Elk Foundation helps fund Autism Program

Paula Fritz Eddy (left), Executive Director of the Elk County Community Foundation, reviews the foundation's recent grant to Dickinson Mental Health Center with DMHC CEO Michael Galluzzi. The $7,630 grant, through the foundation's Harrison and Muriel Dauer Stackpole Family Fund, was awarded to support Dickinson's new Children's Autism Outreach Project. photo by John Pozza

As many as 60 children diagnosed with autism and their families in Cameron and Elk counties may soon get additional support services.

Dickinson Mental Health Center (DMHC) recently received $7,630 from the Elk County Community Foundation and Harrison and Muriel Dauer Stackpole Family Fund to help launch the Children's Autism Outreach Project.

Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by a cognitive problem that affects social/adaptive functioning. The program would help children with sensory development and integration as well as social development, and provide parents with home visitation information and referrals for services.

Funds from the Mee Charitable Foundation helped DMHC hire a program director.

A branch office of the DMHC will soon be opened in the former Cameron County District Attorney's office at 23 East Fourth Street in Emporium. The center provides mental health, mental retardation and prevention services in Elk, Cameron, McKean and Potter counties.