Testimonials
The following statements are from families who have taken the time to let us know how our programs and services have positively affected their lives…
“We would like to say thank you for hosting the “I Can Bike” camp in July at Delaware Valley High School. RJ
had so much fun at the camp and truly enjoyed every part of the day! He learned new skills, interacted with others, and built confidence in himself. Many of the activities connected to the camp helped him to grow: the positive interactions with staff members and bikers; the secure feeling while riding; and the progressive steps to greater independence. Each one of these things created a solid pathway to confidence in his own ability to succeed which will transfer to his next adventures. We are truly grateful for your hard work and dedication to the program, but most of all we are grateful that you included RJ. Finally, we need to say thank you for all of the unseen work that went into providing a program like this for our children. We know that the journey begins many months in advance and that many hands lift and shape the process for a long time before the actual program begins. We are mindful of and thankful for all of those who stood behind the scenes to let our children shine. You are in our hearts, and we will never forget the true kindness of your actions. Please let us know if we can add anyone to the thank you list so that they can know how wonderful their work truly is for our families.” From: Charlene Cooney charlene_cooney@yahoo.com
“Our son does not have autism, just general intellectual disabilities. The camp is wonderful. It’s truly amazing how they teach them to ride
a bike in 3-5 days. Our son is 34. Biking is something we have worked on for many years. He is a good skier but really struggled balancing a bike. The independence on a bike makes him feel terrific about himself. I have recommended this camp to many athletes I know participating in Special Olympics. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the camp and those who do the work for them.” From: Sue Ann Jacobs iacobs5@ptd.net
“This letter is so difficult to write and yet, so easy. Difficult, because to try and cover all that the organization of Pike Autism Support Services and its honorable director and board members have done for this community is beyond explanation in one
letter. They go back many years and have helped countless individuals with autism and their families. It is easy to write because they have touched my life and heart in such a personal way. First, the Director, Jeannemarie is always just a phone call away- I myself have reached out to her several times needing her knowledge and support. I have always been met with kindness, care, and mother bear zeal to help all individuals as if they were her dear son. We have also benefitted from their iPad program. When my son was young and just starting out with his communication device, PASS helped with providing our first iPad and training on how to use it. My son has grown leaps and bounds with his device, what an invaluable resource! As a family, we have enjoyed the many activities PASS provides. The autism-friendly holiday parties are always a joy for my son The peace of mind for his parents that if he does have a difficult time at an event, there is a no-judgment zone. All are loved and accepted. My son loves all things water and is thrilled with the day at Costas Family Fun Park with its fabulous water slides. My husband attended training at PASS to understand the waiver program. It was so informative and helped my son go from graduation day to seamlessly entering his day program. Thank you PASS! Finally, April is upon us. During this month, PASS and its board members and volunteers light up the town with beautiful blue ribbons to make all passing through think about our lovely individuals with autism and their families. Maybe whisper a prayer for them. Maybe a high five when they meet up with someone. It matters. It all matters. All these deeds add up to a positive change in the world. My family and I are grateful for our PASS family.” From: Annemarie Martin anneofeastlake@Yahoo.com
I am compelled to write this letter today on behalf of Pike Autism Support Services (PASS). While I am a many decades-long area
pediatric homecare nurse involved in providing one-to-one care for children and adults with medical fragility and developmental disabilities, my connection to this wonderful organization goes beyond this. I am also a Water Safety instructor who has been involved in teaching Adapted Swim classes to individuals with many varied developmental disabilities and medical diagnoses which make typical swimming classes challenging to participate in. I have been involved in this program for almost 20 years in one capacity or another. The founding members of PASS, John and Jeannemarie Passaro’s own son who lives with autism was a very active participant of this very program for many years. I personally spent many Saturday afternoons swimming alongside him and encouraging him to learn to jump into deep water. It is run through our school district’s DV-ACE Program (Delaware Valley Adult Community Education). There is a registration