One of the my favorite things about publishing Macaroni Kid Hamptons & Hamptons West is the opportunity to bring attention to amazing people making a difference in our community. Parent With A Purpose, our new monthly feature, is one of those opportunities ands highlight moms and dads whom live in our local community. It might surprise you who you see at school pick up or the grocery store every day and what they are doing with their time!
This month's Parent With A Purpose features Kim Covell of The Flying Point Foundation for Autism. Kim is a parent to an 18 year old son diagnosed with autism. When he was younger, Kim struggled to find places that offered appropriate programming for a child that had more than typical challenges navigating the world. Realizing the dearth of such programs,, Kim started the Flying Point Foundation for Autism, with the mission of "enriching the lives of those with autism through opportunity and understanding." A couple of years later, Kim and other FPF supporters launched Camp Flying Point, where they offer a traditional camp experience for kids with autism, along with their typical peers, in a supportive environment. As a nonprofit, FPF has grown quite a bit since that time, now offering recreational and social gatherings throughout the year, scholarships, teacher grants and awareness training. Looking ahead, they hope to open a lifelong learning/community center for those with autism and other developmental disabilities who have aged out of school.
Kim's son has always been an inspiration to her. "When I look at him, and I realize that things that come so easily to so many of us are so difficult for him, I am reminded that there are so many children (and adults) who require support in their daily lives. It is my mission to help fulfill that need."
"Running a nonprofit, while holding down a job and raising a family, definitely has its challenges so I am fortunate to have a supportive husband and children. They also make it possible for me to take the time to keep fit. For me, being physically fit is directly connected to my emotional health. There are times when having a son with significant needs can interfere with a work schedule so I am very grateful to have an employer (The Southampton Press) who understands my situation and makes allowances in scheduling and working from home."
What can you do support the Flying Point Foundation for Autism? You could make a donation, attend one of their upcoming fundraisers (Generation Runway is Sunday, April 23rd,) or purchase a puzzle cookie at Blue Duck Bakery. Also, just take the time to understand the broad spectrum of autism. Just because a child appears to be "high functioning" because he's chatting up a storm, doesn't mean he knows not to cross the street when a car is coming. One child with autism is most likely completely different from one another.
