Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism Helps Little Owls!

Left to right, are the foundation’s Lisa Collins, office administrator, and Lisa Borges, executive director, and Family Service of Rhode Island’s Jennifer Kaufman who heads Family Service of Rhode Island’s Early Intervention (EI) program.  Items shown are a portion of the purchases made possible by the foundation’s $10,753 grant for Family Service of Rhode Island’s “Little Owls Visual Learners Program” provided by EI.

The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism has granted $10,753 to Family Service of Rhode Island for its “Little Owls Visual Learners Program” for two to three year olds.

The “Little Owls Visual Learners Program” was designed by agency staff to teach evidence-based strategies to parents to help them work with their child on improving language and communications; understanding routines and expectations; learning to play with others; reducing frustration; and enjoying community outings.  Funding from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism procured materials and supplies needed for the group and to create and distribute parent education/child engagement kits to reinforce Little Owls’ curriculum strategies at home.

The Little Owls is part of the agency’s Early Intervention program, which provides a range of services for children from birth to age three with or at risk of developmental delays.

“We were impressed by Family Service of Rhode Island’s creative approach to implementing evidence-based strategies to help children,” said Lisa A. Borges, the foundation’s executive director.  “On behalf of Doug and Laurie Flutie, we are delighted to support this effort.”

 “We are grateful for the foundation’s partnership with Family Service of Rhode Island to foster the use of evidence-based strategies in improving the lives of children,” said Margaret Holland McDuff, Family Service of Rhode Island CEO.  “Congratulations to our Early Intervention team, headed by Jennifer Kaufman, on their creativity and commitment to excellence.”

The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism was established by NFL quarterback Doug Flutie and his wife Laurie in honor of their son, Doug, Jr. who was diagnosed with autism at age three.  More information is available at www.flutiefoundation.org.

Family Service of Rhode Island is a statewide non-profit social service and educational non-profit organization.  More information is available at www.familyserviceri.org.