fee for this course and for all DV-ACE Programs, and although not an exorbitant fee was still too much money for some families of children with needs that would benefit from it. The Passaro’s, through PASS, didn’t hesitate to step up and help some of these families through a scholarship to this swim class. The generosity and community involvement of the Passaro’s and their PASS organization over so many years has been nothing short of the epitome of seeing a need and creating the answer. The number of children and families helped by them in so many ways, too many to count, is exemplary. They have done this over so many years while raising their own family including their own exceptional son who has been living with autism for many years now. It is very hard to think of another organization locally that has helped so many of our neighbors in this small town. Thank you for your time and consideration.” From: Maryanne Ford stainceolmna@hotmail.com
To whom it may concern: My name is ‘Francine Barone. I am the parent of 3 autistic young adults. I have been a part of PASS for about
10 years now. Fife Autism Support Services has been such a wonderful form of support; not just for my family but for the entire community. They have provided the community with many trainings that have helped educate me further and to make it possible for me to better support my autistic children, better prepare me for meetings and advocate and care for my children. PASS has also had annual gatherings such as Breakfast with Santa, Halloween parties, Valentine’s dances and karaoke parties. ‘With my children’s conditions, it is very difficult to go to gatherings and be in an environment where my children will not be judged I have seen my kids blossom and gain confidence. These gatherings make it possible for famines with members on the spectrum to attend worry-free and have a terrific time surrounded by supportive people and a chance to socialize with other kids on the spectrum. My children have made friends thanks to this and it even gives us parents an opportunity to socialize. Above all we have always felt welcomed.
PASS also helped give my son who is non-verbal voice by providing an iPad for him when we couldn’t afford one. This helped him better communicate and made it possible to get Proloquo. This helped lessen his frustration and meltdowns. Having 3 kids, on the spectrum made it very difficult to take trips or go on fun outings, and PASS made it easier and possible to do so many things. If it weren’t for them, it wouldn’t have happened They gave us the opportunity to attend Disney on Ice, Christmas show, Costas, etc. If it wasn’t for PASS my children wouldn’t have had the wonderful opportunities provided to them that gave them immense opportunities to thrive by bettering their communication, social opportunities and even fun outings. My family has always been met with such patience, understanding and support from them. I will forever be grateful for that. Sincerely, Francine Barone, franthony02@aol.com
This past summer our son Robert attended the I Can Bike program. We were so happy with the results. In the month and a half prior to 
hearing about the program, we had been trying to teach Robert to ride a bike. We were having little success. He was becoming frustrated (as were we) and upset. When we heard about the program being offered through P.A.S.S. we figured we would give it a try. My husband and I (and especially Robert) are so glad we did. The sessions were an hour and 10 mins., Monday- Friday. By the beginning of the 3rd day he was riding on two wheels unassisted. He was so proud of himself, as we were for him. He couldn’t stop smiling. We have been enjoying many rides as a family. We cannot say enough about how wonderful a program this is. This program helped my son succeed where we, as parents, could not. I would highly recommend the I Can Bike program to everyone. Many Thanks, From: Ed & Lisa Braun 12561b®gmaii.com
To whom it may concern. Over the years of my son’s and my autism/epilepsy journey we have been through a lot EVERY step of the way
during every season of this journey PASS has been there to not only financially help but to give HOPE, something that no state agency ever’ furnished. As a single parent who has been the sole caregiver of Sam’s life many agencies made it clear everything would be a fight, nothing would be easily available and any service we received would be hard won and even harder to keep. PASS was there with emotional support resources within the system, parents who had all different talents and came together to help all of us especially the weakest. Being in poverty, being able to care for my son wasn’t the best place but it was where 1 found myself this last fall, in a dark place that made even thinking about having someone else care for Sam a thought because I just could not live and survive and provide the best life for Sam. We had been on a waiting list for years for a waiver (one that we had previously had but lost) rules changed again and we were eligible once again, but way in the back of the line. State agencies made it clear this would be winning the lottery, we jumped through every hoop presented and were