.

It’s that Time of Year Again: ASAP’s Fourth Annual Signature Event!

Last year’s signature event was a blast and this year will be even bigger! Held at Lucky Strike Lanes, in Chicago, we will once again bring together philanthropists, celebrities, and influencers together for a good cause- ASAP. This year, we have a $100,000 fundraising goal and are confident that with the help of our generous donors, sponsors, supporters, and YOU, we will reach that goal and maybe even surpass it.

 We at the ASAP Foundation are committed to supporting high achieving students in their pursuit of higher‐level education. To serve this purpose, we develop innovative and unique programs and charity events designed to raise funds for disadvantaged students. We researches communities, schools, and programs in Illinois and Massachusetts that assist impressionable young students who are at risk academically and environmentally to help them realize their dreams with the fundamental components of a private education. Currently, we sponsor students at San Miguel Schools (Chicago, IL), Link Unlimited (Chicago, IL) and St. Peter Marian (Worcester, MA).

 Help us change the future of today’s youth with a priceless education. Purchase your tickets today at www.theasapfoundation.org.

 See you May 16^th, and we hope you have your bowling shoes ready!