This post is sponsored by RTAAF
A personal note from Elizabeth Mangan, Executive Director of RTAAF:
When I joined the RT Autism Awareness Foundation (RTAAF) as Executive Director over one year ago I thought I had a pretty good handle on what to expect or what the work would look like. I have a background in education and experience working with children and families impacted by autism. I was fairly confident going in, not overly so but ready for the work. As it turns out by the end of day one I was reeling.
It took one email from Sgt. Greg Jeardeau, with the Rochester MN Police Department to rattle me. Sgt. Jeardeau was writing about Project Lifesaver (PLS), a search and rescue program. RTAAF partners with the Rochester Police Department and Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office to bring this program to our community.
PLS utilizes the best technology available to quickly locate and return lost loved ones home.
Sgt Jeardeau had received a call from another concerned Rochester MN officer regarding a child with autism. This child had wandered from home: heart-stopping news for any parent or loved one. For this child, it was especially concerning as he lived near a wooded area and a river—the young child couldn’t swim but was drawn to the water. Thankfully the child was found.
With the help of Sgt. Jeardeau, RTAAF was able to meet with the family, quickly fill out the application, and before long the child was enrolled into Project Lifesaver. Additionally, we were able to connect with another family that lived nearby who also critically needed Project Lifesaver.
The Impact of Project Lifesaver
Here’s how Project Lifesaver works:
- an at risk individual wears a bracelet on their wrist or ankle
- If (or when) an individual wanders, Project Lifesaver location equipment is activated
- Project Lifesaver relies on proven radio technology and a specially trained search and rescue team of the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office and Rochester Police Department.
- Project Lifesaver deploys specially trained teams with the most reliable technology available to quickly locate and return wandering adults and children to their families and caregivers
- Sighs of relief all around.
(Some individuals with autism do have the propensity to wander. The program also benefits those with other cognitive conditions, such as dementia.)
Another similar story: A mother of an adult son with an autism diagnosis had a scare this past year. Her son went out the basement window and, as she tells it, ran stocking feet without a coat for two miles to the nearest Kwik-Trip. He had a strong affection for Diet Coke. The family tells me they have since put alarms on all of their windows. Thankfully, their loved one is now on the Project Lifesaver program too.
These are two of many similar-sounding stories that come across my desk at RTAAF. All are families looking for peace of mind and support in keeping their loved ones safe at home. RTAAF is honored to serve our community through funding Project Lifesaver. It is truly humbling knowing that this program brings any amount of peace of mind to parents and caregivers.
Project Lifesaver is just one program that RTAAF serves. In the coming months we’ll have the opportunity to share more about our parent and caregiver support groups, our Community Autism Resource, Education, and Support group, programs we sponsor throughout the community, educational opportunities, and more. RTAAF is an important resource in the community and we are here to support families, children, and individuals impacted by autism.
RTAAF, like countless other organizations in our community, has been impacted by the pandemic. While we’ve been able to pivot and innovate during the pandemic by going virtual, bringing music therapy sessions online to families, and providing Thanksgiving meals to families this year, we’ve certainly seen how hard the financial ramifications are to our organization.
RTAAF has been negatively impacted by not being able to hold our traditional (and much loved) fundraisers in person. Funds raised through our annual Gala and Golf tournament go to support programming like Project Lifesaver, CARES, scholarships, and other various organizational needs.
The needs of our the community are ongoing and we are committed to doing all we can to to meet them. This year, our annual RTAAF Gala is going VIRTUAL. Set aside the evening of April 10th for a virtual celebration and opportunity to support RTAAF and the programming it provides Rochester MN. We can’t wait to share more of what we have planned in the coming weeks!
Does the annual RTAAF Gala sound like something you want to be involved in. We thrive off the generosity of time and talents from members of our community. Consider the following:
- We are in need of baskets or experiences for our silent auction. Themed baskets (sports, cooking, coffee, you name it!) are a great way to support us.
- Gift cards are always popular! Buying a gift card from a local business or restaurant is a great way to support our local shops AND RTAAF!
Whether you can give of your time or donate directly to the auction please contact: director@rtaaf.org. We realize what a challenging time this is for so many of us! Any way that you can support is sincerely appreciated by RTAAF and the families and individuals we are privileged to serve. Be well Rochester and I’m excited to share more with you soon!