beginning to lose our last sliver of hope, and then in desperation, I reached out to PASS. They came in and helped me get the services Sam so desperately needed to be able to stay in the home, they helped me get him a tricycle which he loves and gets him in our community and moving. They helped with basic necessities like pants and sneakers for him. and more than anything gave us a lot of HOPE without which 1 don’t know where our story would have ended. I will forever feel indebted to PASS and pray they will always be here for families that are on their breaking points and before their breaking points. They are a treasure, especially in Pike County where services are so minimal and we are so thankful for them. From Sam specifically, he would like me to add this, thank you for keeping my mom sane, thank you for letting her be able to get the resources so I can be home, thank you for having activities and events for everyone on the spectrum not just the littles. and thank you for being there for me and my family my whole life. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for helping PASS in any way possible. Sincerely, From: Christy Brady and Samuel Mitschele Dauenhauer christy.brady.74@gmail.com
Jeannemarie, Thanks for the reminder. We actually ran the Peer Buddies music group last week and it was a HUGE success. I told all the
participants about the program (I Care about Music) and sent brochures home with all of them. We had 2 participants who were particularly engaged. A note was sent home to their parents about the instrument they chose. All of the attendees had a great time. There were 2 stories that stood out. One was a girl who is very quiet and with limited affect. She fell in love with the trumpet. She held it and smiled ear to ear! The other one was a girl who had moved here from Columbia and has limited English and intellectual deficits. She was ecstatic with all of the instruments and then sat down at the keyboard and started playing, with two hands, a popular song. The teacher in our room, began to sing and the girl joined in while playing. She was thrilled! I have made the instruments available to the MDS and Life Skills class to use at school. I intend to follow up with them at our next meeting. From: Julie Cerberville – cerbs@,ptd.net
To whom it may concern, Today is April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day and I couldn’t be more proud as an Autism parent to be
writing you this letter. Allow me to briefly introduce myself and my story which lead me to John and Jeannemarie Passaro with PASS. My husband and I as well as our families are all from New Jersey. My husband and I grew up together being in the same school with each other since the 7th grade. I say this because my husband was “considered classified” in school with a Dyslexia diagnosis and I watched him struggle in school and with friends. We weren’t in the same social group and since his diagnosis placed him in special needs classes, I didn’t get to see him all that often. As we got older, we became friends eventually dating, which brought him to tell me more about his struggles. Fast forward to present time, we are now married with a beautiful daughter. In June of 2016 we left New Jersey and bought our first home in Milford, PA away from family and familiarity. In December of 2016 our daughter received an Autism diagnosis, talk about a lot of change in a short amount of time! So now here we are, new to a home, state and now our daughter’s world is forever changed as we know it. Until someone told me about PASS and my husband and I were scared, skeptical (not going to lie) but we had no family or friends in the area so we didn’t know where to turn. Our family was very supportive but we had nobody local to guide us or in essence shed hope on it all. We knew NOTHING about Autism, all we knew is we have a beautiful daughter who relies on us as her parents. We want her to experience life and be happy, healthy and successful. Our first PASS meeting came up and we were super excited but nervous because were new’ to this whole new world of Autism. We right away felt welcomed, supported and completely judge free. As we went around the room sharing stories or what was going on with everyone, it came our turn and I just let it all out (no filter). I cried and remember saying here I was pregnant with our first child and you picture play dates with other kids, swim lessons, playing with barbies, dress up, going to the park etc. All that fun new parent thoughts and excitement and now you’re handed an Autism diagnosis. We love our daughter unconditionally and love her regardless and then some. My goal was to help her and guide her, advocate for her and most of all love and support her throughout her life. As I was talking, I could see Jeannemarie and John Passaro light up because they handed my husband and a poem called “Welcome to Holland”, which is hanging on our fridge to this day so that when I do have a hard time, I can read that poem. Long story short it describes a person’s excitement on visiting Italy and all its art, sites, beauty and culture, only to wind up in Holland and even though it isn’t what they planned or wanted to do they saw the beauty