AZ ASSIST
A community of families of teens and young adults on the autism spectrum where self-advocacy and independence are promoted and encouraged.
We have a great group of autistic adults who mentor our youth and a variety of professionals who generously share their time and expertise. Monthly meetings to explore transition issues, as well as social events in the community, provide opportunities for parents and youth to establish a community of support. Join us as we learn about transition, share our experiences, celebrate our successes and support each other on the journey to independence.
- Browse our Facebook page for additional information and community events! Job fairs, apprenticeships, career exploration, job shadowing and other employment-related opportunities are listed every week.
- Check out our Calendar to discover what we have planned.
- GPS (Guide to Public Services) – Let us guide you to the services you need and even help you through the application process. Whether you are a teen, young adult or the parent of someone on the autism spectrum, we want to help! We can help answer questions about: AHCCCS, Employment, DDD, SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps), Housing, Transportation, SSI/SSDI, Vocational Training, Social Activities, Therapies, Empowerment Scholarships and more!
Contact
Did you know that AZ ASSIST has a Guide to Public Services Coordinator to answer your questions on transition topics such as SSI, guardianship, VR, housing, and more?
Contact Lynne Knudson at:
info@azassist.com
480-779-0899
Monthly Social Event for teens and young adults ages 14+
8th Annual AZ ASSIST Halloween Bash
Saturday, 11/3/18, 6:30PM - 9PM
SEEDS for Autism
3420 S 7th St #8
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Directions
This event is is for ages 14+, this event is NOT for children. There will be games, DJ and dancing, game truck, food, costume contest, face painting, games, prizes and more!
Register before October 31st and it is only $20, after the 31st, the price goes to $25.
Parents are welcome too! (Only $10 if you want to eat, Free if you just want to hang out or help!)
Meetings
Join us for our monthly meetings in the East and West Valley, where Teens and Young Adults socialize, play games and hang out.
Fee for all teens and young adults is $5.00 – cash preferred. Snacks and drinks are provided. No charge for parents, caregivers, guests and professionals.
First-timers: Please download & complete the appropriate Participant Form for each attendee and bring them to the meeting.
East Valley
3rd MONDAY of each month
Excluding July & December
Calendar
Redemption Church Campus
2150 East Southern Avenue
Tempe, AZ 85282
Directions
West Valley
1st THURSDAY of each month
Excluding July
Calendar
Peoria Community Center
8335 W. Jefferson Street
Peoria, AZ 85345
Directions
Upcoming Meetings
EAST Valley - OCTOBER 2018
10/15/18 - 7:00PM - 9:00PM
Redemption Church Campus
2150 East Southern Avenue
Tempe, AZ 85282
Directions
Speakers
Karen Starbowski
SpecialCare Planner MassMutual Arizona
Megan Selvey
Bivens & Associates, P.L.L.C.
ABLE Accounts, Guardianship & Public Benefits
This presentation will focus on what ABLE Accounts are, how to open one, and what the rules are surrounding them. Karen will talk about how using ABLE accounts affects your loved one’s finances.
This presentation will also include a discussion on Guardianship and what the legal steps are to do this. There will also be information on benefits for individuals as they age and how to protect them.
About Karen Starbowski
Karen practices Financial Planning with MassMutual Arizona. She is a Special Care Planner and has competed her ChSNC designation which allows her to use her financial planning passion to assist families who have loved ones with special needs. The MassMutual Arizona SpecialCare Planning Team’s mission is to help make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with special needs, their caregivers and other family members.
About Megan Selvey
Megan is an attorney licensed in Arizona and California. Megan’s legal practice includes estate planning, special needs planning, long term care planning, and guardianships and conservatorships. She regularly advises clients on matters related to protecting wealth and providing for loved ones with special needs, or those receiving or anticipating receiving public benefits.
West Valley - OCTOBER 2018
10/6/18 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM
Peoria Community Center
8335 W Jefferson St
Peoria, AZ 85345
Directions
Speakers
Karen Starbowski
SpecialCare Planner MassMutual Arizona
Megan Selvey
Bivens & Associates, P.L.L.C.
ABLE Accounts, Guardianship & Public Benefits
This presentation will focus on what ABLE Accounts are, how to open one, and what the rules are surrounding them. Karen will talk about how using ABLE accounts affects your loved one’s finances.
This presentation will also include a discussion on Guardianship and what the legal steps are to do this. There will also be information on benefits for individuals as they age and how to protect them.
About Karen Starbowski
Karen practices Financial Planning with MassMutual Arizona. She is a Special Care Planner and has competed her ChSNC designation which allows her to use her financial planning passion to assist families who have loved ones with special needs. The MassMutual Arizona SpecialCare Planning Team’s mission is to help make a positive difference in the lives of individuals with special needs, their caregivers and other family members.
About Megan Selvey
Megan is an attorney licensed in Arizona and California. Megan’s legal practice includes estate planning, special needs planning, long term care planning, and guardianships and conservatorships. She regularly advises clients on matters related to protecting wealth and providing for loved ones with special needs, or those receiving or anticipating receiving public benefits.