CALGARY (April 29, 2010) – A common interest in improving the lives of those with autism has forged a relationship between Calgary’s Sinneave Family Foundation (www.sinneavefoundation.org) and the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Centre (SARRC, www.autismcenter.org) in Phoenix, Arizona, creating a partnership officially announced today at a breakfast in Phoenix by SARRC Co-founder Denise Resnik and Sinneave Executive Director Dr. Margaret Clarke, and attended by Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon.

The alliance marries SARRC’s experience in the field – it was founded in 1997 and has since been developing, researching and providing leading-edge science-based services – with Sinneave’s mission to improve the quality of life for people with autism by partnering with the best and brightest researchers, service providers, individuals and organizations.

The benefits of this expanded relationship, building as it does on Sinneave’s existing community partnerships, include much-needed opportunities for vocational training for adults and adolescents in Calgary, greater access to proven therapies, more opportunities for staff training, the creation of a new autism research blueprint, co-development of new programs and expanded research alliances.

“We’re very excited to bring SARRC’s expertise to the table,” said Margaret Clarke, Executive Director of Sinneave Family Foundation. “This collaboration fits perfectly with Sinneave’s objective to expand autism-related resources, to build capacity and to focus in particular on programs and services for adults and adolescents.”

Don Kelly, Sinneave board member, was also at the announcement in Phoenix. “We are very pleased to see the Sinneave Family Foundation move in this direction with SARRC,” he said. “We’re looking forward to working together on a number of initiatives, and in the near term to having the programs for adults and adolescents in Calgary that have clearly had such a meaningful impact on families in the Phoenix area for several years.”

With the rate of autism diagnosis on the rise – current research puts it at more than one in 110 children affected by autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) – collaboration in the field and the kind of support SAARC and Sinneave will undertake together is increasingly important.

“This opportunity to replicate SARRC’s programs and help more families while co-developing new ones is a dream come true,” said SARRC co-founder, Denise D. Resnkik. “Through Sinneave, we have found a partner who shares our values, commitment and DNA.”

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon was present at the announcement, and offered his support. “We’re honoured that the Sinneave Family Foundation selected SARRC to help build their own community-based autism centre designed to meet the needs of its citizens,” he said.

Here in Calgary, Mayor Dave Bronconnier also commended the organizations for working together, and was particularly impressed with SARRC’s Community Works program, focused on creating employment opportunities for adolescents and adults with Autism.

“The Community Works program seems as tailor-made for Calgary as it is for Phoenix, our sister city,” Mayor Broconnier said. “We too can call on peer mentors and workplace coaches to help prepare adults with autism to enter the workforce, then to train and encourage on the job.”

About SARRC:

The Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, founded in 1997, is a nonprofit, community-based organization in Phoenix, Arizona, dedicated to autism research, education and outreach to individuals with autism and their families. SARRC undertakes self-directed and collaborative research, serves as a satellite site for national and international projects, and provides up-to-date information, training and assistance to families and professionals about autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). For more information, visit www.autismcenter.org.

About Sinneave Foundation:

The Sinneave Family Foundation was established as a charitable organization in March 2008 by dedicated patrons Jim and Marion Sinneave who were driven by a desire to see improvements to the services and supports for individuals and families affected by autism.  In collaboration with community partners, and on the foundation of evidence-based findings, the Sinneave Family Foundation's focus is on increasing access to and expanding ASD resources, building capacity through education and training, and creating programs and services for adults and adolescents living with ASD. For more information, visit: www.sinneavefoundation.org.

For more information, please contact:

Andrea Kingwell, Communications
Sinneave Family Foundation
Email: akingwel@telus.net
www.sinneavefoundation.org

Denise D. Resnik
Nick Quan
Denise Resnik & Associates
Tel: (602) 956-8834
www.autismcenter.org