in it. Our daughter is amazing, loving, funny, kind, and just the absolute best’!! Our daughter has a severe speech deficit and was recently diagnosed with mild-moderate Apraxia. We tried for the longest time using PECS and even signing until we were introduced to the iCare iPad program in which we were able to obtain for our daughter through PASS in which she utilizes Proloquo2Go. We also participated with GAIT by signing up our daughter for a HIPPO Therapy session, which really helped. Through the meetings we have met other parents and family members who are dealing with similar issues that we can relate with. It not only helped us as the Parents of a child with Autism but it has also helped our family understand and advocate for our daughter. My husband and I have a LONG time before we encounter the public school system but we attend meetings that discuss such because we want to be prepared. At the end of the day being a new parent in itself can be challenging, so to have a support group PASS has been an absolute blessing. As I write this letter my daughter came over to me and said “momma da silly” and 1 could cry because A she is talking but B 1 am writing this letter for her, for the parents and families we have in our lives now all because of PASS. They are a big part of not only our lives but our community with the education they provide, resources such as scholarships, and just a way for families to connect in order to advocate and support our loved ones with Autism! Please, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any more information. 1 thank you for your time! Best regards, Danielle and Paul Rietzke – daniellegroberts40@gmail.com
I am writing this letter in support of an organization that has done so much for the autism community in our local area and for my
family in particular. PASS has been a big part of our lives since my son, Malachi (now 11 years old) was of preschool age. Malachi is now in 5th grade with a diagnosis of Autism/Non-verbal. During the first stages of his early diagnosis, I was invited to a Candle Light Vigil in support of Autism Awareness. It was a well-attended event held by PASS. It was a very emotional event. This event was so full of love, and such a great fellowship of special needs families. Since that vigil (years ago now), I have had the privilege of being part of this wonderful group. They are part of our support system and extended family. We attend events such as Halloween parties, Valentine’s Dance, Adaptive Bowling, Challenger Softball, and Disney on Ice each year with them. Malachi enjoys each outing and we never feel out of place whether he is having a good day or a difficult one, because they are always there to support and share their experience with us. We also have been the recipients of scholarship grants for camp, adaptive swim, and iPad programs. They have been a very important part of making sure Malachi is involved in meaningful programs in the summer. That means the world to us. He is so deserving of an awesome camp experience. I, as a parent, attend Parent training provided by PASS, Fundraiser Events, etc. I have developed relationships with other parents. We share a common bond. Being part of this group has helped in so many ways such as: improving our social interactions, providing activities customized for our “special needs”, and just being there. Please accept this letter of support for a wonderful organization that does so much. Sincerely, Eboni B. Wright (son, Malachi Wright) – wrightstuff30@gmail.com
To whom it may concern, I am writing this letter on behalf of Pike Autism Support Services (PASS) regarding the United Way Grant.
When my son Samuel was diagnosed with Autism in 2015, the first thing I did, was contact the amazing staff at PASS. I have a long history with PASS going back to its inception. I know the heart of its founders, John and Jeannemarie Passaro. It was without hesitation I reached out to them for guidance as I knew, without a doubt, I would get that and so much more. This organization is a vital resource for not just the Autism community, but the entire disability community in our county. From advocacy, education, scholarships (they gave us a scholarship to GAIT for my son), IPADs (for those in need of communication devices), training, special family functions, to support meetings they are here for this county in a way no other organization currently is. Throughout this current crisis, at a time when Autism awareness and fundraising for the groups is typically a priority, all our focus had to change. Annual fundraisers and awareness events had to be canceled. However, through it all, PASS has continued to be a vital source of information and support. There has been a continuous sharing or resources and even a Zoom support meeting! For this mom, there was nothing better than to be able to chat with others whose children are experiencing this crisis in their own unique way and to share support and ideas to help us through. Please consider this amazing organization for your grant. This autism mom, educator, and active Pike County resident would be forever thankful. With thanks and appreciation for your service, From: Ruth Ogden ruogden@gmail.com